As parents, we desire the best for our children—and want for them only that which brings true happiness and fulfillment to their lives. As they grow older, we pray that they will respond to God's call and become converted members of His Church. That is the hope that all parents in the Church share. However, what part in that hope for our children's conversion do we, as parents, play?

Four years ago, the United Church of God developed a seminar that was foundational in nature. "The Biblical Foundation of Parenting" seminar focused on the fundamental truth about our children's spiritual status—that they are called of God. Understanding this truth is important for all Christian parents to understand.

In December, the United Church of God will be releasing a second parenting seminar that will focus on the responsibility of teaching our children from God's Word. It focuses on a direct part we can play in equipping our children to establish their convictions as they grow older.

This new seminar, "Passing on Our Faith to Our Children," while acknowledging that God does the calling, asks and answers an important question: Do we, as parents, have any meaningful influence on how our children might respond to God's calling at any given age?

Teach the Children

In Deuteronomy, God plainly told parents that they had a duty of teaching their children about God, His Word and His law. Notice Deuteronomy 6:6-9: "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

In these words written by Moses to the children of Israel, parents are admonished to teach their children of and from the Word of God as a regular part of their interaction with them. In other words, it should become habit.

For most parents, the application of this instruction might involve using the everyday experiences of life to reinforce the laws of God and related principles expounded in the Word of God. Using situations in everyday life to point out how the Word of God works is a very important strategy for parents to use. However, another aspect to "teaching" our children as stated in Deuteronomy 6 is actually teaching our children directly from the Word of God—the Bible.

For many years, some parents have solely relied upon a few "Bible story books" from which to teach their children, or simply assumed the local Sabbath school program would suffice to give the biblical framework to their child's understanding and application of the Bible. While these are very good resources, the Scripture is clear that in ideal circumstances, the primary duty to directly teach God's Word lies with the parents.

We know that from a young child, Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures and knew the Word of God well. Paul said of Timothy, "from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15). Timothy's knowledge of Scripture came about as a result of being taught, most likely by his grandmother and mother (2 Timothy 1:5).

New Seminar in December

This seminar, "Passing on Our Faith to Our Children," will not only explain the biblical injunction from God to teach our children from His Word, but give some very practical strategies and approaches to use in helping your children to have a working knowledge of the Bible—complete with handouts and examples. As an interactive presentation, it will give opportunity to parents to ask questions as well as give input on effective ways to teach our children from the Scriptures.

As with the first seminar, the subject material will be conducive to the Sabbath or Bible study format. However, it will be up to the pastor to determine which approach will best serve the needs of the families of the congregation. In any event, we hope this seminar will inspire and encourage all of you as parents to have the added confidence to become your child's primary teacher and instructor in the Word of God!

We also hope to follow up with additional articles in United News, and your suggestions and input are welcome. UN