Happy New Year! As we make our resolutions and vow to start anew, this is the perfect time to set new goals and reflect on how we can encourage families to grow in their faith. While adults often make resolutions about exercise, work, healthy habits, or promising to actually finish that “Bible in a Year” plan, why not invite kids to make some faith-filled resolutions too?
Here are a few simple, practical, and fun ideas to strengthen your family’s faith in the year ahead. These resolutions are easy to keep, meaningful, and will help you draw closer to God and each other!
1. Read a Bible Story Together Every Week
Carve out time once a week to gather as a family and read a Bible story together. Whether it’s during breakfast, after dinner, or before bed, this simple practice can help kids become more familiar with God’s Word and see how His story connects to their lives.
Tips to Get Started:
- Choose a children’s Bible with engaging illustrations or one that’s geared toward your kids’ ages.
- Let each child take turns picking the story or reading it aloud.
- Discuss the story afterward by asking questions like:
- What did you learn about God?
- How can we live out this story this week?
Example Resolution:
“We will read one Bible story together every Sunday night after dinner!”
2. Learn a New Memory Verse Each Month
Hide God’s Word in your hearts by learning a new memory verse together each month. This is a fun way for kids (and parents!) to stay grounded in Scripture. Choose short, easy-to-remember verses that are relevant to your family’s life and faith journey.
Ideas to Make It Fun:
- Create a “Memory Verse Board” in your home where you display each month’s verse.
- Use hand motions, songs, or rhymes to make memorization easier.
- Celebrate each time your family learns a new verse with a small reward or special treat.
Example Resolution:
“We will memorize one new Bible verse every month and say it together at bedtime!”
3. Practice Gratitude with Weekly Thank-You Notes
Gratitude helps us recognize God’s blessings, big and small. This year, encourage your family to practice gratitude by writing weekly thank-you notes. These could be notes to God, each other, teachers, friends, or anyone who has blessed your family.
How to Do It:
- Set aside 10 minutes once a week (perhaps every Friday) for a “gratitude time.”
- Provide colorful paper, cards, and crayons or markers.
- Write short thank-you notes or draw pictures that express gratitude.
- Place thank-you notes to God in a “Gratitude Jar” or send the notes to friends and loved ones.
Example Resolution:
“Every Friday, we will write a thank-you note to God or someone who has helped us.”
Why These Resolutions Matter
Faith-filled resolutions like these help keep God at the center of your family life. They are more than just goals—they are ways to grow in love, faith, and gratitude together. As you embark on this new year, remember that God is with you and the families in your ministry every step of the way.
So grab your Bible, your pens, and your family calendar, and start this year off with resolutions that nurture your hearts and your faith. You’ll be amazed at how these small, consistent actions can shape a family’s spiritual life!
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