In this day of gender confusion and up-front activism against what we know to be true about biblical sexuality and holiness, how should we respond? When our grandchildren are bombarded daily with views that go against God’s beautiful design, what can we do to help them?

Let’s consider five things we can do as Christians who desire to please and honor our Lord first and foremost while also loving others.

1. Build a Strong Foundation on God’s Word

Focus your attention on helping to build a strong foundation of belief that God’s Word is Truth! In other words, come alongside parents supporting the building of a biblical worldview in your grandchildren. They must know and understand God’s view on gender and sexuality.

A biblical worldview means you believe that the Bible is God’s infallible Word and is entirely true. Therefore, it becomes your plumb line for what you think, say, and do. It governs how you live. It is the foundation for how and what you build your life upon.

Teach your grandchildren God’s Word naturally throughout your time with them. Point out times you have gone to God’s Word to help decide on what to do. Make God’s Word not a separate part but a complete part of who you are.

Truth Must Become Their Foundation

When our home was being built, the first thing they did was to lay a strong, sturdy, level foundation. Knowing it was the base upon which all the future building would rest, it was done with extreme attentiveness and precision, with lots of inspections along the way.

As the critical support for your home’s structural integrity, it is essential that the foundation be done correctly. In most homes. 4-6 inches of concrete is poured into molds, reinforced with steel rods and anchor bolts, along with secure footings. The concrete is allowed to set or cure before the forms are removed. This base needs to be durable, leading to the stability of the structure. If these steps are not done well, over time, cracks will appear, things will shift, and gaps in doors and floors may surface.

Consider Biblical worldview development in this light. If we do not lay a strong, firm foundation of God’s Word and its veracity in our grandchildren’s hearts, cracks, shifting, and gaps could appear in their beliefs about God and His Word. We desire them to stay rooted in Scripture. We do need to make inspections along the way. How are they doing? Are there areas that need shoring up?

We need to help our grandchildren see that God’s Word has remained true since the beginning and it always will. It will not change due to cultural issues of the day. Truth is Truth – always has been and always will be! Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

We need to help them see that building their lives on God’s Word is the best way. They can count on God and His Word, no matter what. Deuteronomy 4:10 speaks of teaching, where teaching means to train, with the implication of putting it into use. Even in the area of sexuality, we need to train them so they live it out in their lives.

We need to help them stand for biblical ideals when those around them crack or shift. God’s Word is clear about truth: “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17) “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160)

Teach God’s Design Clearly

Here are a couple of truths regarding Biblical sexuality:

• God created humans – male and female. (Genesis 1:27; 2:7; 22-25)
• Sexual intimacy is intended within the context of marriage. (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4)
• Marriage is intended as a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman for life. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
• We are called to flee all other sexual temptations as dangerous. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Ephesians 5:3; Galatians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 7:2)

2. Respond with Grace and Respect

While we seek to know God’s truth from the Bible, may we not forget to balance it with love, grace, and mercy. May our hearts be molded and modeled after God’s own heart.

I don’t know about you, but the form around my heart is still not ready to be removed— it is not cured yet into the form of God’s. Often, I still react out of the flesh and not the Spirit.

Speak Truth with Love

“Tolerance” is one of those words that brings so much strife today. I like one definition I saw that defined tolerance as “being respectful, remembering that we are all created in God’s image and therefore have inherent dignity and value.”

This definition emphasizes respecting another’s right to think and believe as they choose, delineating that line between the person and belief. It allows you to show love and tolerance while not compromising what you believe. It is not a call to divorce objective truth or be tolerant of false and unsound ideas.

This is a hard balancing act because the lines seem blurred between loving others and supporting an unbiblical lifestyle. Therefore, it is a chance to be guided by thoughtfulness, to be Spirit-filled and led. We can love those around us while maintaining conviction and without compromising or sacrificing God’s truth.

Prepare for Difficult Conversations

Your grandchildren may ask some tough, uncomfortable questions during times like Pride Month as they navigate the cultural messages displayed on merchandise, commercials, social media, parades, and so forth.

Ask thoughtful questions:

• “What do you think about that?”
• “How does that compare with what God says?”
• “Why do you think culture believes that?”

Are you ready to respond with the fruit of the Spirit, or will you shut down the conversation before it starts? Let’s be prepared with Truth shared in Love so we can make a lasting positive influence on our grandchildren. May we reflect Christ well, leading with courage and compassion.

3. Be a Light in the Darkness

When I was in the Philippines on a mission trip, one of the leaders wisely shared that we cannot meet every need that we were seeing. But we could do something – each one of us could do something! He called it ‘punching holes in darkness.’

Live What You Believe

Grandparent, we can be a beacon of truth, shining the way. May we help light the path, following God’s ways, so it is easy for the grandchildren to follow. May we not put barriers or obstacles in their way, but instead reveal the barriers and obstacles so they do not stumble, fall, or leave God’s path.

Jeremiah 6:16 states: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it and find rest for your souls.’ But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” 

May we be beacons pointing the way to the ancient paths, and may our grandchildren choose to follow them. These ancient paths are not old-fashioned, outdated, or obsolete. They are indeed the good way where rest for your souls is found.

Live your life in a way that draws others to Jesus and not away from Him. Be an example of an authentic follower of Jesus who not only loves the Lord but also loves others. Shine your light so others see Jesus! Be a living example of someone who is ‘in’ the world but not ‘of’ the world.

Model God’s Design in Everyday Life

One last thought: model God’s design for sex, marriage, and family within your own home. Evaluate what you are doing – is anything detracting from what you say? What are the shows, music, and sites you frequent?

Grandchildren benefit from seeing healthy marriages, loving family relationships, forgiveness, faithfulness, and spiritual consistency modeled before them.

Evaluate what influences fill your home:

• Television
• Music
• Social media
• Online content
• Conversations

Do these choices support the biblical truths you are teaching?

4. Be a Courageous Witness to Truth

Our grandchildren do not only need our example; they need our spoken words. 2 Timothy 2:21 shares, “he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Let us be set apart and useful to the Lord during this season of our lives. We need to be vessels of honor that pour out the refreshing truth to those who are interested.

Help Grandchildren Think Biblically

In this age of chaos and confusion, be a clear, clarion voice that is consistent and Christ-like. As you speak with your grandchildren, help them process and think through what they are hearing and seeing by comparing it to what they know is true and honoring to God.

Challenge them to think through what is truly loving to someone. Assist them to walk in truth and grace without alienating their friends or diluting Scripture. As you help them walk through, you will be showing them how to do the same with their friends.

Studies by Pew Research (2020 and 2014) show that unmarried evangelicals between the ages of 18 and 29 are very progressive in areas of sexuality. These progressive views are fracturing the individuals who embrace them.

Be willing to have those hard conversations with the older grandchildren. With parental approval, make sure your grandchildren know they are welcome to discuss any topic with you.

Be Ready to Give an Answer

We need to be ready to give an answer. “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15).

Allow your grandchildren to experience how you interact with people who believe differently from you. It could be how you respond to a commercial, a store display, a TV show character, a song, or a social media post. Do you use these as opportunities to show God’s heart while also witnessing to the truth? Do they see only condemnation and distaste toward those who have lost their way?

It is important to be clear about ideas and assumptions that you cannot condone, compromise, or celebrate. Remember that going against God’s Word is not a conflict with you but with God.

Help your grandchildren to see, whether others choose to follow the Lord and His Word, your desire is that they always will. Sin (all sin) is to be mourned over and not celebrated. Sin will lead to God’s judgment with severe consequences if not confessed.

Assist them in knowing how to respond, explaining what they believe and why, to those who ask about their views. Arm your grandchildren so they can not only stand firm but also encourage others to be wise and follow the Lord too! “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

5. Cover Everything in Prayer

Before a home is ever built, hours are spent on plans followed by preparations. Numerous questions are asked and answered before the first drawing is ever drafted. Ask yourself:

• What kind of faith do I hope my grandchildren have in 10 years?
• What spiritual qualities do I pray will define their lives?
• What intentional steps can I take now?

Consider your answers, then develop an intentional plan to do those things that have the highest potential to see the finished product.

One of those crucial things is prayer. In fact, nothing could be more important! Cover your grandparenting in prayer continuously.

What is a cultural issue today could be replaced by a new one in just a few days. Focus on spiritual things that last forever, for eternity. To yield spiritual fruit, the work must be done in the Spirit. So I ask God to fill you with His Spirit so you can influence purposefully and effectively your grandchildren for Him.

Pray for Eternal Things

Pray for your grandchildren to:

• Love God deeply
• Stand firmly in truth
• Walk in holiness
• Develop wisdom and discernment
• Experience conviction of sin
• Extend grace to others
• Remain faithful throughout life

Trust God with the Results

Biblical sexuality stems from eternal holiness. Eternal holiness flourishes from a heart sold out to God. A heart sold out for God flows into a life of obedience, living in light of a biblical worldview.

No matter what challenges our grandchildren and great-grandchildren face, if they are firmly founded upon God and His Word, they can stand strong and not collapse into rubble. They can witness to a world that so desperately needs the truth given in love.

Conclusion

Grandparenting in today’s culture may feel challenging, but this generation desperately needs older believers who will lovingly point them toward Christ.

So let us walk in step with the Spirit, the compassion of Christ, and the Word of God as we seek to live out authentic lives in front of our families.

