Written by Camellia Varnado, Author and Podcaster
The weight of a grandparent’s role can be felt immensely. We hold the stories of the past, the wisdom of experience, and a fierce love for the next generation.
But how do we translate that into something tangible? How do we become “intentional grandparents,” leaving a legacy of faith and fostering a love for God in our grandchildren?
The answer lies not in pressure, but in a powerful promise: “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
This truth extends beyond information; it is about sharing God’s story, the one that has shaped our lives and can shape theirs. It is about building a foundation of faith that empowers them to navigate life’s complexities while forming their own relationship with God.
Here is how we, as intentional grandparents, can turn this promise into action:
Passing Along God’s Story: The Power of Narrative
Grandparents are natural storytellers. We have lived through historical shifts, witnessed miracles big and small, and experienced God’s faithfulness throughout our lives. Sharing these stories is not just about nostalgia; it is about weaving God’s presence into the fabric of our family history.
- Start with your own faith journey. Talk about how you came to know God, the challenges you faced, and the moments of grace you experienced. I would challenge you to be authentic and transparent with your grandchildren. They can handle our real story.
- Connect stories to Scripture. Find Bible verses that resonate with your experiences, and use them to illustrate God’s character. Try this as a game of learning God’s Word.
- Focus on family traditions of faith. Share stories about how your family celebrated holidays, prayed together, or served the community.
- Make it interactive. Encourage your grandchildren to ask questions and share their own stories of faith.
Discipling Grandchildren: A Nurturing Role
Discipleship is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some grandchildren might crave in-depth Bible study, while others may respond better to practical examples of Christian living (my personal preference). The key is to be flexible and adaptable, focusing on nurturing a relationship with God:
- Find common ground. Explore age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, or activities that spark their curiosity.
- Lead by example. Let your grandchildren see your own faith walk in action – your kindness, generosity, and forgiveness reflect God’s love.
- Embrace teachable moments. Use everyday experiences to point out God’s handiwork and His presence in the world. Ask God to show you when to use HIS wisdom to guide and instruct your grandchildren. Sometimes the teachable moments come from others. God knows who they will listen to, so pray for godly friends and people to cross their paths. Parenting takes a village + parents + grandparents.
- Encourage their spiritual growth. Support their church attendance, youth groups, or faith-based activities.
Building a Thriving Local Church Grandparenting Ministry
The journey of intentional grandparenting does not have to be walked alone. Many churches offer valuable resources and support for grandparents seeking to nurture faith in their families. Here is how to create a thriving local church grandparenting ministry:
- Start with a needs assessment. Survey grandparents in your church to understand their challenges, interests, and desired level of involvement.
- Offer practical workshops. Organize sessions on topics like age-appropriate Bible study, prayer practices for grandchildren, or navigating difficult conversations about faith.
- Create intergenerational connections. Facilitate activities that bring together grandparents and grandchildren, fostering fellowship and shared experiences.
- Develop a support network. Organize small groups for grandparents to share experiences, pray for one another, and offer encouragement.
- Seek out those grandparents who have lost grandchildren and would love to fill the void by helping other grandparents.
Spiritual Truths and Practical Tips
The road to intentional grandparenting is not without its obstacles. Here is how to address some common pain points:
- Distance: Technology can be your friend! Schedule regular video calls, share faith-based online resources, or send handwritten letters filled with Bible verses and encouraging messages. I am so grateful that my daughter intentionally calls with video (FaceTime) every morning at 8:30am. I get to see my granddaughter every morning in all her glory.
- Busy Schedules: Make the most of the time you do have. Create short, focused activities like a family devotional before bedtime. When I rock my granddaughter to sleep, I sing in her ear sweet praises to God.
- Differing Faith Backgrounds: Respect your grandchildren’s beliefs while sharing your own. Lead by example, focus on common ground like values and morals, and continue to pray. Our God is relentless in HIS love for us and our entire family legacy.
- Remember, you are not alone! Draw strength from your faith, seek support from your church community, and find joy in the journey of sharing God’s love with the next generation.
As you nurture your grandchildren’s faith, you will discover the truth that sets us all free: the profound love and purpose found in a relationship with God.
