To Strengthen Christ-Centered Homes through Family Disciple ship Work

WHEREAS, All Christians—whether young or old, single or married, widowed or barren—are placed within a family and entrusted with vocations (Psalm 68:5–6); and

WHEREAS, Moses writes “And these words that I command you today shall beon your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut. 6:6–7); and

WHEREAS, The Pew Research Religious Landscape Study has shown a strong correlation between: (1) growing up in religious homes and remaining in the faith; and (2) frequency of church attendance growing up and frequency of church attendance as an adult (“Religious Landscape Study,”Pew Research Center,Oct. 26, 2016; pew research.org/religion/2016/10/26/links-between- childhood-religious-upbringing-and-current-religious-identity/, accessed Feb 27, 2026); and

WHEREAS, Faith formation has been misunderstood as primarily the responsibility of the church, while Scripture reveals that parents are the primary influence on faith formation; and

WHEREAS, Family disciple ship encourages all households to develop and maintain faith habits of faithfully attending worship, having home devotions, and discussing and living out their faith in their home; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage congregations to pray for families, including single people and married couples without children; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations are commended to support and to partner with all households in family disciple ship; and be it further

Resolved, That the Office of National Mission (ONM) be directed to provide resources for parents and other adults who are influencing faith, support for church workers equipping the family, and resources for households to grow in their personal faith; and be it finally

Resolved, That congregations and members there of be encouraged to support family disciple ship resource development by the ONM with their gifts and prayers.