December 6th, 2023
![](https://storage2.snappages.site/4PPVVM/assets/images/14089666_1080x270_500.png)
By Jim LaDoux
Interviewing families about their background, family and faith traditions and hopes for their children provides faith formation leaders with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the life and faith journeys of the families they serve. It gives church leaders a venue for sharing their philosophy on lifelong faith, what it means to be the church, and how households can live their faith everyday, everywhere, with everyone. Listed below are a few ideas to consider before meeting with faith members.
1 | Learn about the family.
1. Tell me about your family (Members? Grow up here?).
2. What are some things that you do together as a family?
3. What are some things you consider important to your family?
4. What are some of the challenges you currently face as a family?
2 | Ask questions about their spiritual life and faith journey.
3 | Share your understanding of how faith is formed on a daily basis.
4 | Suggest a few “next steps” for growing in faith beyond the church.
As you wrap up the conversation, thank family members for their time. Give the family a few faith-forming resources to "try on" if they're willing to do so. Offer a closing prayer.
1 | Learn about the family.
1. Tell me about your family (Members? Grow up here?).
2. What are some things that you do together as a family?
3. What are some things you consider important to your family?
4. What are some of the challenges you currently face as a family?
2 | Ask questions about their spiritual life and faith journey.
- How long have you been a member of this congregation?
- What are your hopes regarding ______ involvement in our ministries?
- In what ways would you like to see _______ grow in his/her faith between now and the time he/she graduates from high school?
- Are there specific things you hope ____ learns or experiences as a result of being involved in our congregation’s youth ministry program?
- As parents, what are your plans for continuing to grow in faith this year?
- What role do grandparents, sponsors, friends and relatives play in helping you grow as a Christian? What role would you like them to play?
- How do you currently practice faith at home throughout the week (prayers, devotions, etc.)?
- What do you need from me/our congregation to continue to grow as followers of Christ?
3 | Share your understanding of how faith is formed on a daily basis.
- “At ____, we view parents as one of the key faith shapers in the lives of their children and we’re here to support households in that process.”
- “Research shows, that if faith is to grow, then it must be practiced daily. We encourage all families to find ways to pray, learn, serve and celebrate on a daily basis.”
- “We offer a variety of programs/activities to support youth and their parents in their faith journey (describe some of these items). Are there any specific programs/ministries you could envision your family participating in?”
- “Research shows the importance of worshipping as a family, and we hope that you will worship regularly (3 or more times a month) as a family. Is that a realistic expectation for you?”
- “We believe that everyone has a story to tell and a gift to share. What are some ways you’d like to use your gifts to love and serve others?”
- "Our ministry to young people would not exist if parents didn’t provide ongoing support. What are some ways you could see yourself supporting young people here?"
4 | Suggest a few “next steps” for growing in faith beyond the church.
- Invite student/parents to register for upcoming events, classes, trips and retreats.
- Collect Student Profile form and obtain parent contact information.
As you wrap up the conversation, thank family members for their time. Give the family a few faith-forming resources to "try on" if they're willing to do so. Offer a closing prayer.
QUESTIONS | APPLICATIONS
- What would partnering with faith parents look like in your ministry setting?
- What questions would you raise with faith mentors to be support their efforts?
- What are some of the obstacles families face when forming faith outside of the church?
- What is your faithful next steps for equipping and supporting faith mentors?
Posted in Build Faith
No Comments