CLARK THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

AOLIJEN: MOKOKCHUNG
GROUP-15

COURSE TITLE : Introduction to Christian Education

TOPIC : Role of family in Christian Education: Worth of the child in
the
Family; Value System of the Family
PRESENTERS : Mr. Shanglong M, Ms. Ngunying C. Konyak, Ms. Esther,
Ms. Shahsa Marchie M. Sangma
RESPONDENTS : Mr. Nchanglangbou Newmai, Mr. Tobeka Richard Chisi,
Ms. Merenkumla, Ms. Nzanrhoni E. Kithan
COURSE FACULTY : Dr. Moalila
___________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
In this paper, we will discuss on the role of family in Christian Education with special focus
on the worth of the child and value system of the family. We will deal with the importance of
introducing Christian Education in the life of the children in the family for their faith
development and to cultivate Christian values that would shape and mold their lives. For a
detailed understanding, let us look further in the following lines.

1. ROLE OF FAMILY IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Family plays an important role in educating the children in upbringing them with biblical
knowledge and teaching them to participate in Christian community and its way of life. It is
the responsibilities of the parents to impart Christian education because family is the first and
the closest environment that children have. Christian education in a family focuses on giving
Christian values which would shape the identity of the children. Parents not only fulfill
physical or material needs of the children but they are also responsible in guiding them in
spiritual maturity.1

1.1. WORTH OF THE CHILD IN THE FAMILY

Harrower said that no ideas can become the permanent possession of the world which do not
first enter through the door of the child. 2 By the age of three, parents have done more than
half of what they will ever do for their child. It is important to know the worth of providing

1
Manullang and Hotliong Verawaty, “Christian education in the Family as the First Fortress
in the Disruptive Era. Juanda,” EasyChair Preprint, (Decembe 31, 2019): 3-4.
2
Clarence H. Benson, An introduction to Child Study (USA: Moody Press, 1942), 26.
Christian education to a child. The life of a child is important which can be recognized from
the following facts:

1.1.1. Christ was a Child:

Rather than straight becoming flesh and dwelling among humans as a mature adult, Christ
first passed through the long preparatory stages of infancy and adolescence and finally
emerged into his comparatively short period of adult life. Christ represented the ideal of
childhood and sanctified forever all the pertains of it. He was of Jewish race and the Jews
never neglected any child. Children were appreciated, loved and nurtured with the utmost
care for their place and part in life. Josephus 3, while he argued with Apion said, “Our
principal care of all is to educate our children.” This was the attitude towards children with
which Jesus came naturally into contact.

1.1.2. Children are the Builders of the Home:

The children do need a home to live in, but in the strict and truest sense children are necessary
to build a home. A nation is built when a home is built. When a child is born, the
responsibilities of the parents in raising the child motivates them to prioritize positive actions
and contribute to society for their child’s well-being and future. The trustful spirit of the
young child is one of the most beautiful things in the world. There is no compliment that a
parent can receive like the upturned face of a child speaking wonder and confidence. The
implicit faith of the children disseminates doubt and furthers the mutual faith of husband and
wife.

1.1.3. Children are the builders of society:

The existence, helplessness and needs of the children become a strong argument for
cooperation and peace in community life. This are the facts of history, that child life has been
a large contributor to the peace and uplift of a community. It is the child that keeps the world
sweet and hopeful. Without childhood, the human race would draft into pessimism and hatred
and despair.4

1.1.4. The Discipline of a Child Builds a Person of Good Character/Habit:

There is no more important law than the law of habit. A habit can almost be said to be a fixed
pared of us, and established fundamental of our life. It is very hard to get rid of a habit. We
form them step by step, act by act, but eventually they become strong that they are difficult to
3
He was a Professor of Religion and Archaeology Duke University. He is currently among
the most enigmatic personages in the history of Jewish people.
4
Clarence H. Benson, An introduction to Child…, 27-30.
overcome. Good habits are formed in much the same was as bad habits - line upon line and
precept upon percept and almost without our realizing that we are forming them. Young
people especially, therefore, should take care of which path they follow. Many positive and
important habits, lessons, intellectual and morals are generally acquired in childhood. Habits
such as prayer, Bible reading, Christian observances, etc. are also the result of religious
discipline.5

1.2. VALUE SYSTEM OF THE FAMILY

Family values are beliefs, ethics, priorities, and worldviews shared by each family member.
These behavior codes create structure in families and can define each member’s role. They
also help families cope with difficult challenges and determine right from wrong in complex
situations.6

2.1.1. Parental Responsibilities:

The parents’ main and first responsibility as the children’s teachers is such a burden and need
strong understanding and commitment. These responsibilities start from the day a child is
born until he or she grows up and gets married. In Christian households, family regulation
often revolves around adhering to Biblical principles, emphasizing the parents’ responsibility
to nurture and guide their children in accordance to Christian values. Parents teach moral
values, foster love and provide spiritual foundation. This responsibility is held in purpose that
children will have Christian character in them so that they can make a good society.