In conversations with developing grandchildren, we often find them talking about sex. As their bodies change and grow, it’s normal for our grandkids to feel confused and uncomfortable at times, while also feeling new sensations that bring excitement and joy. Psalm 139:14 references these differing emotions:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”. (NIV)

In the Hebrew language, the word “fearfully” means that which inspires reverence and respect, so it makes sense that there would be some fear involved about sexual development, just as we fear God and things that are not fully understood.

In this blog, Dr. Joannie DeBrito will discuss some practical ways for grandparents to empower their grandchildren to seek Biblical sexuality.

God’s Design for Sexuality and Holiness 

As far as we can tell, human beings have been aware of the intended privacy of sex and experimenting with sexual behaviors since the beginning of time.

God laid the foundation for holiness along with the consequences of disobedience to Him in Genesis 2:17. He told Adam not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil or face spiritual and future physical death. God was drawing a boundary in which Adam and Eve could live in peace with Him.

Prior to disobeying God by eating of the forbidden fruit, Genesis 2:25 states, “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame” (NIV)

Shame, Sin, and the Consequences of Disobedience

After Eve disobeyed and took a bite of the fruit, Genesis 3:17 shows the immediate spiritual consequence of that sin: “The eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” (NIV)

Since the reactions of Adam and Eve to one another prior to their disobedience to God are referenced as feeling no shame, it is safe to assume that their reactions to one another after the fall were due to feeling ashamed. God had created their bodies to be enjoyed and explored by one another in the context of marriage, and since they had disobeyed God’s command about the fruit, they lived in a state of shame. Later in Genesis, we learn that this original sin by Adam and Eve brought envy, violence, and death to their family via their children, Cain and Abel.

We can probably think of examples in our own lives or the lives of loved ones that resulted in some painful consequences of sexual sins, whether related to immodesty, pornography, sex and/or pregnancy before marriage, sexual perversions, committing sexual abuse, infidelity, and abortion.

As a marriage and family therapist who has worked with many individuals and couples (Christian and non-Christian) struggling with shame, guilt, grief, loss, and regrets related to their sexual experiences, I can attest to the fact that the idea that you should practice any sexual behavior that feels good to you does not work well for most people.

It is also not true that people who practice sexual purity prior to marriage have unsatisfying sex after marriage. On the contrary, those who have refrained from anything other than acceptable forms of expressing affection, such as hugging and kissing, before marriage, report much higher levels of satisfaction in marital sex than those who have had no limits on sexual exploration prior to marriage. 

Exploration and Limitations: A Biblical Framework

All pleasurable human behavior requires two things: exploration and limitations.

For example, while we are encouraged to explore a variety of foods, we must limit how much food we eat at one time, where and when we eat it, and how we consume it.

So, that hot dog eaten at the July 4^th picnic is fine. Even two or three might be okay for some adults. But most people would agree that consuming dozens of hot dogs at one time is likely to make many of us very ill. (Incidentally, the current record, set in 2024, is 83 hot dogs consumed in 10 minutes!)

And that water that Jesus turned into wine? Well, a glass of wine with dinner can be fine, but drinking three bottles in an hour is going to cause significant impairment to anyone and could potentially contribute to a car accident in which the driver and others are harmed or killed. 

It’s incumbent upon grandparents to be a part of teaching their grandchildren about seeking Biblical sexuality through appropriate exploration and limitations to encourage a healthy sex life in the future, free from the consequences of living without any restrictions on their sexual behavior.

A word of caution is important here, though. Remember that parents are in the primary role of parenting your grandchildren, so talk with them before you begin to disciple your grandkids in this area. Here are some practical suggestions you can discuss with your children.

Helping Grandchildren Pursue Holiness Instead of Rules 

To begin with, I challenge you to recognize that if we focus first on instilling an understanding of the principle of holiness, we may not need to get “down in the weeds” and talk about numerous topics related to sexual behavior.

God has absolute moral purity, and since we are called to reflect God’s character, we should be seeking holiness. We’ll never achieve complete holiness because we are sinful creatures who live in a fallen world. God’s intent in encouraging Christlike behavior in us is not to make our lives harder and less interesting. But rather to protect us and make our lives richer and fuller because we can live our lives as we explore the beauty of the world, its inhabitants, and ourselves within boundaries that keep us from experiencing pain.

I explain this to preteen kids as a mathematical equation since they study math every day or at least on a regular basis.

• Exploration + Limitations = Steps toward holiness, freedom from guilt, and joy
• Exploration – Limitations = Steps away from holiness, guilt, and pain (even if there is some temporary joy)

Whenever I talk with young people about various sexual behaviors, I find myself saying: “The opposite of _____________ is not _______________, it’s holiness.” It works for all sexual behaviors that are likely to cause some long-term pain. So, the opposite of viewing pornography is not refraining from viewing it. That is just making a change on a behavioral level. The change needs to be made in the heart. So, a desire to be more Christlike, more holy, results in a change in one’s character and then a change in behavior, as well.

We can pray for the Triune God to bring about changes in our grandchildren’s hearts and teach them to pray for the same.

How to Teach Biblical Sexuality at Different Ages

Helping Young Children Understand Privacy and Modesty

Young children become very aware of the difference between little boys and little girls at a very young age, some as early as 18 months, and most by 3 years of age. Kids from as young as 2 to 6 years old will touch their bodies and genitals and may also touch those of their siblings. Typically, these behaviors are infrequent and represent their curiosity about the human body.

Behaviors that are described as normal may or may not be acceptable. So, with your children’s approval, you can begin to teach your grandchildren that it is ok to touch their private parts but not those of other children. This should be communicated to each child in a private, quiet, calm, and direct conversation.

Since some of this exploration happens when children bathe together, it is helpful if children from about 5-7 years old begin to bathe alone and to be naked only in private or in the presence of a trusted adult. (This may need to happen earlier if one or both children are getting into the habit of touching each other too much.) Gently setting these limits communicates a respect for privacy and the value of modesty.

Guiding Elementary-Age Children Toward Wise Choices

6–9-year-olds are often learning more about the human body in school and maybe around older siblings who are developing. Therefore, it’s important to remind older children to show modesty around their younger sisters and brothers, being careful about what they are talking about when their siblings are within earshot. Often, discussions that are appropriate for 13-year-olds are not appropriate for 8-year-olds.

Older siblings can also help you reinforce the principle of holiness that you have (hopefully) taught them. There is strength in numbers, and sometimes kids who have a close relationship with their siblings will provide accountability for one another. As you encourage them to build trusting relationships with each other, they are more likely to be comfortable talking openly about sensitive topics such as sex.

This is also a time when kids begin to learn more about the positive and negative consequences of behaviors. You can consistently affirm your grandchildren when they make choices that represent holy living in any area of life and reap the rewards of good choices. When they make poor choices that represent unholy living and suffer some painful consequences, draw them back to God’s Word.

Protecting Preteens in a Digital World

As children experience pre-adolescence, roughly from 9-12 years of age, you can begin to remind them of some of the positive and negative consequences of behavior that they have already experienced and talk to them about some likely consequences of sexually related behavior as they get older. During this time, children are often spending more time on devices and may come across a lot of sexual material that is only intended for adults. Work with their parents to establish limits on devices, block apps, games, and sites that may contain material that is not appropriate for children or teens.

You might want to ask your children if you could purchase a wonderful program for this age group that is part sex education and part education about how their minds and social relationships are changing. Launch into the Teen Years, from Focus on the Family, walks parents and kids through a video program that encourages healthy living, holiness in all areas of life, and sexual purity.

Encouraging Teens to Pursue Purity Amid Peer Pressure

The teenage years are characterized by pressure to conform to what one’s peers are doing. We know that many teens become involved sexually during these years and participate in activities such as sexting and viewing pornography, because of being exposed to these by peers and being encouraged to participate in sexual activities. Sexual story lines, images, and videos often pop up on devices randomly, even when kids aren’t looking for them, so expect them to struggle and, at times (maybe often) succumb to their curiosity.

This is a time for parents and grandparents to empathize with their teenage family members and acknowledge that the pressure and promise of new, exciting feelings and experiences can be very enticing. At the same time, teens are developing a greater capacity to be discerning, understanding complex concepts, and recognizing that there are rarely linear formulas for resolving problems. They can therefore begin to hear and understand your (and your children’s) stories of challenges you faced related to personal choices and their consequences when you were growing up.

Sharing honestly with teens – always with care not to share details that are not age-appropriate – is helpful, especially when they can hear real-life good and bad consequences that may have lasted a long time.

Teaching Forgiveness, Healing, and Restoration Through Christ

Grace and forgiveness are also qualities of Jesus Christ and aspects of divine holiness, so when your teenage grandchild discloses any sort of sexual struggle, thank them for being honest, discuss the grace, forgiveness, and healing that are available from God, and be there to provide support to help your grandchild focus on changing his or her heart to be more Christlike.

“Jeedoo, what did you bring us?” or “Come watch me on the trampoline!! Jeedoo!” or “We have a new book. Please read it to us, Jeedoo!”

Music to this grandmother’s ears!!

Why? Because, just as it was my commitment to engage with my children in consistent, loving, challenging, learning, and fun ways, so it is with my grandchildren. Only it’s harder and easier. Harder because I am not the parent and not with them constantly. Easier because I’m not the parent and not with them constantly.

Why is this important? Because I can play a key role in instilling in them values, perspectives, and faith that can guide them through the years ahead, now, and after the Lord calls me home. The first requirement is that we are living these truths—this relationship with and trust in God—as a way of life.

