Grandparents today are asking deeper questions than ever before. They are no longer satisfied with simply being present in the lives of their grandchildren. Instead, many Christian grandparents are asking how they can make an eternal difference.
Author: Linda Ellsworth
Linda Ellsworth
Adopted into a Christian family in Ontario at 8 weeks of age and into God’s family through her Mother’s leading at age 5, Linda grew up in a very musical Christian home. Christian summer camp became a way of life, beginning at age 8 and continuing to the present.
Linda graduated with a Christian Education major, and a minor in music from Briercrest Bible College in 1970.
Married in 1971, Doug and Linda continued ministering in both Education and Christian Camping in Saskatchewan, the Bahamas, Alberta and Ontario. Retiring from Camp Directing in 2012, Linda and Peter Bloom of Ontario Pioneer Camp, were led to establish the Member Care Program for CCI-Canada camps. https://www.cci-canada.ca/
Linda also writes the Bible Study material for “Live,” the award-winning women’s Christian magazine published by Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec. (CBWOQ; baptistwomen.com)
Doug and Linda live in Powassan, Ontario and have three adult children and eleven grandchildren.
You don’t need followers to be an influencer. Your grandchildren are already watching you. Your consistency and authenticity in their lives will influence them.
“An authentic faith is one of the most important things to get right as a grandparent.” This powerful statement causes us to stop and ponder as well as evaluate how we are living out our godly lives before our grandchildren. We desire to leave an enduring legacy – a permanent, lasting legacy.
Teaching grandchildren the core truths of Christianity is one of the most important callings a grandparent can embrace. By consistently sharing the Bible’s big story, sound doctrine, and everyday faith practices, grandparents can help build a strong spiritual foundation that shapes a child’s life for eternity.
The unique ways God has equipped us to live out our faith—through our personal traits, life experiences, and special gifts—also shape the unique ways we disciple our grandchildren.
Every believer has a story of God’s grace at work in their life. Some stories unfold quickly, while others take years as God patiently opens our eyes to our need for Him.
Spring is a time of fresh air, birds chirping, robins hopping, butterflies fluttering, cool mornings, and evenings with warm sunshine sandwiched in between.
Take a minute and think about how you prepare for and celebrate Easter. Now compare that with how you prepare for and celebrate Christmas. If you are like me, there is a great discrepancy between the two!