Christian Parenting: Teaching Children About Faith in Modern Times
Matthew BellShare
Raising children has never been easy—but in today’s world, Christian parenting faces unique challenges. From social media to secular education, cultural pressures to shifting moral values, teaching kids about Jesus and building a strong foundation of faith can feel overwhelming. Yet, now more than ever, children need to know the love of Christ, the truth of Scripture, and how to stand firm in a world that often moves in the opposite direction.
So how do we raise godly children in an ungodly age? What does it look like to teach our children about faith in a way that’s both biblically grounded and relevant to modern life?
Let’s explore the timeless principles of Scripture and practical tools for Christian parents navigating the call to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV).
The Biblical Mandate for Christian Parenting
Parenting is not just a cultural duty—it is a spiritual calling. God entrusts children to parents, not just to feed and clothe them, but to raise them in the knowledge of Him.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (KJV) says:
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
This passage shows us that faith should not be a “Sunday-only” conversation. It should be woven into the fabric of everyday life. Whether at the dinner table, on a drive, or during bedtime routines, we are called to diligently teach our children God’s Word.
The Role of the Parent as the First Disciple-Maker
Before your child hears about Jesus at church, Sunday school, or youth group, they should see Him in you. Children learn faith through modeling. They imitate what they see. That’s why Christian parenting begins with your own personal relationship with God.
Ephesians 6:4 (KJV) instructs parents:
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
“Nurture” speaks of loving care, while “admonition” points to teaching and discipline. This balance of grace and truth reflects the heart of God and shows children that faith is not just a set of rules but a relationship worth pursuing.
Teaching Faith in a Technological World
Let’s face it—our kids are growing up in a digital age that is saturated with opinions, images, and ideas that often conflict with biblical truth. Screens are everywhere, and children are being discipled by the internet as much as by parents.
The key isn’t just to limit screen time—but to teach discernment.
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) gives a filter for evaluating content:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Help your children learn to ask questions like:
- “Does this honor God?”
- “Is this helping or hurting my faith?”
- “What does the Bible say about this?”
You can’t protect them from everything, but you can prepare them to stand firm by rooting them in Scripture.
Creating Faith-Filled Family Rhythms
Children need consistency. One of the best ways to teach them about Jesus is by creating daily, weekly, and seasonal habits that keep faith at the center of your home.
Here are some ideas:
Family Devotions – Start or end your day by reading a short Bible passage together and praying as a family.
Memory Verses – Choose one verse a week to memorize and talk about. Make it fun with songs or visuals.
Worship Together – Attend church as a family, and play worship music at home.
Celebrate Faith Milestones – Baptisms, first Bible readings, answered prayers—celebrate them like birthdays!
Joshua 24:15 (KJV) declares:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
That kind of declaration doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional parenting, daily choices, and a God-first mindset.
Answering Questions and Encouraging Honest Faith
In today’s world, kids have big questions about life, God, suffering, identity, and purpose. Don’t be afraid of those questions. Welcome them. Talk about doubts and struggles. Be a safe place for them to wrestle with their faith.
Proverbs 20:5 (KJV) says:
“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.”
Ask your children open-ended questions. Listen. Then guide them back to the truth of God’s Word. A faith that can be questioned is a faith that can be deepened. Help them see that Christianity is not just about answers but about relationship and trust.
Praying for and With Your Children
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Pray with your kids, but also pray over them. Let them hear you call out their name before God. Pray for their future, their friends, their purity, and their calling.
James 5:16 (KJV) says:
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Your prayers may not be seen immediately, but they plant seeds that God will grow in His perfect time.
Encouragement for Weary Parents
Maybe you’re reading this feeling like you’ve failed. Maybe your teen is distant from God, or you didn’t start this journey early. Be encouraged—God can restore, redeem, and reignite. It’s never too late to be a godly influence in your child’s life.
Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV) reminds us:
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed... They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
God’s mercy meets you every day. Just take one faithful step at a time. Keep sowing truth, love, and grace—and trust God with the growth.
Final Thoughts
Raising children to love and follow Jesus in today’s world is not easy—but it is possible. With God’s help, Scripture’s guidance, and intentional effort, you can plant seeds of faith that will bear fruit for generations.
Christian parenting is not about perfection—it’s about presence. Being present with God and being present with your children. They don’t need you to have all the answers; they just need you to keep pointing them to the One who does.
Did This Encourage You?
If this blog helped you or encouraged your parenting journey, please share it with a friend or fellow parent who could benefit from it too. You never know how a single word of encouragement can impact someone’s family for eternity.
