In this episode, the hosts discuss 'Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From', a book written by one of the hosts. They share a strange encounter with a medium and explore the anxieties surrounding family faith practices. They provide tips for managing expectations for a screen-free family Sabbath and offer advice on helping kids find joy and authenticity in prayer. They also discuss various faith practices to share with kids, including nature hikes, sharing meals, acts of generosity, and doing less.
Faith practices can be tailored to individual preferences and experiences, allowing families to explore diverse practices that resonate with their unique dynamics.
The focus of children's faith formation should be on creating a comfortable and inclusive environment, prioritizing intergenerational relationships and friendships, rather than solely emphasizing church attendance and specific forms of participation.
Deep dives
Revisiting First Ideas and Interpretations of Faith
In this special episode, the hosts discuss the importance of revisiting our initial ideas and interpretations of the Bible, God, and faith. They explore the desire to offer our younger selves a reintroduction to these ideas and the goal of helping our children discover a faith that doesn't require healing. They also highlight a new book, 'Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From,' written by one of the hosts, Meredith Ann Miller.
Expanding the Definition of Faith Practices
The hosts emphasize that faith practices can include a wide range of intentional activities that help us connect with God and express our faith. These practices can be traditional or non-traditional, and they can be tailored to our individual preferences and experiences. They challenge the notion that there is a one-size-fits-all formula for raising children in faith and encourage parents to explore diverse practices that resonate with their unique family dynamics.
Redefining Participation in Church Services
The hosts discuss the importance of reevaluating expectations for children's participation in church services. They emphasize that church attendance and specific forms of participation should not be seen as the core focus of children's faith formation. Instead, they suggest prioritizing intergenerational relationships, friendships, and creating an environment where children feel comfortable and included. They encourage parents to be flexible and open to alternative outlets for spiritual growth.
Finding Personalized Approaches to Faith Practices
The hosts encourage parents to let go of the pressure to find the 'right' way to engage in faith practices with their children. They emphasize the importance of picking practices that align with their own beliefs, values, and goals, even if they deviate from traditional norms. They remind parents that there is no guaranteed formula for successful faith formation and that the focus should be on cultivating a genuine and intentional connection with God.
Meredith wrote a book, and we’re celebrating its release in this latest episode of I Kid You Not! Join Erin and Meredith as they talk all about Family Faith Practices. You’ll hear answers to listener questions about Sabbath, family devotional time, and what to do when your kid starts praying to questionable things. Should you force your teen to go to youth group, and what does it look like to do less on purpose? You’ll have to listen to find out!
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THE FAITH ADJACENT SHOP
The only place on the Internet where you can find Bible studies and resources for those curious about faith AND Chris Hemsworth's abs. Check it out here!
THE POPCAST
Check out our other podcast: The Popcast with Knox and Jamie. It's a weekly show about pop culture where we educate on the things that entertain, but don't matter. Here is our suggested Popcast starter playlist.