My (late) husband and I were rather intentional when it came to parenting. I find I must be even more intentional with my 10 grandkids. Because we had adopted a boy from a challenging background. He led us through challenging years of pain, fear, addiction, and more. Though he met Jesus and sometimes followed Him, his life was like a roller coaster. But consistently loving him and seeking to help him and not rejecting him—and the grace of God—he is a vital part of our family, with a wife and three children—and a growing walk with God.

Here are some of the easiest and most effective ways to have a lifelong influence on who and what your grandkids become, now and later.

1. Write Letters by Hand

When my three grandsons were 15, 16, and 17, I chose to share with them some of the principles I thought would encourage their success in life. On the first Monday of each month that year, I wrote them a letter, conveying a different “secret of success.” Things like Work Hard, Trust God, Accept Responsibility. Simple truths–biblical and practical. Admonition and motivation, hopefully.

2. Tell Stories

I love telling stories. Sometimes I make them up. Often, I let them join in, and a simple story suddenly includes dark woods, wolves, and themselves as superheroes. Their favorites, though, were stories from mom or dad’s childhood.

Stories serve so many purposes: engaging with the child, expanding imagination, encouraging creativity, building on family history, or conveying values.

3. Play With Them

It’s easy to play with the little ones—toys, games, a tea party, or the latest space figures. One growing up granddaughter loved for me to make jewelry with her; another wanted me to watch her on the trampoline. A 10-year-old boy challenged me to Star Wars monopoly whenever I was with him. Maybe you can play tennis or go fishing with the older ones. Also, don’t miss a soccer match, a play, or a concert if possible.

Why this matters: You are with them, interacting with them, cheering them on. This says they are important to you, allows you to encourage them, builds memories, and so much more.

4. Give Good Gifts

Books: These are my favorite gifts, and I’m encouraged that books are making a comeback. For little ones—read to them or give beginning readers—to expand their minds, increase their vocabulary, and expose them to worlds, people, and wonders. Those same benefits are passed on to readers. Adventure series can capture their imaginations. And reading at higher levels will come more easily for them and prepare them for the world.

Imagination: Art supplies, building sets, pretend props, hand puppets, and so much more. When you play with them, they feel your presence, your care.

Action: Active playthings, sports equipment, or anything to keep them moving. Experiences: outings, the beach, mountains, or theme parks

Adventures: These make life (and you) fun, overcome fears, build courag, and more. It could be learning to surf, riding a horse, sitting on a gator, or skimming across a swamp on an airboat. Exploring museums, aquariums, and caves, or learning to fish. Having fun together grows long-lasting memories.

5. Pray for Them

The most important role I play in my grandchildren’s lives is to pray for them.

Father, I pray for C. May he grow to love You with his whole heart. Thank you for his competitive spirit, his hard-charging attitude, his love for active play, and his obvious leadership. Use these strengths for your glory as he grows into the man You created him to be. Father, I pray for A. May he grow to love You with his whole heart.

Thank You for A. May he grow to love You with his whole heart. Thank You for his creative spirit, his artistic bent, his love of words, and his curiosity.  Use these strengths for Your glory as he grows into the man You created him to be.

Father, I pray for E. His exuberance, his boundless energy, and his impish smile. Use these strengths for Your glory as he grows into the man You created him to be.

These and many other prayers I offer to God on behalf of these grandsons.

Conclusion

My husband and I have not done all these things perfectly or even consistently. But we have been intentional to love, engage with, and have fun with our grandkids.

Now I continue to build relationships, talk with, listen to, and seek time with each of them. Of course, I don’t know the future or their paths, but I believe our intentional investments in and prayers for them give them road maps, principles, and ground rules to help them to be now and become all that you have created them for.

Extra Feature – Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day

A specific example of influence through praying is the Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2^nd. This is an annual prayer event that Judy Douglass started. Watch this video for some insight into her own story. Read below as Judy shares about how to prepare our hearts for this impactful day.

It started in the midst of my son’s wilderness journey as a prodigal. It took a while for him to consistently respond to our prayers. Today, he walks with Jesus, loves his family, and works hard at his job. But it was a long journey, for us and for so many others.

Though we do not know exact numbers, we believe thousands pray every year on June 2, for their own wanderers, as well as for many others. I am writing to you today because we have discovered that our enemy, Satan, does not want our loved ones to be set free from the traps and temptations the evil one is always setting for our sons and daughters. Therefore, he does all he can to thwart our prayers. When we pray, we enter enemy territory.

So I am writing some hopefully helpful posts to prepare us for the battle. Because the battle is twofold, the devil is determined to hold on to our prodigals, but he will also do all he can to entrap us. My focus, therefore, in the five thoughts I will be sharing will be first for us, and then for those we love.

My theme for 2026 is 5 Transforming Words. In my many years of seeking to follow Jesus, He has repeatedly revealed and reminded me of five words that have been transformative in my life—and in relating to and praying for my son. Read about those words here and find additional resources here.

How can grandparents intentionally guide the next generation toward Christ? How can they strengthen family relationships in a culture increasingly hostile to biblical truth? And how can they move beyond simply loving their grandchildren to becoming a powerful spiritual influence in their lives?

That is exactly why Legacy Coalition created the new study, Grandparenting Influence. It is the next step for intentional Christian grandparents.  Maybe your church has done Grandparenting Matters. Some explain that study/seminar as Grandparenting 101, while this new study would be likened to Grandparenting 201. Think of it as a follow-up. There is always more to learn!

Grandparenting Influence is designed to equip grandparents to not only be intentional but focuses on being influential spiritual leaders within their families. While many grandparents already understand that they should be purposeful, this study goes much deeper by teaching how influence works and how grandparents can maximize the unique role God has given them.

Larry Fowler, founder of Legacy Coalition and creator of the study, says it this way: “It’s absolutely possible to be intentional, but not influential.” God has entrusted us with the sacred privilege of influencing our grandchildren toward Him.

Why the Topic of Influence Matters More Than Ever

Modern culture often portrays grandparents as optional family members whose primary role is to spoil grandchildren, babysit occasionally, or simply enjoy retirement. Scripture presents something far more significant.

Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly emphasizes the importance of passing faith from one generation to another. Verses such as Deuteronomy 4:9, Psalm 78, and 2 Timothy 1 reveal a multigenerational vision of spiritual legacy. Grandparents are not called to spiritual passivity. They are called to spiritual influence, and that distinction is critical. Judges 2—one of the key passages studied in Grandparenting Influence—shows what happens when influence dies.

Many grandparents already have good intentions. They pray for their grandchildren. They attend family events. They send birthday cards and provide encouragement. These actions are meaningful and valuable. However, intentionality alone does not guarantee influence.

Influence happens when grandparents consistently build relationships, communicate truth, model authentic faith, and create opportunities for spiritual conversations that shape the hearts of their grandchildren over time. In other words, they are grandparents who leave an impression!

The new Grandparenting Influence study addresses this reality directly. It helps grandparents understand that real influence is not accidental. It is cultivated through biblical wisdom, relational investment, and Spirit-led intentionality.

Inside the Grandparenting Influence Study

The Grandparenting Influence study is a comprehensive teaching resource developed by Legacy Coalition to help grandparents examine and strengthen their spiritual influence within their families.

Unlike general parenting studies or family conferences, this study focuses specifically on the unique role grandparents play. Grandparents occupy a distinct position in the family structure. They often have greater emotional access, less daily pressure, more life experience, and opportunities to provide encouragement and spiritual perspective in ways parents sometimes cannot.

The study was developed to help grandparents recognize these advantages and use them wisely. This six-session video study gives practical guidance to help you grow from being intentional to being truly influential in the spiritual lives of your grandchildren. It is available in several formats. You can also experience Grandparenting Influence LIVE as a 6-hour event at your church, led in person by Legacy Coalition Founder, Larry Fowler. It is full of group discussion and fellowship, as well as interaction with Larry.

The six-session series contains 13 videos. This format is designed for churches, small groups, couples, and individual study. It can be customized to fit into a six-week period (one session per week) or up to 13 weeks (one video per week), depending upon the amount of discussion desired. Participants can stream the sessions online or download them digitally. It will also be available in a media bundle with two DVDS and a flash drive. Choose the option that best fits your church’s needs.

A companion workbook provides guided notes, discussion questions, and practical application tools. The structure makes the study flexible for churches, home groups, Sunday School classes, and personal discipleship settings.

Visit the Grandparenting Influence page to learn more and purchase!

Going Beyond Intentionality

One of the most important ideas emphasized in Grandparenting Influence is the difference between being intentional and being influential.

For years, Christian grandparenting ministries have encouraged grandparents to become intentional. That message remains essential. Intentional grandparents recognize their spiritual role and seek to invest purposefully in younger generations. However, Legacy Coalition is now helping grandparents move to the next level.

A grandparent may intend to impact a grandchild spiritually, but influence requires more than desire. It requires trust, consistency, relational connection, emotional understanding, biblical wisdom, and strategic engagement.

Influence grows through relationships.

Children and teenagers are far more likely to listen to people who genuinely know them, understand their interests, and consistently demonstrate love and authenticity. Grandparents who merely lecture often lose influence. Grandparents who build deep relationships often gain a voice that carries lifelong impact.

This study teaches grandparents how to develop that kind of influence.

