I am a dad with young children and I want to give them the best start in life.
Quick disclaimer. I am a Christian and for me the best start in life is for them to follow Jesus. At the end of the day it is their decision and I will allow them to live their own lives as they choose. I am not into brainwashing!
The heart of the issue is church. Church is a place where Christian’s gather to worship our God. And I am sorry to say it can be very boring. It doesn’t need to be. My kids are growing to the point where they are ready to decide for themselves. In an attempt to encourage them we have been taking them to a different church once a month. Our children are enjoying the groups they attend at this church. But it feels disloyal. So I asked for some help from my pastor. My pastor offered this wisdom:
I think parents have three options:
1. Challenge their own church to provide a meaningful service for their children!
2. Take them to a church that does provide a meaningful service
3. If they still insist they’ve had enough – and most will at some point – let them go and trust God!!!
He went on to encourage us.
Both of you have done a great job with the children, and have instilled them the basics of their faith. They are growing into adults and part of their healthy development is to question, doubt, rebel and walk away – its natural, normal and healthy – I’m sure you did, and I know I certainly did!
I offer his wisdom to you.