Every child in our care is becoming someone. The question is: who is helping shape who they become?

We spend countless hours preparing children for what lies ahead. We make sure they are ready for school, encourage their gifts, teach them how to navigate life, and dream about their future. But as followers of Christ, there is an even greater responsibility before us: Are we preparing them to know God?

Throughout September, we were reminded that reaching the next generation with the Good News of Jesus Christ cannot be left to chance. We must tell our children what God has done, teach them His ways, model a life of faith before them, and make room for them to come to Jesus. Because children are not interruptions to ministry. They are part of the ministry God has entrusted to us.

Parenting Is Stewardship

Ephesians 6:4 reminds us to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” That calling goes far beyond correcting behavior. It means intentionally helping shape a child’s heart and faith. Our children ultimately belong to God. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers have been entrusted with them for a season. That means our responsibility is not simply to raise successful children, but to help them know the God who created them.

A Christian home does not have to be a perfect home. It should, however, be a place increasingly shaped by Christ, where truth is taught with patience, correction is guided by love, forgiveness is practiced, and faith is lived out every day. And this responsibility does not belong to parents alone. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, mentors, ministry leaders, and the entire church family have a role in helping the next generation know and follow Jesus.

A Sacred Assignment

God does not expect us to fulfill this calling in our own strength. The same God who entrusts children to our care gives us the wisdom, grace, patience, and strength we need to guide them. So here is the question for all of us:

What would change about our words, our tone, our time, and our priorities if we truly remembered that every child entrusted to us belongs to God first?

At Reliance Church RVA, we believe reaching the next generation is the responsibility of the whole church. Come worship, grow, and serve with A Church for All Generations as we continue Making Disciples of All Generations.

Join us Sundays at 11:00 AM.
River City Middle School
6300 Hull Street Road
Richmond, VA 23224

Worship. Work. Walk Together.