The sessions cover:

• Think biblically about your role – a focus on priorities and eternity
• The Scriptural foundation for grandparent influence
• When Influence Died – a significant look at Judges 2, comparing it to today
• Resurrecting Influence – understanding the instruction from Psalm 78
• Influence NOW! – a call to urgency
• Six Marks of an Influential Life – authenticity, warm closeness, and four more
• A Heart for Influence – a heart-check regarding perspective and purpose

These themes resonate strongly with modern grandparents who are facing increasingly complex family dynamics as well as the seismic shift in what is influencing our grandchildren today.

Why Grandparents Have Unique Spiritual Influence

One reason the Grandparenting Influence study is so powerful is that it highlights the extraordinary role grandparents uniquely possess.

Research continually shows that grandparents can significantly shape a child’s emotional and spiritual development. Grandparents often provide stability, encouragement, identity, and wisdom. In Christian families, they can also become spiritual mentors who reinforce faith across generations. How we think is directly correlated to what we do, and we desire our grandchildren to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ all their days.

Unlike parents, grandparents often have the advantage of perspective. They have experienced seasons of joy, hardship, failure, and growth. Many have walked with Christ for decades. Their stories and testimonies carry weight.

Grandchildren frequently remember:

• The prayers of grandparents
• Conversations about faith
• Shared family traditions
• Bible stories and spiritual discussions
• Consistent examples of Christian character
• Loving presence during difficult seasons

Legacy Coalition emphasizes that grandparents should never underestimate the power of their example. Children may forget sermons, but they rarely forget authentic faith lived out consistently.

A Biblical Vision for Spiritual Legacy

At the heart of the study is a strong biblical foundation.

Legacy Coalition consistently teaches that Christian grandparenting is not merely a cultural idea but a biblical calling. Scripture repeatedly reveals God’s desire for faith to be transferred intentionally from one generation to the next in a way that influences them. Influence is often built through ordinary moments repeated faithfully over time.

Why Churches Should Pay Attention

The Grandparenting Influence study is not only valuable for individuals. It is also an important resource for churches.

Many churches focus heavily on children’s ministry, youth ministry, marriage ministry, and parenting ministry while overlooking grandparents. Yet grandparents represent one of the largest and most spiritually experienced groups within many congregations.

Equipping grandparents multiplies discipleship influence across generations.

When churches empower grandparents to become spiritual leaders within their families, the impact often extends far beyond a single ministry program. Grandparents can reinforce biblical truth at home, support parents, pray consistently for younger generations, and help create spiritually healthy family cultures.

Legacy Coalition has become widely respected because it helps churches recognize this opportunity.

The study provides churches with a practical tool to:

• Strengthen family discipleship
• Equip older generations for ministry
• Build intergenerational connections
• Encourage spiritual conversations within families
• Support parents raising children in today’s culture
• Create stronger church-wide discipleship pathways

Additional resources provided are church promotional tools to use. There are editable PDFs of a poster or bulletin insert. There are social media images for use with Facebook and Instagram, as well as an email header and promo video.

Churches that invest in grandparent ministry are increasingly discovering that grandparents are not merely spectators in ministry. They are strategic partners in spiritual formation.

The Growing Movement of Christian Grandparenting

The launch of Grandparenting Influence reflects a larger movement happening across Christian ministry.

More grandparents are realizing that their role extends far beyond occasional visits or family celebrations. They are embracing a God-given mission to influence future generations spiritually.

Legacy Coalition has played a major role in advancing this vision.

Through resources such as the Legacy Grandparenting Summit, Grand Monday Nights webinars, books, podcasts, studies, and church training, the organization continues helping grandparents develop a biblical vision for family legacy.

The Grandparenting Influence study fits naturally with that mission. It provides grandparents with both inspiration and practical guidance. Rather than simply encouraging grandparents to “try harder,” the study offers biblical principles, relational wisdom, and actionable strategies for becoming effective spiritual influencers.

As you examine through engagement with Scripture what it means to be an effective spiritual influencer, we hope that you will embrace the six marks of an influential grandparent, executing them with urgency. Remember the Judges 2 warning – may this not be said of our generation.

Visit the Grandparenting Influence page to learn more and purchase!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grandparenting Influence?

Grandparenting Influence is a Christian grandparenting study from Legacy Coalition. It is designed to help grandparents examine and strengthen their spiritual influence in the lives of their grandchildren through biblical teaching and practical application.

Who created the study?

The study was developed by Larry Fowler through Legacy Coalition, a leading Christian grandparenting ministry focused on helping grandparents have a greater spiritual impact on their families.

How many sessions are included?

The six-session study includes thirteen teaching videos along with a companion workbook.

Is the study only for grandparents?

The primary audience is Christian grandparents, but church leaders, family ministry leaders, and adults interested in multigenerational discipleship can also benefit from the material.

Can churches host the study?

Yes. Churches can use the study for small groups, Sunday School classes, grandparenting ministries, family discipleship initiatives, or special events.

What makes this study different from other grandparenting studies?

One of the biggest distinctions is its emphasis on influence rather than merely intentionality. The study helps grandparents understand how to build meaningful relational and spiritual influence that impacts grandchildren over time.

Is the study biblically based?

Absolutely. Scripture and biblical principles form the foundation of the entire study. Legacy Coalition consistently teaches that grandparenting is a biblical calling connected to spiritual legacy.

Why is spiritual influence so important?

Spiritual influence matters because grandparents often have unique opportunities to reinforce faith, model authentic Christianity, encourage younger generations, and point grandchildren toward Christ in lasting ways.

Conclusion

The new Grandparenting Influence study from Legacy Coalition arrives at a critical time.

Families today face unprecedented cultural confusion, spiritual distraction, and relational fragmentation. Yet grandparents remain one of God’s greatest resources for strengthening future generations.

This study reminds grandparents that their role is not finished. In many ways, their greatest spiritual impact may still lie ahead.

Being intentional matters, and becoming influential can change generations.

Grandparents who embrace this calling have the opportunity to leave a legacy far greater than memories, possessions, or traditions. They can help shape hearts for eternity.

Visit the Grandparenting Influence page to learn more and purchase!

The word “influencer” has taken on a whole new meaning in the 21^st century. Many young (and some older) people are actually earning a living (sometimes quite a substantial amount of money) as a so-called “online influencer.”

Grandparents influence their grandchildren spiritually by modeling authentic faith, sharing personal stories, practicing humility, serving others together, and encouraging their God-given gifts. Consistent relationships and intentional conversations help shape a child’s beliefs and can impact their faith for a lifetime.

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. 

Why Grandparents Have a Unique Spiritual Influence

Grandparents, you have an opportunity to be an influencer too, but in a very different way and for a much more important reason. Your intentional discipleship of your grandchildren can influence them to believe in God, turn their lives over to Jesus, and look forward to eternity in the presence of the triune God.

In this blog post, Joannie DeBrito will discuss some practical ways for you to be spiritual influencers in your grandchildren’s lives. Let’s look at some of the ways the Bible encourages us to be influential in our lives as Christians.

1. Set the Example of Godly Character

It begins with demonstrating Godly character in your interactions with your grandchildren and teaching them about good character through your stories. Stories of how you have failed and succeeded in the examples you have set for others.

We find guidance in Galatians 5:22-23, where we learn the fruit of the Spirit, and in Romans 12:2, we are encouraged to experience transformation via the renewing of our mind. Additionally, 2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages us to deepen our faith:  

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” (ESV)

Sharing Your Failures and Growth Authentically

I don’t know about you, but I have plenty of examples where I have followed this guidance, but unfortunately, probably more times when I have failed to set a good example in my life. I often showed more condemning judgment than grace or justified a lie because it was easier than telling the truth. I broke several of the 10 commandments more than once and faced the consequences of these inappropriate behavior examples. Most occurred before I was an adult, but I would be lying right here and now if I asserted that I no longer sin. 

How Transparency Builds Trust with Grandchildren

When my grandchildren talk about struggles in their lives (or get caught with their proverbial hand in the cookie jar), I often talk about a time when I did something similar, the consequences I faced (internally and externally), and how I responded differently later on in a way that glorified God.

Sometimes the stories are pretty easy to tell, and other times, well, they’re messy because not every story has been fully resolved, even this late into my life. I have found that my willingness to be honest with my grandchildren has made them more apt to tell me when they have made a mistake and opened the door to talk about a Savior who will forgive our sins when we confess. This tends to lead to discussions about freedom in Christ. 

I also share examples when good character was demonstrated because of those who raised or mentored me and set good examples for me. 

2. Teach the Power of Humility

Telling the truth requires humility, which reflects the character of Jesus Christ. The world of online influencers shows no evidence of humility. It’s an environment full of self-involved people who will sometimes do almost anything to draw attention to themselves. Our grandchildren can easily be seduced into this world with promises of rich rewards and convinced to reject the values of their parents and grandparents.

However, we can influence our grandchildren to resist the pull away from humility and toward narcissism and entitlement by allowing them to see the natural consequences that come from putting others before themselves in times of need. Being real and vulnerable leads to authenticity, which is desired. 

3. Serve Others Together

When we participate in serving others along with our grandchildren, we can be influential in helping them learn to be grateful for what they have and to see fulfillment in sacrificial service.

Once, when I took my grandchildren along to help clean up the yard of a neighbor who was caring for two disabled family members, I saw both experience surprising joy during a hot, tiring day. They finished working, talking about how thankful they were for their health. Also, how beautiful it was to see the excitement that the caregiver showed when she was able to see her garden after it had been buried under trash for over a year.  Whenever we walk by that house, they comment about how much they enjoyed that day and how it contributed to their desire to serve in many other ways.

