So we’re clear: there are affiliate links in this post. I don’t make recommendations unless I fully support them, and no one has ever dropped off a sack of cash at my house. Although, I wouldn’t mind that if they did. Ten percent of the nickels earned go to God as a rule.
As parents, one of your greatest responsibilities is to guide your child’s spiritual journey. This process, sometimes referred to as Christian spiritual formation, is not a task to be taken lightly. It requires a deep understanding of your child’s developmental stages, a good knowledge of Christian teachings, and a dedication to nurturing your child’s relationship with God.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide advice for parents raising pre-schoolers in the Christian faith.
A Deeper Understanding of Christian Spiritual Formation
Christian spiritual formation is a lifelong journey of growing in faith and becoming more like Jesus Christ. It is a process of transformation, where an individual’s beliefs, attitudes, and actions align with the teachings of Christ. For pre-schoolers, this process involves learning about God, Jesus, and the Bible in an age-appropriate and engaging manner.
Spiritual Formation and Childhood Development
The spiritual formation process should respect and align with a child’s developmental stage. In the pre-school years, children’s thinking and understanding are concrete, focused on the here and now. Abstract ideas, such as God’s omnipresence or the concept of the Holy Trinity, can be challenging for them to grasp. Even adults struggle in many areas. Therefore, Christian spiritual formation for pre-schoolers often involves storytelling, hands-on activities, and imaginative play.
Importance of Imagination in Spiritual Formation
In pre-school years, children’s imaginations are vibrant and active. They can effortlessly switch between the real world and the world of make-believe. This characteristic of preschoolers can be utilized in spiritual formation. By inviting children to imagine themselves in Bible stories, we can help them understand and internalize the teachings of these narratives.
The Crucial Role of Parents in Spiritual Formation
While churches and Christian educational institutions play significant roles in spiritual formation, parents are the primary influencers at the pre-school age. You, as parents, are the ones who create the environment in which your child’s faith can bloom. Your attitudes towards faith, your daily practices, and the way you live out your Christian values all significantly influence your child’s faith journey.
Parents as Role Models
Children often learn more from what they see than what they hear. Your actions, therefore, speak louder than your words. Living out your faith in your daily life is the most effective way to teach your child about following Christ. This could involve daily prayer, regular Bible reading, actively participating in church activities, and demonstrating Christian values such as love, kindness, and forgiveness in your interactions with others.
Parents as Faith Educators
As a parent, you also play a crucial role as your child’s faith educator. Teaching your child about God, Jesus, and the Bible is an essential part of Christian spiritual formation. However, teaching faith to pre-schoolers requires a specific approach. Simplified Bible stories, engaging activities, age-appropriate explanations, and lots of patience are all necessary.
For a good example of a Bible that does this, I recommend Sally Lloyd Jones’ Jesus Storybook Bible. This book does a wonderful job of emphasizing the narrative of the Bible from start to finish, which not many books do well for kids.
Approaches to Spiritual Formation for Pre-Schoolers
There are several effective strategies for nurturing faith in pre-schoolers. These methods respect how young children learn and grow, allowing them to engage with Christian teachings in an enjoyable and meaningful way.
Interactive Storytelling
Children love stories, and the Bible is full of them. Storytelling can be a fun and engaging way to introduce children to biblical characters and teachings. Allow children to participate in storytelling by asking them questions, encouraging them to act out parts of the story, or using visual aids such as pictures or props.
Learning Through Play
Pre-schoolers learn best through play. Incorporating play-based activities into spiritual formation can make learning about God and the Bible an enjoyable experience for children. This can involve faith-themed crafts, games, songs, and role-play activities.
Celebrating Milestones
Celebrating milestones can be a powerful tool in spiritual formation. Milestones such as baptism, the first day at Sunday school, or the first time reading the Bible can be celebrated with special rituals, prayers, or ceremonies. These celebrations can help children understand the significance of these events and feel a sense of belonging to the Christian community.
Including Children in Worship
Including children in worship services can also aid in their spiritual formation. While they may not understand everything that happens during a worship service, being part of the congregation can help them feel included and valued. Additionally, exposure to worship practices such as singing hymns, praying, and listening to Scripture readings can familiarize them with Christian worship.
Nurturing a Personal Relationship with Jesus
One of the main goals of Christian spiritual formation is to help children develop a personal relationship with Jesus. This involves helping them understand that Jesus loves them, wants to have a relationship with them, and is always there for them. Regular prayer, Bible reading, and discussions about Jesus can all help foster this relationship.
The Journey Continues
Christian spiritual formation is a lifelong journey. The foundations laid in the pre-school years will shape your child’s faith journey as they grow older. Remember, spiritual formation is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing a growing relationship with God. So, keep the faith, trust in God’s guidance, and cherish your precious role as a parent in your child’s Christian spiritual formation.
Parenting with Truth and Grace 
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