2.1.2. Worship with Family:

Family becomes the first place where God’s presence is felt by children and His truth is
taught to them. The worship in the family becomes the center of spiritual activity where the
family members learn how to worship and praise God. The faith and believe of parents in
family becomes very effective and impacts the spiritual growth of the children. Maintain
personal relationship with God and having quiet time becomes too important a matter not to
be emphasized with the children. Worship begins as a family affair. The parents must serve as
priest and the home should be a center of worship and instruction before the children.
Religious activity should be naturally integrated in the life of Christian families that it
becomes a vital process of living.7

5
Clarence H. Benson, An introduction to Child…, 30-31.
6
Brianna Anderson, 7 Values for Strong Families, https://www.webmd.com/balance/7-values-
for-strong-families, accessed on 19th February, 2024.
7
Dan Brewster, Child, Church and…, 110-112.
2.1.3. Faith Development of a Child:
Faith Development is a process. The faith of the children is nurtured through affirmation, a
caring environment, and the example and modeling of trust on the parts of adults. Childhood
is the most formative and strategic stage of life. To shape an adult, we must reach the
childhood first. Most parents intrinsically know that the childhood years are formative. God
intends the family and the church to be a witness to children so that they may know and
follow the His purpose in their lives.8 When children are brought up in a Christian
environment, they can sense the guilt of sin and understand what Jesus has done for them and
what it takes to accept Jesus. Jesus himself alluded to the special awareness and sensitivity of
little children. Parents must be actively involved with developing faith in children from an
early age. The better we understand the process of developing faith in children, the better we
can help them optimize their experience and understanding of God as they grow.9

2.1.4. Example Parental Behavior:

It is the will of God that each Christian be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). The light
here is referred to action and attitude of believers that give impacts to their environment. Even
so in a family, parents should act as a light that can be as a role model to children. The role
model of parents is the biggest experience which can impact the children so effectively in
moral and social conduct. Besides that, the built character of the parents can also be a model
for their children’s character building. Apostles Paul in his letters refer to the consent of being
a role model to teach the way of life to the church members (I Corinthians 4:16; Philippians
3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7 and 9; 1 Timothy 4:12). Christian education imparts the truth to the
children where parents play a crucial role in shaping the values and perspectives of the next
generation for a better future. Parents must be a good role model that can be imitated by
children either in words, act, compassion and discipline.10

2.1.5. The Story Hour:

This should be observed by parents at home for the children at their own appropriate time.
The Master knew the value of the story and used it often in His teaching. The stories at home
may play an important role in making evangelism the normal process of child life. While
Bible stories should be used, other types of children’s stories are also permissible. Especially

8
Dan Brewster, Child, Church and mission (Penang: Compassion International, 2011), 12.
9
Dan Brewster, Child, Church and…, 113-115.
10
Myrna I. Bertels, Christian Education in the Family (Indianapolis: Butler University, 1948),
65.
those which are designed to build character. During this story hour, religious subjects may be
discussed and the questions of the children may be answered.

2.1.6. Family Bible Study:

Scripture is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in
righteousness; that the children of God may be furnished completely unto every good work. A
Christian family is often expected to maintain its Christian life by systematically studying and
teaching the Scripture to the children at least once or twice a week since it is the very source
of spiritual bread. A daily study by the individual members of the family would prove very
helpful.

2.1.7. Family Counselling:

Family counselling upon the children is proved to be very helpful. A family can come
regularly once a week, although an emergency meeting could be called at any time. It helps to
solve the problem of conduct and matters of discipline. Family counselling may also include
other issues such as family projects, finances, policies, stewardship and gripes. It can also
help in making future plans for the children and the family. It makes a home more of a
cooperative enterprise in which each member can have a voice.11

3. IMPLICATIONS:

Family is the first place for the children to learn and instil in themselves faith, moral values
and principles, and other Christian teachings. It is the parents who have the first responsibility
to teach the children about the compassion and mercy of God and help them develop strong
relationship with Him. A child first learns how to pray from listening to their parents’ prayers.
A child who has not been taught how to read the Scripture and to meditate on the Word of
God will obviously find it difficult to cultivate in himself that habit as he or she grows up.
Parents must be the first agents that help the children grow spiritually, emotionally, and
morally preparing them to navigate the challenges of life with faith in God.

Proverbs 22:6 writes, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will
not depart from it.” (NRSVCE). The parents’ responsibility in providing Christian education
to their children will train and guide them in the right path as they grow up. The parents
themselves setting a good example to the children would play a significant role in developing

11
Myrna I. Bertels, Christian Education in.., 66-67.
their attitudes and character. Therefore, the worth of the child in the family must not be
neglected.

CONCLUSION

Christian education helps the children to discover their purpose and meaning in life through
God’s will and assists them to view the world with righteousness and compassion from
Christ’s perspective. It also enhances their knowledge of God and His Creations, and woven
their faith with each learning. And the family as the primary institution of teaching and
learning plays a crucial role in impacting the children’s life and growth in accordance to
Christian values and principles.

___________________________________________________________________________

BIBLIOGRAPHY

o Benson, Clarence H. An introduction to Child Study. USA: Moody Press, 1942.

o Bertels, Myrna I. Christian Education in the Family. Indianapolis: Butler University,
1948.
o Dan Brewster, Child, Church and mission. Penang: Compassion International, 2011.
o Manullang and Hotliong Verawaty. “Christian education in the Family as the First
Fortress in the Disruptive Era. Juanda.” EasyChair Preprint (December 31, 2019): 3-4.

WEBLIOGRAPHY

o Anderson, Brianna. 7 Values for Strong Families, https://www.webmd.com/balance/7-

values-for-strong-families. Accessed on 19th February, 2024.