Seek influence by pointing out how to be other-focused and not self-focused and absorbed. Be on the alert for ways to encourage and develop this trait.  

4. Discover and Develop God-Given Gifts

Intentional Christian grandparents build authentic relationships with their grandchildren and learn, through observations of them and conversations with them, about their God-given gifts. As grandparents demonstrate how they use their gifts to serve God and lead others to Christ, their grandchildren may be influenced to do the same.

I remember working on a women’s conference with a very well-known Christian speaker and evangelist when she told of how her mother and grandmothers encouraged her to develop her talents in public speaking. At the time, the keynote presenters at women’s conferences were all men, mostly because women were not recognized as potentially having the ability to speak to large audiences and certainly were not offered the opportunity to try. However, the encouragement of this gifted speaker’s older and wiser female family members was influential in giving her the courage to fine-tune her speaking skills and become one of the most sought-after and admired female Christian evangelists of the 20th and 21st centuries.  

5. Inspire Confidence to Use Gifts for God’s Glory

Grandparents, look for your grandchildren’s talents, skills, and gifts and encourage them to think about how they can use them to love and serve others and to glorify God in this life and beyond.

Challenge yourselves to look beyond obvious gifts in academics, sports, or performing arts. Many kids do not have any of those skills. However, some have a dynamic personality or a knack for making people laugh. Others may be extremely sensitive to the feelings of others or excellent at comforting people when they are hurting. Maybe that adventuresome grandson is destined to travel the world spreading the news of the gospel, or that quiet granddaughter who loves to read will write a book that inspires others in their faith.

Let’s remember that all grandchildren, including those who have visible or invisible disabilities, chronic health issues, or mental health diagnoses, have much to offer others. Often, they can draw on experiences that most of us don’t have to inspire courage in us.

Watch, listen, and learn. Every grandchild has something to offer the kingdom, and you may be the first to influence them to that end. By encouraging your grandchildren to accept Jesus Christ, you will contribute not only to their life in eternity but to all those souls that he or she influences as well.

Conclusion

Grandparent, what can you do this week to intentionally begin to spiritually influence your grandchild?

Do you need some ideas? – go to our brand new, free, community-driven resource hub Grand Ideas. You can also share ideas about what you do. It may encourage others to spiritually influence their grandchildren.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of grandparents in spiritual development?

Grandparents play a key role by modeling faith, sharing wisdom, and reinforcing biblical values through consistent relationships.

How can I talk to my grandchildren about faith?

Use everyday moments, ask questions, share personal stories, and keep conversations natural rather than forced.

What if I feel unqualified to disciple my grandchildren?

You don’t need to be perfect—faithfulness, humility, and consistency matter most.

Becoming a Summit host site is not simply about putting a program on your church calendar. It is about shaping generations, equipping families, and stepping into a growing national movement that is redefining Christian grandparenting.

Legacy Coalition has emerged as the clear leader in this space, providing the only national conference focused specifically on Christian grandparents and their spiritual influence. When you host the Summit, you are not starting something from scratch. You are joining a proven, mission-driven initiative that is already impacting thousands of families across the country.

This article will walk you through exactly why hosting the Legacy Grandparenting Summit is a strategic, spiritual, and practical decision for your church.

The Growing Importance of Grandparent Ministry

The cultural and spiritual landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. Families are more dispersed, parents are more stretched, and children face increasing pressure from a secular world. In this environment, grandparents are one of the most underutilized spiritual resources in the church.

Legacy Coalition exists to change that.

Our mission is to equip grandparents to become intentional spiritual influencers in the lives of their grandchildren. Through resources, events, and training, we are helping churches recognize that grandparenting is not a passive season of life but an active calling.

Becoming a Summit host site allows your church to step into this opportunity in a structured and impactful way.

What Is the Legacy Grandparenting Summit?

The Legacy Grandparenting Summit is known as the only national conference on Christian grandparenting. It is a high-quality, content-rich event featuring nationally recognized speakers and a wide range of curated resources.

While the live event takes place annually in major cities around the United States, churches across the country can host a local Summit experience through a one-day simulcast event in the fall. Visit this link to see the theme, speakers, and promo video.

As a host site, your church receives:

• Professionally produced video sessions
• Promotion as an official Summit location
• A structured, easy-to-implement event format
• Access to trusted teaching and resources

This means you can offer a nationally recognized conference experience without the cost or complexity of creating one yourself.

Reason #1 – You Equip Grandparents to Influence Generations

The central reason to host the Summit is simple but powerful. You equip grandparents to pass down faith.

The theme of the Summit emphasizes investing in what lasts and influencing generations for Christ. This is not theoretical teaching. It is practical, biblical guidance that helps grandparents:

• Share their faith with confidence
• Build stronger relationships with grandchildren
• Navigate modern cultural challenges
• Leave a lasting spiritual legacy

When grandparents are equipped, families are strengthened. When families are strengthened, churches grow healthier.

Becoming a Summit host site multiplies that impact within your own congregation.

Reason #2 – You Bring a National Conference to Your Local Church

Most church members will never travel to a national conference. Time, cost, and logistics make it difficult. However, hosting the Summit removes those barriers.

Instead of asking your congregation to travel, you bring the conference to them. The host site model allows your church to offer a high-quality experience that fits into a single-day schedule, typically from morning to late afternoon.

This makes participation:

• More accessible
• More affordable
• More relational
• More adaptable

Grandparents attend with friends, small groups, or spouses. Learning happens together, which increases retention and long-term impact.

Reason #3 – You Strengthen Your Church Community

One of the often-overlooked benefits of hosting the Summit is the community it creates. The event is not just about content. It is about connection.

Participants gather with others who share the same desire to impact their families spiritually. They pray together, discuss what they are learning, and encourage one another.

According to the Summit experience, attendees gain comfort in community as they connect with other grandparents pursuing the same mission.

For your church, this can lead to:

• New small groups forming around grandparenting
• Stronger intergenerational relationships
• Increased engagement among older adults
• A deeper sense of purpose among attendees

Becoming a Summit host site can act as a catalyst for ongoing ministry, not just a one-time event.

Reason #4 – You Align with a Trusted Leader in Christian Grandparenting

Not all conferences are created equal. Legacy Coalition stands out because of its singular focus and national leadership. They are not just event organizers. They are a movement.

Founded by Larry Fowler, the organization has grown into a network that equips churches through blogs, webinars, podcasts, and training resources.

Their credibility comes from:

• Decades of Christian family ministry experience
• Decade of grandparenting ministry experience
• A clear biblical foundation
• A growing national reach
• Consistent, high-quality content

When your church hosts the Summit, you are partnering with a ministry that has already done the heavy lifting. That credibility matters to your congregation and your leadership team.

Reason #5 – You Gain Access to Extensive Resources

Beyond the event itself, one of the strongest advantages of partnering with Legacy Coalition is access to ongoing resources.

Through their resource platform, they provide tools that help grandparents continue growing long after the Summit ends. These include:

• Articles and blogs
• Downloadable guides
• Ministry ideas
• Training materials
• Ongoing encouragement

These resources reinforce what is taught at the Summit and help churches build sustainable grandparent ministries.

Instead of a one-day experience, you create a long-term discipleship pathway.

Reason #6 – You Create a Simple Yet High-Impact Event

One of the biggest barriers to hosting events is complexity, but Legacy Coalition has removed that obstacle.

The Summit host model is intentionally designed to be simple. It fits into a one-day schedule, uses a broadcast format, and includes clear guidance from the Legacy host team.

This means:

• Minimal planning stress
• No need to recruit multiple speakers
• No need to create original content
• A turnkey experience for your church

At the same time, the impact is significant. You get the benefit of a national-level event without the burden of building it yourself.

Reason #7 – You Expand Your Church’s Outreach

Hosting the Summit is not just an internal event. It is also a powerful outreach opportunity.

Grandparents in your community are looking for guidance, encouragement, and connection. Many are not currently engaged in church.

By hosting the Summit, you create a natural entry point for:

• First-time visitors
• Community members
• Extended families

Because the topics are highly relevant and relational, it often draws people who might not attend a typical church event.

This opens the door for:

• Evangelism
• Relationship building
• Long-term church involvement

Reason #8 – You Invest in a Legacy That Outlives You

Perhaps the most compelling reason for hosting the Summit is the long-term impact. The focus is not just on today. It is on generations.

The Summit emphasizes that what we do now affects not only our children and grandchildren but future generations as well. Few church events carry that level of multigenerational significance.

When you equip a grandparent to disciple their grandchildren, the ripple effect can extend for decades. Becoming a Summit host site is not just an event decision. It is a legacy decision.

Reason #9 – You Leverage Ongoing Engagement Through Social Media

Legacy Coalition also maintains an active presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where they share encouragement, resources, and event updates.

This creates ongoing engagement before and after the Summit.

For your church, this means:

• Continued inspiration for attendees
• Shareable content for your ministry
• Reinforcement of key messages
• A connection to a larger national movement

The Summit is not isolated. It is part of an ongoing conversation that continues year-round.

Reason #10 – You Join a National Movement

Since its launch, Legacy Coalition has helped ignite a national grandparenting movement focused on intentional and influential faith transmission.

Becoming a Summit host site places your church within that movement. 

Maybe your church cannot host the event, but one couple in Nebraska thought outside the box. They hosted the Summit at the area Christian school. Listen to their testimony here!

You are not just running an event. You are aligning with a broader mission to mobilize grandparents across the country. That sense of shared purpose is powerful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to host a Summit site?

Hosting a site means your church provides a venue where attendees gather to watch the Summit broadcast, participate in discussions, and experience the event together. Your church is also listed as an official host location.

Is there a cost to host the event?

The cost to host the event is based on your church’s size. Visit this link to see the details. A big bonus is the revenue sharing that is available, so be sure to ask about that. 

How long is the event?

The host site version is designed as a one-day event, typically running from morning to late afternoon. There is much flexibility, so the schedule can be adapted to meet your needs.

Can churches in an area work together to host the Summit?

Yes. Another idea is for a Christian school in the area to host the event.

Why would we want to host again?

Each Summit is different in so many ways. There is a new theme and, therefore, new content and new speakers. No two Summits are alike.

Do we need to provide speakers?

No. The main sessions are delivered via professionally produced video from the national Summit. Your role is to facilitate the local experience.

Is this only for grandparents?

While the primary audience is grandparents, many churches also invite parents, ministry leaders, and anyone interested in family discipleship.

How difficult is it to organize?

The process is intentionally simple. Legacy Coalition provides guidance, structure, and support to help you host successfully.

What kind of impact can we expect?

Testimony after testimony by individual grandparents shows the personal impacts. Not only are individual grandparents affected, but entire churches as well.

Churches often report increased engagement among older adults, stronger family relationships, and new opportunities for discipleship ministry.

Can this lead to an ongoing ministry?

Yes. Many churches use the Summit as a launch point for ongoing grandparent ministry, small groups, or training initiatives.

Conclusion

Hosting the Legacy Grandparenting Summit is more than a strategic ministry decision. It is an opportunity to step into one of the most important and overlooked areas of influence in the church today.

Through the leadership of Legacy Coalition, you gain access to a trusted, national platform that equips grandparents to live out their biblical calling with purpose and clarity.

You strengthen your church, reach your community, and invest in generations to come.

If your church cares about family discipleship, long-term impact, and building a lasting legacy of faith, hosting the Summit is not just a good idea. It is a strategic step forward.

“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.

Josh Mulvihill shared that statement at the 2026 Legacy Grandparenting Summit and expounded on it through the life of Timothy. Let’s take a few minutes and look at Lois, grandmother to Timothy, and see that grandparenting is ministry. This ministry of passing on a rich heritage of faith can come through living out an authentic faith. Don’t underestimate the impact of this calling.

A Personal Story: When Faith Is Not Passed Down

Allow me to share a story with you. Following the death of my father, we came across a treasure while cleaning out his home. We discovered records of our family going back generations.

One of the most startling unearthings did not include earth at all but the moon. There is a crater on the moon named after my grandfather (add several greats), George Willis Ritchey. It was a unique honor bestowed on him because he built the first large, successful American reflecting telescope using the Ritchey-Chretien system. One of his other major accomplishments was his many excellent photos of the moon. That is an amazing story all its own, yet there was still another discovery on the horizon.

Discovering a Forgotten Spiritual Heritage

There was a book written in 1993 that traces the history of the big American telescopes. George Willis Ritchey is featured prominently, tracing his heritage all the way back to his ancestors in Ireland. His grandfather brought the family to the United States from Ireland in 1841. I learned he was Scottish and Presbyterian, like most of his friends and family, from the Protestant region of Ulster.

It was so fascinating to uncover this, but one sentence still stops me: “They spoke with strong Scottish accents throughout their lives and worshipped a mighty, avenging Presbyterian God.” [Pauper & Prince, p. 2]

Up until reading that sentence, I believed, as did my four sisters, that we were first-generation Christians. Now, as adults, this was the first time we knew we had any religious heritage at all. Never had our father or grandparents had any interest in religious things. Saying we were surprised would be an understatement. But the story does not end there.

A Cautionary Tale for Today’s Grandparents

The book goes on to share how the George Ritchey family immigrated to the United States and settled in the Ohio Valley. Their farm was located in Olive Township, with its border Orange Township, the name and color symbols for the Protestant domination of Northern Ireland. Reading that sentence brought a childhood memory into sharp focus. My dad taught us to wear orange for St. Patrick’s Day, although green would be ok too.

Upon further reading, their love and devotion to the Lord was very evident. They sold a parcel of land “six rods square” for a dollar so an Orthodox Presbyterian Church could be erected and the worship of Almighty God could take place. Their children attended Marietta College, a Presbyterian institution, where one of the children learned to play organ. Upon graduation, he became the church organist and its choir director.

Again and again, the stories were recorded in this book – yet never shared with my generation that followed. They were lost until we found this book. We don’t know when the faith legacy stopped being passed on or why. May my story act as a cautionary tale for you – share those stories!

Meet Lois: A Grandmother Who Changed Generations

Now, back to looking at Lois, a grandmother who passed on her faith to her daughter or daughter-in-law Eunice, and to her grandson, Timothy. Lois fulfilled her calling, her purpose that propelled her to share her faith. A calling usually centers around destiny, drive, duty, dedication, and delight. Lois had all of these. With only one mention of Lois in Scripture, it may seem like there is not much to glean, but that would be incorrect.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” – 2 Timothy 1:5

This passage speaks of Timothy’s sincere faith and points us to 2 Timothy 3:14-15 for more information. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

What Is a “Sincere Faith”?

Sincere faith is an authentic faith. A faith that is genuine, wholehearted, and earnest. It is a faith that lasts and continues because it is a convinced faith.

Lois gives a picture of that kind of faith. A faith that was devoted and resilient, that transformed her life as well as Eunice’s and Timothy’s. Timothy learned about sincere faith as he watched his grandmother and mother. He experienced firsthand that sincere faith continues. It continues because it has proven to be real, authentic. What Timothy saw in his grandmother and mother caused him to be convinced – to be completely certain. May our faith be so sincere that our grandchildren are completely certain and consistently continue in it.

Start Early: The Power of Influence from Infancy 

When did this sincere faith begin to affect Timothy? From infancy. Lois’s deep faith and devotion to God helped cultivate Timothy’s character and faith journey. Spiritual values were instilled and built upon as Timothy’s faith grew. Supporting Timothy from infancy shows the importance of grandparents’ involvement in the younger generation.

Timothy became Paul’s companion and partner in the mission field. Timothy’s confidence as a leader in the early church blossomed from this sincere faith shown by his grandmother and mother. A robust faith developed over the years that could withstand hardship and trials.

Prioritize a Godly Upbringing 

Paul references in 2 Timothy 3:14-15 that he knows what Timothy learned as well as who he learned the Scriptures from. This is probably referring to Lois and Eunice in 2 Timothy 1:5. Timothy had been taught the Jewish scriptures from infancy by his grandmother and mother. This passage says that Timothy knew the scriptures. This teaching laid a foundation for his later faith. Further training came when he learned, along with Lois and Eunice, about the Messiah through Paul’s teachings.

Grandma, how are you fulfilling your responsibility to raise your descendants to know God’s Word? How are you sharing your spiritual journey with family members? Consider family traditions that highlight faith while deepening connections. Need some ideas to get you started? Check out the new Grand Ideas page here.

This grandma and mother’s spiritual impact on Timothy caused them to be mentioned by name in Scripture. This is unusual in a time when women were rarely recognized. Their legacy reached further than they probably considered. Timothy became the pastor of the church at Ephesus. His godly influence left an eternal impact on the lives and futures of many children and grandchildren.

Grandma, how are you laying the spiritual groundwork in your grandchildren’s lives so a sincere faith can be developed? How are you involved in prioritizing a godly upbringing in your grandchildren? Who knows what God will do with your faithfulness!

Cultivate Faith That Leads to Salvation

Doing the vital groundwork of bringing up your grandchildren to know God’s word and ways allows the ground to be fertile for cultivating faith. How do we cultivate sincere faith? What are those practices that will help faith grow stronger and deeper? Allow your grandchildren to see you pray, read your Bible, and worship. Each of these can nurture their faith, especially as you share with them.

Be a godly example of cultivating your own faith before your family. Live out your beliefs boldly and actively. As we enrich our own spiritual lives, may it encourage a faith-filled legacy for future generations. Glimpses of your devotion will fan the flame of their devotion. Dr. Josh Mulvihill challenged us to think if our lives speak that Jesus is the most important thing. 

Partnering with Your Adult Children

“God has given your children the job of stewardship, and he has given you the job of being the servant to assist your children.” Dr. Josh Mulvihill

Supporting Without Overstepping

Remember, you are a partner with your adult children. Lois AND Eunice are mentioned together. Scripture seems to speak of them as a team working toward the salvation of Timothy. Lois being mentioned first gives the impression that she may have come to faith first and mentored Eunice’s faith. For certain, Lois was a devoted matriarch who loved her family and sought to promote spiritual growth across generations. 

Locking Arms for the Next Generation

Lois means “more desirable” and symbolizes a strong, nurturing figure in faith. She plays a critical role in demonstrating the importance of faith practices generated through the home. This practice led to a generational faith that impacted her descendants but also the larger community.

How can you support your adult children as they seek to raise their children in God’s ways? How can you lock arms so the generations to come will be impacted for God’s glory and their good?

Conclusion

Whether you are the only spiritual influence in the lives of your grandchildren, the next name in a long line of faithful generations, or a new name after a break in the spiritual influence of generations, carry forth the faith with nurture and devotion through modeling a sincere faith, prioritizing godly upbringing, and cultivating faith as you partner with your adult children. Let’s seek to be a Lois to this next generation. May your family not have a break in the spiritual line of descendants who knew, loved, and served the Lord.

