Whether you’re raising toddlers, mentoring teenagers, or simply loving the kids God’s placed in your life—one thing is clear: the next generation matters. A lot. And not just to you, but to God.
You don’t have to be a perfect parent to raise kids who love Jesus. But you do need to be present. You need a plan. And you need to realize that what you’re building today is shaping someone else’s tomorrow.
That’s what this week’s message was all about: Raising the Next Generation. And before you check out thinking this doesn’t apply to you—stay with me. Because this isn’t just for moms and dads. This is for anyone who’s ever influenced a child, coached a team, served in Hope City Kids, or prayed for a student walking through hard things.
Here’s the truth: If we don’t intentionally pass on our faith, it won’t pass on at all.
Judges 2:10 tells us that a generation grew up who “knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel.” That should shake us. Because we are always one generation away from forgetting God if we don’t speak up and live out the truth.
Your influence is building something. The only question is—what are you building?
Proverbs 14:1 reminds us that “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Your words, your prayers, your presence—they’re shaping your family’s spiritual legacy right now. Every time you show up, every bedtime prayer, every “Jesus loves you” matters.
Here’s your encouragement today: You don’t need to be perfect. But you do need to be intentional. Make time to talk about God. Speak life into your kids. Correct with grace and lead with love. They’re being discipled—by someone. Let it be you.
Let’s make this practical.
Take five minutes today and ask yourself:
What kind of adult am I praying my child (or the next generation) becomes?
Write a one or two sentence mission statement for how you want to raise or influence the next generation.
Check out the whole message here:
