Hope & A Future
Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) recently released a new report called the "2025 Hope and A Future" report. This report (authored by Brad Wilcox, Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia) examines the current state of the American dream, particularly in Ohio. It’s an interesting read and one we wanted to share with you all (link below). The report reveals the negative effects the collapse of the family unit and a decline in marriage have had in Ohio and across America. There’s also an interesting “Family Structure Index” which gives a ranking to all 50 states according to the health of their family culture.
A summary of Wilcox’s report is that he highlights a decline in belief in the American dream, with only one in three U.S. adults feeling it still holds true, (a decrease from half in 2012). This decline is attributed not only to economic factors but also to the deteriorating state of the American family.
In Ohio, the report notes significant challenges: the state ranks third in deaths of despair (suicide, drug overdoses, alcohol poisoning), 15th in child poverty with 17% of children living below the poverty line, and falls in the bottom quintile for hope. Additionally, Ohio stands 29th on the Family Structure Index, which assesses marriage rates, family stability, and fertility.
The report emphasizes the strong correlation between family stability and positive outcomes in education, poverty reduction, child well-being, public safety, and economic mobility. It also raises concerns about declining fertility rates and their potential impact on Ohio's demographic future.
To address these issues, the report suggests a series of public policies and civic measures aimed at strengthening marriage and family life across Ohio. These recommendations are directed towards the legislature, businesses, churches, and families, with the goal of ensuring that every Ohioan has the opportunity to achieve a "better, richer, and happier life" as envisioned in the American dream.
This is another interesting data set which reinforces something we already know…the family unit is very important! While it’s not a surprise to see data supporting the fact that a life aligned with God’s word is good (and leads to more desirable outcomes!), it’s a stark reminder of the consequences of a life that isn’t. Our mission here is to support that key role our families have, so we want to leave you with some practical steps to keep leading intentionally in your home!
1. Family Devotions: Set aside time each day to read Scripture together, discuss its meaning, and pray as a family. This could be a morning ritual, during dinner, or before bedtime. Our staff have added monthly devotional plans your family can use in the Calvary app if you aren’t sure where to start. You’ll be able to find annual plans and monthly devotional plans that we recommend.
2. Model Prayer: Pray regularly with your children! Not just in times of need, but in moments of gratitude and joy. Let them hear you pray for them, their futures, and God’s guidance in their lives.
3. Intentional Conversations: Use everyday moments to point back to God’s truth. Whether it’s discussing a challenge at school or talking about current events, lead the conversation towards a biblical perspective.
4. Church Involvement: Regular church attendance as a family is crucial. Show your children the importance of being part of a community of believers and serve together in your church. From time to time, we’ll hear frustrations about church, which may include serving with challenging people, disagreements over a church policy, or differences in preferred style of worship. The main point here is that the church has been established by God as His way for us to be connected and further our walk with Him. It’s simply our job to be obedient to scripture!
5. Personal Growth: The most powerful way to disciple your children is to live out your own faith authentically. Children will see this!
View the CCV “Hope & A Future” report here → Family Structure Index | CCV
Research Emphasizes the Importance of Family Devotions
Parenting is both a privilege and a responsibility, especially when it comes to the spiritual formation of children. At Calvary, we believe the home is the primary place where a child’s faith is nurtured and developed. Yet, recent research highlights the challenges parents face in successfully passing down their beliefs to the next generation.
A study by Francis, Fawcett, and McKenna found that only half of a parent's religiosity is successfully transmitted to their children. Even more sobering is the statistic that when only one parent is a believer, the likelihood of passing down their faith drops to just 22%. These numbers remind us of the importance of an intentional and unified effort in nurturing faith at home.
Unfortunately, family devotion time has become less common than in previous generations. This decline has significant implications for the relational and spiritual dynamics of the family. Research conducted by ACSI reveals that families who prioritize devotion time together experience notable benefits:
- A 15% increase in children feeling comfortable talking to their parents about faith.
- A 20% increase in families spending quality time together.
- A 12% increase in parents being willing to discuss anything with their children.
These findings reinforce what Scripture teaches about the importance of intentional time spent in worship, prayer, and conversation within the family unit. Significantly, studies show that the specific materials used during family devotion time are less important than the habits themselves. Simply reading the Bible together and praying as a family have the most enduring impact on children’s spiritual growth.
As parents, your role in shaping your children’s biblical worldview cannot be overstated. More than anyone else, you have the opportunity and responsibility to model and instill faith in your children. We exist to partner with you in this eternally significant work! While our programs and teaching aim to reinforce a biblical worldview and truth, the home is where these values must be cultivated and lived out daily.
We encourage you to prioritize family devotion time, no matter how simple it might be. If you need a starting point, head over to the CCS app and click on the family devotion tile. There you’ll find monthly and annual devotionals to support your family devotion routine. Your intentionality will not only shape your children’s faith but also strengthen your family relationships in profound ways. Let’s continue the work to teach truth and prepare disciples!
Spiritual Formation Starts at Home: The Role of Parents in Discipleship
At Calvary Christian School, we believe spiritual formation begins long before a child steps into the classroom. It starts in the home, where parents are called to be the primary spiritual guides for their children. The Bible clearly emphasizes the responsibility parents have to disciple their kids, nurturing them to grow in faith, wisdom, and love for the Lord.
Biblical Foundations for Parental Discipleship
In Deuteronomy 5, Moses is given the ten commandments and in the following chapter, God commands us to keep His law and Word always before us, saying, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
This passage reminds me that discipleship is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that is supposed to be a part of daily life. Parents should see the opportunity to use conversations at the dinner table, bedtime routine, time spent hanging around McKinley Fields to share God’s truth and model a Christ-centered life. This doesn’t have to be a sermon! It can be as simple as recognizing the beautiful day that God has given us or being thankful for the health and energy we have to run around a soccer field.
Similarly, Ephesians 6:4 speaks directly to fathers, urging them to take an active role:
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
This verse is one that highlights the unique role of fathers in shaping the spiritual direction of their children. Research supports this biblical truth. Studies show that when fathers take the lead in spiritual matters, the impact on their children’s faith is profound. In families where the father is a committed Christian and actively leads in faith, approximately 75% (and maybe an even a higher number depending on which study you look at) of the children continue to walk with the Lord into adulthood. This is compared to only about 15% when the father is disengaged spiritually. Wow! A 60% increase simply from the father taking an active role in their child’s spiritual development? What an opportunity!
Practical Steps for Parents
So how can parents, especially fathers, actively disciple their children at home? Here are a few practical ideas: This does not have to be intimidating!
Family Devotions: Set aside time each day to read Scripture together, discuss its meaning, and pray as a family. This could be a morning ritual, during dinner, or before bedtime. Our staff have added monthly devotional plans your family can use in the Calvary app if you aren’t sure where to start. You’ll be able to find annual plans and monthly devotional plans that we recommend.
Model Prayer: Pray regularly with your children! Not just in times of need, but in moments of gratitude and joy. Let them hear you pray for them, their futures, and God’s guidance in their lives.
Intentional Conversations: Use everyday moments to point back to God’s truth. Whether it’s discussing a challenge at school or talking about current events, lead the conversation toward a biblical perspective.
Church Involvement: Regular church attendance as a family is crucial. Show your children the importance of being part of a community of believers, and serve together in your church. From time to time, we’ll hear frustrations about church, which may include serving with challenging people, disagreements over a church policy, or differences in preferred style of worship. The main point here is that the church has been established by God as His way for us to be connected and further our walk with Him. It’s simply our job to be obedient to scripture!
Personal Growth: The most powerful way to disciple your children is to live out your own faith authentically. Children will see this!
Partnering with Parents
At Calvary Christian School, we understand the vital role parents play in the spiritual formation of their children, and we want you to understand it too! Our goal is to come alongside you, provide biblical instruction, support for your home, a nurturing environment, and a Christian community to reinforce the biblical values taught at home. As parents, you have the primary role to disciple your children. We are passionate about seeing young minds turned towards Jesus as they grow not only in academic areas but more importantly in their walk with the Lord. People often talk about future society with fear, frequently worried about the direction the world is heading. We can say on the flipside that we see 500 students currently being rooted in God’s Word every day and will someday soon take that light to Logan county, our state, and our country to shine brightly for Jesus, impacting those around them as well. Now that’s an exciting future!
Partnering with Parents: Monitoring Social Media and Encouraging Family Time
As we continue our mission to disciple believers in Christ, we recognize our role in helping guide the whole family as we work towards the profile of a graduate. We know there are many challenges that our world presents in an attempt to minimize the effectiveness of biblical worldview development, so we must be vigilant and intentional in our efforts. In today’s digital age, the challenges of monitoring social media and online use have become more complex and critical than ever before.
The Impact of Screen Time and Social Media - Phil 4:8
The allure of screens and social media can be powerful. While technology offers numerous benefits, it also presents risks, particularly for young minds still learning to navigate the world. Excessive screen time has been linked to various issues, including decreased attention span, disrupted sleep patterns, and, as we’ve observed, increased anxiety and other mental health concerns. Social media, in particular, can foster unhealthy comparisons, expose children to inappropriate content, and detract from the face-to-face interactions essential for developing strong interpersonal skills.
As parents, it’s crucial to actively monitor and guide your children’s online activities. Setting limits on screen time is not just about reducing exposure to potentially harmful content; it’s about encouraging your child to engage in more meaningful, God-honoring experiences, both within the family and in their personal lives.
Encouraging Family Time
One of the most effective ways to counterbalance the influence of screens is to prioritize family time. Engaging in activities together, whether it’s sharing meals, playing games, or simply talking about the day, helps build stronger family bonds and provides your child with the needed connection.
Here are a few conversation starters you can use when your child comes home from school:
“What was the best part of your day today?” This question encourages your child to reflect on positive experiences.
“Did you learn something new or interesting in class today?” This helps them engage with what they’ve learned and share it with you.
“How did you spend your break times?” This can give you insight into how they interact with peers and use their free time.
“Did anything surprise or challenge you today?” Encouraging them to share challenges fosters resilience and problem-solving skills.
“What did you learn about God and His character today?” Encourage students to think about their lessons from the day and what they’ve learned about who God is.
These questions not only help you stay connected with your child’s daily life but also signal that you are interested and involved in their world, which can open the door to deeper conversations.
The Importance of Physical Activity and Personal Connection - 1 Cor. 6:19-20
In addition to monitoring screen time, it’s vital to emphasize the importance of physical activity in your child’s life. Regular exercise is not only essential for physical health but also plays a significant role in mental well-being. Whether it’s participating in sports, taking a walk together, or just playing outside, encouraging your child to be active helps reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Moreover, personal connections are key to developing empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. By fostering environments where your child can engage in real-world interaction; whether through family time, extracurricular activities, or social gatherings…you are helping them build the social skills they need to thrive!
Partnering Together for Our Children’s Future
At Calvary, we’re committed to partnering with you all as we seek to guide our students toward that picture of transformation in Jesus Christ. One small way we can do that is by taking proper precautions with social media and how we engage with those around us. Let us strive together each day to be ambassadors for Christ who are daily seeking to be more like Him!