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.

Why Teaching Core Truths Matters for Grandchildren

Biblical Foundation for Early Discipleship

Grandparents should teach grandchildren of all ages the core truths of the Christian faith with a zeal and consistency that follows the pattern of the Bible.

In 2 Timothy 3:15, we read of Timothy, “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writing, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” Psalm 71:17 says, “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”

Importance of Shaping a Lifelong Faith

The pattern of Scripture is for children of all ages to be taught the core truths of the Bible so that they will be firmly rooted in Christ and established in their faith (Colossians 2:7). The following topics should be taught to children of all ages.

Teach the Big Picture of the Bible

Understanding the Bible’s Unified Story

The Bible is not a random collection of people or events. It is a unified whole with one main storyline pointing to, revolving around, and fulfilled in Jesus. There are four major parts of the Bible: Creation (Genesis 1-2), Rebellion (Genesis 3), Salvation (Genesis 4 to Revelation 20), and Re-Creation (Revelation 21-22).

As you read through the Old Testament, help grandchildren see how it points to Jesus and his covenant of salvation. Jesus himself did this: “And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, he explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27).

Avoiding Moralism Without the Gospel

The primary aim of the Bible is to glorify God, and this happens in salvation and judgment found on every page of the Bible. Read and reread the stories of the Bible to your grandchildren with this in mind. Familiarize them with the main stories, people, and events of the Bible, but not in a way that detaches them from the overall storyline of Scripture.

We should call our grandchildren to obey Jesus Christ and can use the heroes of the faith as models to imitate, but let our teaching not dissolve into moralistic instruction separated from the gospel of Jesus or the glory of God.

Answering Life’s Biggest Questions

Teaching the big picture of the Bible accomplishes two things. First, it answers the big questions of life that every young person will ask, such as: Where did I come from? What is the purpose of life? Who am I? What went wrong in the world? Why is there pain and suffering? What is the answer to all the problems? What happens after I die?

Second, it trains young people with a biblical view of life so they have the ability to detect and reject the world’s big lies. When you teach creation, it will help to refute evolution and atheism; rebellion contradicts relativism (God determines right and wrong); salvation in Christ counters all other world religions; and re-creation addresses the problem of evil (we have hope).

Teach the Core Doctrines of the Christian Faith

What Is Doctrine and Why It Matters

The Bible’s word for core truths is the word doctrine. Doctrine is simply a word to describe what the Bible teaches. Paul challenges young Timothy to “watch your life and your doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16). Every grandchild needs to understand the core truths of the Christian faith to grow into a man or woman with convictions to follow God.

Foundational Truths About the Word of God

The two most critical doctrines for grandchildren to learn center on the Word of God and the Son of God. It is a mark of successful grandparenting to teach grandchildren the inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Bible. It should be a high priority for all grandparents to train grandchildren to embrace the supremacy, exclusivity, deity, and Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Additional Truths to Teach as They Grow

In addition, we must repeatedly, with greater depth as grandchildren age, teach topics such as the character and existence of God, God’s design for marriage between one man and one woman, biblical manhood and womanhood, Christ-honoring sexuality, stewardship of time, talents, and treasures, and wise choices based on godly character.

A Biblical Model: Learning from Lois (Timothy’s Grandmother)

One grandparent, who is worthy of closer examination, is Lois. Lois was the grandmother of Timothy and played an important role in his spiritual life (2 Timothy 1:5). The apostle Paul suggests that Lois taught Timothy the Scriptures from an early age, which became foundational in his following Christ (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Lois is a godly grandparent worthy of imitation. Grandparents might consider three principles of instruction for teaching grandchildren.

Early Instruction (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15)

Research reveals that upwards of 80% of individuals become Christians before age twelve. The early years are important years because children are most moldable at this stage of life. Therefore, it is critical to teach faith while the grandchildren are young.

Frequent Instruction (2 Timothy 3:14)

Paul tells Timothy to continue in his firm belief in Christ. Firm belief results from a lot of little conversations over a long period of time that are reinforced at different ages and stages of life. Focus on consistent, on-going conversations.

Biblical Instruction (2 Timothy 3:15)

Notice that Timothy is taught the Bible from a young age. There is no substitute for Scripture-based teaching, as it is the means God uses for salvation of the young. So make Scripture your sure foundation.

Practical Ways Grandparents Can Teach Faith Daily

• Read Scripture regularly together
• Share personal faith stories
• Ask intentional spiritual questions
• Pray with and for grandchildren
• Model a Christ-centered life

Recommended Resources for Teaching Grandchildren

Family Worship Tools

Donald Whitney has written a concise and practical book called Family Worship. I like this book because it can be read in under an hour and provides a quick overview of family worship in the Bible, in church history, and covers the three primary components of family worship. If you would like to develop the habit of regular, consistent family devotions, then this is the book to get.

Age-Appropriate Theology Books

The Bible’s Big Story and The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses will help you teach your grandchildren the big picture of the Bible centered on Jesus Christ.

• The Bible’s Big Story can be read in one sitting with grade school-aged children and touches on the main people and themes of the Bible.
• The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses is perfect for teens and would make a great gift or could be read and discussed over a period of time.

Bible Overview Resources for Kids and Teens

There are many good resources to teach children and youth the core truths of the Christian faith. For children, I recommend The Gospel for Children and What Does the Bible Say about That?  For teens, I recommend Bitesize Theology and Essential Truths of the Christian Faith. These books will help you teach the basics of faith in an age-appropriate way.

Conclusion

Remember, it is small, consistent steps that matter with a heart that trusts God with the results.

May God use your influence for an eternal impact on your grandchildren. To Him be all the glory!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can grandparents teach grandchildren about God?

Grandparents can teach grandchildren about God by reading the Bible together, praying regularly, sharing personal testimonies, and having consistent faith-centered conversations.

At what age should children learn biblical truth?

Children can begin learning biblical truth at a very young age. Scripture encourages teaching from early childhood as a foundation for lifelong faith.

What are the core truths of Christianity for kids?

Core truths include the authority of the Bible, the identity of Jesus Christ, salvation by grace, God’s character, and a biblical understanding of life and purpose.

How do you explain the Bible to grandchildren?

Explain the Bible as one unified story centered on Jesus—covering creation, sin, salvation, and restoration—in age-appropriate ways.

While we tend to think of our calling as a chosen career, a family role, or a particular talent, it’s important to remember our most important calling—to put our trust in Jesus Christ and glorify God in all that we do. We are then called to disciple our grandchildren so they will follow Him too.

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.

In this post, I’ll explore how God can use those things in your life to help you influence your grandchildren for Christ.

Discipleship Begins with the Example of Your Life

In Galatians 5:22-23, we are asked to live by the Holy Spirit, and if we do, the Spirit will produce in us fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Have you ever noticed that when one of those traits (or other valuable traits such as humility, perseverance, and compassion) is a strength in a person, he or she is often known for that trait?

My father was a children’s dentist, beloved by his patients and their parents. He was extremely kind and gentle and was highly admired for having patience with the most resistant little mouths. When he died, a former patient who was a writer at the New York Times wrote a column about my dad’s abundance of patience and how it made such an important impression on her. His patience made a similar impression on me and has contributed significantly to my methodical exploration of Christianity, consideration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and perseverance through some times of suffering.

My mother was good at asking questions and encouraging me to develop critical thinking skills to exercise good decision-making and self-control. I appreciated the balance my parents provided between exposing me to Christianity as a child without forcing me to participate in a lot of religious activities and allowing me to make my own decisions about faith in God.

Long before conversations about faith happen, grandchildren observe how grandparents live.

How would people describe you? Would they notice that you find joy in every situation or consistently serve others with humility? Are you the one who gently cares for animals and carefully nurtures flowers in your garden, or do you show faith in the most extreme circumstances? The first way you disciple your grandchildren is by letting them see the reflection of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Calling Found in Your Life Experiences

Our personal traits, special gifts, and experiences growing up tend to direct us toward chosen professions or a specific path in life, such as being a full-time parent or a lay artist, counselor, pastor, or missionary. These roles tend to be generally easy for us and bring us fulfillment and joy because they require less effort than roles that require us to get out of our comfort zones. We can use our calling related to life experiences to disciple our grandchildren and encourage them on their faith journey.

Are you a scientist who marvels at the wonders of God’s creations all around you? If so, you can use your calling to help your grandchildren see that the complexities of the human body, animal and plant life, the solar system, and how they all influence one another could only be the work of a divine, intelligent creator.

Did you grow up the eldest of many children, helping your parents cook for the family? If so, you may love to cook and find the planning and preparation of meals to bring you joy when so many others feel burdened by having to decide what to make for dinner. This would describe one of my grandmothers and when I was growing up, she often took the time to talk to me about Jesus while we were cooking together. She would tell me how she might make the manna that fell from the sky when God let it rain down on the Israelites. While making grape jelly from the grapes that grew on vines outside of her house, she would surmise that her grapes might taste like those consumed in liquid form when Jesus turned water into wine.

Simple activities like cooking, gardening, or walking together create natural opportunities to talk about Scripture and God’s work.

Ask yourself, “What makes me uniquely qualified to use the calling of my life experiences to disciple my grandchildren?

