One Step At A Time
WHY? We believe God designed the home to be the primary place for discipleship, and that God gave parents the privilege of nurturing faith and character in the next generation. To partner with families as they endeavor to build a Christ-centered home, we want to introduce you to Faith Path, a step-by-step plan to help you be intentional as you guide your child’s faith journey.
WHAT? Faith Path is intended to help you develop a clear plan to intentionally point your child toward Christ. Age specific kits, corresponding to each step, were created to help you leverage the best faith formation strategy, focusing on specific practices at particular ages. On your child’s birthday, he or she will receive a birthday card from us and you will receive the kit appropriate for his or her age. Each kit includes training, ideas, and tools to foster spiritual disciplines in your child’s faith journey. Kits are also available in the Faith@home Center in the Worship Center bldg.
WHEN? You can start today regardless of your child’s age or stage of development. Don’t worry if you miss a step or if you start the process with an older child. You can always go back and emphasize earlier steps. We also encourage you to reinforce these practices as your child matures rather than view them as a one-time emphasis. You’ll find recommended resources and ideas for beginning each step in your child’s life and continuing as he or she matures.
WHAT ELSE? You'll notice a tree growing beside the Faith Path in our visual. It represents a companion piece called My Spiritual Development Tree. It's the children’s version of Faith Path and provides a place to record their spiritual growth and history. If your child is little, you can record dates on the leaves until he or she is old enough to tuck it inside their own Bible for them to keep record on. Your child will see a rich history develop that is rooted in the firm foundation of the Faith Path you have led them on. Download a pdf here or pick one up in the Faith@home Center.
WHAT? Faith Path is intended to help you develop a clear plan to intentionally point your child toward Christ. Age specific kits, corresponding to each step, were created to help you leverage the best faith formation strategy, focusing on specific practices at particular ages. On your child’s birthday, he or she will receive a birthday card from us and you will receive the kit appropriate for his or her age. Each kit includes training, ideas, and tools to foster spiritual disciplines in your child’s faith journey. Kits are also available in the Faith@home Center in the Worship Center bldg.
WHEN? You can start today regardless of your child’s age or stage of development. Don’t worry if you miss a step or if you start the process with an older child. You can always go back and emphasize earlier steps. We also encourage you to reinforce these practices as your child matures rather than view them as a one-time emphasis. You’ll find recommended resources and ideas for beginning each step in your child’s life and continuing as he or she matures.
WHAT ELSE? You'll notice a tree growing beside the Faith Path in our visual. It represents a companion piece called My Spiritual Development Tree. It's the children’s version of Faith Path and provides a place to record their spiritual growth and history. If your child is little, you can record dates on the leaves until he or she is old enough to tuck it inside their own Bible for them to keep record on. Your child will see a rich history develop that is rooted in the firm foundation of the Faith Path you have led them on. Download a pdf here or pick one up in the Faith@home Center.
Faith Path Steps
Baby Dedication (Newborn-Age 2) Make a public commitment to raise your child in a Christ-centered home.
Blessing (Age 2) Establish the practice of praying for and giving a blessing to your child on a routine basis.
Prayer (Age 3) Teach your child about prayer and establish the practice of praying as a family.
Bible (Age 4) Teach your child about God's Word and establish the practice of memorizing scripture as a family.
Prepare to Lead Your Child to Christ (Age 5) Learn how to lead your child to Christ. Although is may be several years before your child expresses an interest in becoming a Christian, now is the time for you to prepare for those discussions.
Decision for Christ (Age 5, but may vary) When your child puts his trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior, create a time of celebration and guide your child to Believer's Baptism.
Baptism (Age will vary) This is a public announcement of belief and a visible picture of an inward transformation that has taken place in the heart of a new believer. Request this kit when the time comes.
Communion (Age 6) Teach your child about the elements and importance of celebrating Communion and prepare for their first time to participate in the Lord's Supper.
Worship (Age 7) Establish the practice of worshipping God personally, at home, at church, and as a lifestyle.
Giving (Age 8) Establish the practice of giving your time and talents for God's glory.
Serving (Age 9) Establish the practice of serving others for God's glory.
Share Their Faith (Age 10) Impress on your child that Jesus wants us to share His good news with others and teach them how to share their faith.
Blessing (Age 2) Establish the practice of praying for and giving a blessing to your child on a routine basis.
Prayer (Age 3) Teach your child about prayer and establish the practice of praying as a family.
Bible (Age 4) Teach your child about God's Word and establish the practice of memorizing scripture as a family.
Prepare to Lead Your Child to Christ (Age 5) Learn how to lead your child to Christ. Although is may be several years before your child expresses an interest in becoming a Christian, now is the time for you to prepare for those discussions.
Decision for Christ (Age 5, but may vary) When your child puts his trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior, create a time of celebration and guide your child to Believer's Baptism.
Baptism (Age will vary) This is a public announcement of belief and a visible picture of an inward transformation that has taken place in the heart of a new believer. Request this kit when the time comes.
Communion (Age 6) Teach your child about the elements and importance of celebrating Communion and prepare for their first time to participate in the Lord's Supper.
Worship (Age 7) Establish the practice of worshipping God personally, at home, at church, and as a lifestyle.
Giving (Age 8) Establish the practice of giving your time and talents for God's glory.
Serving (Age 9) Establish the practice of serving others for God's glory.
Share Their Faith (Age 10) Impress on your child that Jesus wants us to share His good news with others and teach them how to share their faith.
click the images for expanded versions of the Faith Path steps
Newborn-Age 2
Age 4
Age will vary
Ages 8 & 9
Age 2
Age 5
Age 6
Age 10
Age 3
Age 5, but may vary
Age 7
Your Child’s Next Step
As children get older, they become ready for additional steps along the Faith Path.
Be encouraged as you practice being intentional about guiding your child’s faith journey!
Be encouraged as you practice being intentional about guiding your child’s faith journey!
my spiritual development tree
This is the companion piece mentioned above. It's the children’s version of Faith Path and provides a place to record their spiritual growth and history. If your child is little, you can record dates on the leaves until he or she is old enough to tuck it inside their own Bible for them to keep record on. Your child will see a rich history develop that is rooted in the firm foundation of the Faith Path you have led them on.
Download a pdf here or pick one up in the Faith@home Center.
