GUEST: DR. GEORGE BARNA, Director, Cultural Research Center, Arizona Christian University
Christian parents have their greatest call to discipleship right in their own homes. And it seems pretty straightforward. Scripture says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4).
In other words, don’t be overbearing with your kids, but bring them up (ongoing process), correcting what is wrong and teaching what is right according to God’s standard in His Word.
Anyone who has been around children knows that raising children is one of the greatest challenges and greatest blessings in life. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s hard and exhausting dealing with an unregenerate child or even a Christian child who gives in to their flesh. But there’s no greater joy than to have a child be born again and choose to love and follow the Lord.
Dr. George Barna is the most well-known Christian researcher, perhaps in the world. He is the director of the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, which focuses on “worldview assessment and development, and cultural transformation.”
In his latest book, Raising Spiritual Champions, Barna reveals extensive research when it comes to the worldview of parents, youth pastors, and children.
Some of the headlines from the research:
- 68% of parents think of themselves as Christian but only 2% have a biblical worldview
- 64% of youth ministers believe there is no absolute moral truth
- Less than 1% of 13-14 year old Americans have a biblical worldview
- 67% of all Americans who ever accept Jesus Christ as their Savior do so before the age of thirteen
These data partially explain why our nation is becoming more secular and more God-less generation after generation. But you and your children are much more than a statistic. God gives Christians the road map and the resources to be the exception to these troubling trends.
Dr. George Barna joins us this weekend on The Christian Worldview to discuss “raising spiritual champions”.
As Christians, the ultimate goal for your child is to embody the characteristics of Christ―the Son of God sent to demonstrate His desire for us. But how can you realistically help your child imitate the life of Jesus Christ? Raising Spiritual Champions is a dynamic, Bible-based, research-supported guide for the parents of tomorrow’s Christian Church.