How God Uses Hard Seasons for Ministry

Sometimes, the tragedies of one’s life may be used as a calling to help others who are suffering or offer preventive help to people so they do not experience avoidable suffering. For instance, many support groups have been started by people who have recovered from (or learned to successfully manage symptoms related to) physical and mental illnesses, infertility, infidelity, the loss of a loved one, domestic violence, abuse of all kinds, addictions, and various forms of trauma.

Difficult experiences can become powerful testimonies that teach grandchildren about perseverance, faith, and serving others.

Is it possible that the purpose of your previous pain was so God could use you to minister to others and thereby expose your grandchildren to the importance of serving others?

Using Your Unique Gifts

We all have gifts in some areas. It’s easy to point out the obvious ones, such as artistic, musical, athletic, or intellectual gifts. Not only are these easy to spot, but there are awards programs that draw attention to those who have these kinds of special skills. These gifts are often part of a person’s calling and can be used with grandchildren to help them learn to express themselves and their faith in various ways, witness to friends on athletic teams, or serve God by helping classmates who are struggling in school.

If you don’t have any of those specific gifts, fear not, as everyone has some. I benefit from a loved one’s more unusual superpowers on a regular basis. She is a human GPS system. You know the type. While people like me, who are “directionally impaired,” get lost turning around in a circle, she can wander around in a huge city she has never been to for hours and effortlessly find herself back to where she started without asking for directions or using a map. It’s not uncommon for me to enter a lady’s restroom, only to attempt to exit via a cleaning closet. This may sound like a silly gift but that loved one once got the group she was traveling with on an international mission trip out of a potentially dangerous situation by applying her human GPS skills, while others in the group used their abilities to speak multiple languages and manage conflicts well to resolve some serious problems. These unique callings can be applied to disciple grandchildren in as many ways as there are different gifts.

Are you aware of your special gifts? If not, challenge yourself to identify them or ask those close to you to tell you where they think you are gifted.

In Romans 12:3-8, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to serve God by using the gifts of prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhorting, giving, and mercy. All of these can be used to encourage and support our grandchildren in various ways. Consider what God may have given you to disciple your grandchildren. Then be creative in thinking of ways to live it out practically and intentionally before your grandchildren.

Conclusion

Spiritual influence rarely happens by accident—it grows through consistent love, prayer, and presence.

All are related to the Christian faith and emulate the life of Jesus Christ, so we come full circle to that primary goal I mentioned at the beginning of this blog: to help our grandchildren put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and glorify God in all that they do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is discipling grandchildren important for Christian grandparents?

Grandparents play a powerful role in shaping faith because they offer wisdom, time, and spiritual perspective that can influence grandchildren for generations.

How can grandparents naturally talk about faith with grandchildren?

Faith conversations often happen best during everyday activities such as meals, travel, hobbies, or storytelling about life experiences.

What if my grandchildren do not live nearby?

Grandparents can disciple from a distance through prayer, phone calls, video chats, letters, and sharing Scripture or encouragement.

Do grandparents need special training to disciple their grandchildren?

No. The most important factor is living out authentic faith and intentionally pointing grandchildren toward Christ.

What is the most important way to influence grandchildren spiritually?

Modeling a genuine relationship with Jesus is the most powerful witness grandparents can give.

For grandparents, sharing a personal testimony can be one of the most powerful ways to pass faith on to the next generation. When grandchildren hear how God has worked in the lives of those they love, faith becomes real and personal.

Tim and Sue Johnson, grandparents and followers of Christ, share the story of how God rescued them from pride, self-reliance, and hidden sin to place their confidence in Christ’s righteousness alone. Their journeys are unique, yet they point to the same life-changing truth: Jesus saves, transforms, and faithfully continues His work in us.

Tim’s Story: From Confidence in Self to Confidence in Christ

A Fragile Beginning and God’s Protection

I came into this world in 1953, a time when medical advances were far from what we have today, specifically for premature babies. The doctor told my mother that there was very little chance I would survive, so they put me in a pure oxygen tank, hoping for the best.

Back then, they didn’t realize that high-dose oxygen in preemie babies could lead to blindness, which is what happened to thousands of babies. By the grace of God, my life was spared, and my vision was not impaired. While I did not suffer physical blindness at birth as so many babies did, I, along with all the members of my family, was spiritually blind, unable to see our need for a Savior.

When I was five years old, our entire family of five at the time gave their lives to Christ within that year. I first heard the good news about Christ at a “Good News” backyard bible club. Being very shy, I did not go forward when the invitation was given, but later that night, with the help of my parents, I gave my life to Christ, confessing my sin and asking Him to save me.

The Danger of Quiet Pride

As I grew up, most would have described me as a very quiet, polite “good boy” – probably a lot like Timmy from the TV program “Lassie”. I was well-liked, and people constantly told me what a wonderful boy I was. While I had given my life to Christ, over time I began to find my identity in what others thought of me as well as in my achievements. I became confident in my own righteousness. I failed to see much of the sin in my life.

Over the years, God has patiently opened my eyes to my own pride. I was proud of my own righteousness, my upbringing, attendance at a reputable college, my wife, my family, working for a large corporation with all the promotions and awards, my home, my Bible knowledge, the ministries I’ve been involved with … the list goes on and on.

Learning to Boast Only in the Cross

These are no longer what I place my confidence in or what define me. With the apostle Paul, I say, “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That’s the man I want to be known as, and by His grace, that’s the person He is making me to be. As John Newton, the writer of the song “Amazing Grace” stated as he reflected on his life: “…I remember two things very clearly, that I am a great sinner, and Christ is a Great Savior!”

On my office wall above my desk, I have a picture of some clay pots of various sizes, shapes, and colors. On the frame of that picture are the words from 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” I like the way the NLT puts it, “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”

Many years ago, God took a fragile clay pot, one that wasn’t very impressive, in fact unimpressive, and chose me to be His own. I am so grateful He did!

Sue’s Story: From Hidden Sin to Surrender

Searching for Love in the Wrong Places

I grew up as a middle child in a large family of 6 kids. Outwardly, I appeared to be a “good girl” all the while covering up my sinful, prideful life. As a teenager, I was looking for love and satisfaction in relationships with guys. I was resisting God as shown through my sinful inward rebellion. I was not willing to let God rule supremely in my life.

Growing up in a God-fearing home, I had been given opportunities to hear and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ, but my pride and rebellion kept me from giving my life to Him. Titus 3:3 describes my condition at that time, ”Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures…”

A Loving Confrontation that Changed Everything

When I was 20 years old, a sophomore in college, I had been living somewhat of a double life around my Christian parents. I thought I had been hiding my sinful lifestyle and choices. However, when my older sister, Carolyn, and her husband came home at Christmas, she was not fooled. They had traveled from Massachusetts, where my brother-in-law was attending seminary. I recognized that what I thought I had been deceitfully hiding the past few years must have been very obvious in my outward demeanor and attitude, that I was heading down the wrong path. During her time at home, I clearly remember my sister sitting on the bed with me as we caught up on sister talk. Then she turned to me and lovingly yet boldly confronted me, saying,” Sue, you need to get right with God.” Immediately, the Holy Spirit used her words to bring conviction to my heart about my sinful lifestyle.

Titus 3:4 says, “But when God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” It was His amazing grace and mercy that touched my life and brought conviction of sin. 

New Life and a New Direction

My sister prayed with me. I confessed my sin, asking Christ Jesus to cleanse me from my sin. I surrendered, putting my trust completely in Him. Some verses that meant a lot to me are:

• 1 John 1:9  “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
• Romans 5:8,9 “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
• John 14:6 “ Jesus says, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

God’s Faithfulness Through the Years

The love of God poured over me, filling me with joy and peace in my new life in Christ Jesus. I no longer wanted anything to do with my old life. The pull of sin was gone. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” I was a new creation.

I desired to follow Christ with all my heart and live my life for His glory!! I went back to Massachusetts with my sister and brother-in-law, where they discipled me in the Word and in the basics of what it means to follow Jesus. I returned to college and got involved with a campus ministry where I met my husband, Tim.

God has graciously given us 47 years of marriage together and 4 children, one who is with the Lord in heaven, and 10 grandchildren. These 47 years have not been without their share of trials and heartache. However, Tim and I can now look back and know that in God’s loving and sovereign purposes, He has used all the difficult things to bring about conviction, repentance, and a stronger dependence on Him to use those hard things for our good and for His glory! (Romans 8:28,29) 

We are confident with the apostle Paul, that “He who began a good work within us will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Phil.1:6) We are so grateful for the influence and encouragement we have found in being part of the Legacy Coalition for the past several years. It has reinforced our desire for the responsibility we have as parents and grandparents to disciple our children and grandchildren. We do this by encouraging them in the Word and by the grace of God, living out authentic Christian lives by displaying our love for God and others.

The Calling of Grandparents: Passing Faith to the Next Generation

Tim and Sue’s stories remind us that the gospel transforms lives in profound ways. Whether through the quiet realization of pride and self-reliance or through the conviction of hidden sin, God graciously opens our eyes to our need for Him. Salvation is never earned through good behavior, reputation, or accomplishments—it is received through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ.

Their testimony also highlights an important calling for grandparents: to faithfully share the story of God’s work in their lives with the next generation. Children and grandchildren need to hear how God rescues sinners, sustains believers through trials, and continues shaping His people for His glory.

Like fragile jars of clay carrying a priceless treasure, our lives are meant to display the surpassing power of God. And when we tell our stories of grace, we point those who come after us to the same Great Savior who has faithfully led us all along the way.