Grandparents hold a unique and exalted position when it comes to the process of spiritual formation in the next generation. Other than mom and dad, no one else carries the stature or inherent authority in the lives of children. In fact, not even mom or dad can fill the role we fill. That’s why I find it troubling that so many modern grandparents squander their opportunity thinking “I’ve finished the parenting task.” Hardly. We are not called “grandparents” because we’ve been retired from the parenting process. We are called “grand” because we’ve been promoted! That means your task is to do everything possible to help your family achieve success in their most important assignment. Regardless of what business you may be in, your “family business” includes a clear purpose.

• A CLEAR PURPOSE: Those blessed with the gift of grandchildren are called to inspire and nurture the faith of the next generation as life’s greatest privilege and priority.

The scriptures command moms, dads and grandparents to give the next generation a framework for living rooted in the knowledge of and relationship with God. It is our job to support and reinforce the role of parents as they fulfill the command of Deuteronomy 6…

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (vs. 6-9)

It seems that this generation of grandparents mentally check-out or skim past this vital passage of scripture because they assume it only applies to mom and dad. When did that change? Prior generations of grandparents understood this mandate to target them as the patriarchs and matriarchs of faith in their extended families. We need to recapture that understanding today if we are going to fulfill our God-ordained role in the faith formation process.

Heroic Grandfather Challenge #1:Passivity among grandparents who abdicate their God-ordained role actually accelerates the decline of faith in the next generation. That’s why we are calling grandfathers to adopt intentional strategies that will foster strong Christian faith in the lives of their grandchildren starting with a simple prayer of commitment.

Dear God:

Thank you for giving me such an influential role in the life of NAME EACH GRANDCHILD. I dedicate myself to fulfilling that responsibility to the best of my ability. Please give me the wisdom, courage and creativity to do so with excellence in coming days.

Amen

Going Further:

Find more ideas at the INTENTIONAL GRANDFATHERS page.