Faith at Home
Faith formation that is rooted in the life of the home and family is much more likely to stick than anything we teach once a week (or month) at church. The idea of making the home the primary place of faith formation is an old/new idea. Jesus models it for us throughout the New Testament, teaching most often outside the religious buildings.
We offer a variety of resources to equip you and your family to walk with God on a daily basis. Read on for ways you can engage, equip, encourage, and empower your families to practice faith at home.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.”
Keys of Faith
For introducing Faith at Home, we have found it helpful to use David Anderson's four Keys of Faith, developed and articulated in his work with Vibrant Faith and Milestone Ministries. Families (of all ages and stages) are holy in the way they forgive each other; pray for each other; heal each other; sacrifice for each other; and love each other. These keys of faith help families identify specific actions, most of which they already do, to lean into growth as disciples of Jesus Christ more intentionally. By using this simple framework, we can equip and encourage our families to pursue faith in their own homes.
Caring Conversations
One of the first steps to effective faith formation in the home is a simple willingness to talk about it! Be willing and available to answer questions and share your own faith journey (struggles included!). This isn't formal teaching time, and sometimes it involves more listening than speaking. Use car time, meal time, or any time you have to make this connection!
Devotions & Prayers
Praying as a family is important. If you don't have a mealtime prayer, find one! Ask your children to create one--or, check the Book of Common Prayer for an amazing and beautiful list of prayers for all occasions. Include stories from the Bible on your reading list, and read them to your children. Weave learning and prayer into part of everyday life--God is with us all the time, not just on Sundays!
Service to Others
Children and adults are more likely to have a strong faith when they can see it in action through service to others. We are called by Christ to serve others. Find a service project in your local community, something that you [and your family] can do in coordination or in community with others. Also, cultivate gratitude for all the gifts we have been given so that we can share them with others!
Rituals & Traditions
Family rituals and traditions speak to what the family values and believes. Some rituals are daily, and some are infrequent. Some are part of the church calendar, and some are in our home lives. All of the events we celebrate are from God! Make a point of celebrating these rituals and developing your own family traditions, whether it's a special birthday dinner, Friday night pizzas, or putting up the Christmas tree--God celebrates with us!
Diocese of New Jersey
Faith at Home Guides
We’ve created these printable PDFs for use by individuals, families, small groups and congregations. They can be printed, emailed, or linked. Check back, as new ones are posted every now and then!
English
Faith at Home Resource Highlight
Vibrant Faith curated hundreds of Faith at Home activities based on these four Keys of Faith. Search by season, age group, or type of activity.