One of the best ways churches can do their part to help the next generation learn about God is to equip parents to bring up their children “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). But, let’s not end there. Let’s also equip grandparents in their role. Churches can help grandparents leave a positive legacy.
Churches, Help Grandparents Leave a Positive Legacy by Strategically Planning to Equip and Encourage Them
When we consider the potential influence of grandparents on their grandchildren now and for their future, certainly as a church we should do what we can to help grandparents positively impact their grandchildren’s lives. Use the following questions to assess what you’re currently doing to equip grandparents in their role. Determine what more you can do to strategically plan for it to happen.
- In what ways does your church intentionally build up, equip, and encourage grandparents to leave a positive legacy? (i.e., classes, special speakers, reading material, support groups, etc.)
- What kind of structures have you put in place that provide opportunity for the younger generation to learn from grandparents? (i.e., giving opportunity for them to share in the worship service, pulling on their wisdom through teaching and mentoring of the younger generation, interviewing them, including their stories in newsletters or blogs, etc.)
- How does you church honor grandparents in special ways throughout the year, not just on one special day? (i.e., verbal recognition, small gifts, praying for them, making a display to recognize them, a special luncheon, having grandchildren make a card or craft to give to them, asking grandchildren to testify to how God has used their grandparents in their lives, etc.)
Go to: Resources on Grandparenting