It’s amazing how quick a week can pass by. As you look back at your child’s week it may have been filled with school, homework, extra-curricular activities, trips to the store, or holiday activities.

Think about how these activities are invested in your child’s spiritual journey. There are roughly 167 hours a week that children spend outside of church. I think it’s safe to say that what you do with your child each week matters.

“What you do every week adds up to give you collective momentum in your kid’s life. You may not realize it, but you are making history. You are responsible for how your child’s past, present, and future connect... The fact is, you have a limited number of weeks with your son and daughter.” -Don’t Miss It: Parent Every Week Like it Counts.

One of my favorite quick-reads gives a simple strategy on maximizing your time into your children’s spiritual journey. This is crucial.  The authors of Don’t Miss It, Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy, compare investing in your child’s spiritual journey as if investing in a retirement plan. As we all know, the goal of a retirement plan is to save money over an amount of time with hopes that the amount will build up and earn interest.  Being the spiritual leader of your child is similar. The authors also state that “The best way to shape a child’s character and faith is through small, consistent deposits. When what you do this week is repeated next week, it starts to earn credit in a child’s life.”

Repetition is key! Can you imagine what your child could become if you intentionally invested in their spiritual journey or continued to do this if you already are? It will be utterly amazing!

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” I think that “poverty” in a child’s situation can refer to a child’s spiritual poverty. We all want what’s best for kids. I am reminded of this as I work with them on the weekends, and I know parents are as well. Planning ahead has value and it’s fruitful in your children’s present, future, and eventually when they look back at their past.

Have confidence in God being with you as you pastor your child! Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” How comforting!

Here are a few practical ideas to do with your child during the 167 hours spent outside of church:

• Consistently pray with your child and teach them how.
• Use routine times to influence your child every week - meal time, bedtime, drive time, or morning time.
• Purchase an age-appropriate Bible for your child, teach them how to read it and give them any tools they may need.
• Spend time helping your child memorize scripture.
• Allow the church community to play a significant role in your family.
• Connect your kids with other caring adults like their children’s ministry leaders, especially if you find yourself needing direction or help.

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Kristy is the Assistant Director of Children's Ministries. Her main role is to lead the JAM teams to develop children into followers of Christ from an early age. She helps by providing multiple ways for children to learn and participate in engaging activities.

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