We want the best for our kids.

The most influential person in a child’s life is a parent. I know some parents don’t feel too influential, especially during the teenage years (and sometimes during the three-nage years, as well). But it’s true—you have a huge impact on your kids!

At Calvary, we talk about FAITH5, and put into practice this simple and effective plan for discipling the next generation. FAITH5, or Faith Acts In The Home, is a set of daily practices for families. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but when practiced consistently the 5 practices and conversations will have a huge, lasting impact on family relationships and passing on faith to our children.

If you have children at home—of any age—you can start making use of FAITH5 right away. If you don’t have kids at home, you can use FAITH5 with your spouse or your roommate. And if you live on your own, FAITH5 can shape your personal devotions and you’ll benefit from the conversations, encouragement and direction we share with one another as a community practicing these things together.

What are the details?

FAITH5 is a set of 5 practices for you to do as a family:

Share – What was your high and your low today?
Read – Read a Bible verse or story.
Talk – Talk about what you read and how it might relate to your highs and lows.
Pray – Pray about the things you’ve discussed, and for each other.
Bless – Speak a promise of God to one another accompanied by a positive physical touch. (This can be as simple as “God loves you” with a high five or hug.

What does FAITH5 look like?

A FAITH5 conversation with young kids includes a children’s Bible story and lasts less that 10 minutes. In another family, the conversation could last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Some families use FAITH5 at a meal, others practice this at bedtime.

How does FAITH5 fit in with our children and student ministry?

FAITH5 is the heart of what we want for every child, youth and young adult in our community. Will we have events and activities to encourage children and students in faith? You bet! But, the primary relationship we want to encourage and support is a relationship between parents and children. This is proven to have the greatest impact on faith development and consistency over time. We want this posture to impact everything we do as a church—worship, discipleship, service & fun!

I still have questions. How do I learn more?

We’ll keep talking about this as we gather on Sunday mornings and in other places. We’ll learn the most as we spend time together unpacking our experiences with FAITH5. You have freedom to adapt FAITH5 to fit your family. In fact, you probably need to adapt FAITH5 to fit your family. And if you want to talk about it some more, contact Pastor Matt!