Passing faith to your grandchildren’s grandchildren
This past fall, our house experienced a sewer backup because of a significant rain event. I needed help with our basement restoration and remodel, and I was given Len Friesen’s name. In my first conversation with Len in my torn-apart basement, I learned he is also involved in leading an organization called Legacy Coalition Canada. This is a resource organization that trains grandparents to pass on their faith to their grandchildren. I was intrigued because, as the EMC director of next generation, I understand that one of the greatest gifts to younger generations is a legacy of authentic faith passed down from older adults.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Len to learn more about the work that Legacy Coalition Canada is doing and the resources available to grandparents and churches. Here is a transcript of part of our conversation.
Mo: Could you tell me about Legacy Coalition Canada?
Len: Our key focus [is] to help grandparents grow in their biblical role through our resources and events, so they can have a greater spiritual impact on their family. We think [about] more than just our kids and our grandkids. We want to think four generations down the road. So how can we resource, equip, and train, and leave that legacy of faith to our grandkids’ grandkids?
Mo: Why is this work important?
Len: Well, it’s important because a lot of our grandkids are going through struggles today that they may not have the desire to talk to their parents about. So how can we equip and resource our grandparents to share that biblical truth with them? That biblical view comes from the grandparents, because they have that faith. They know that biblical truth and they want to pass that on.
Mo: What resources can you offer churches to help grow grandparents in their ability to have a spiritual impact on the next generation?
Len: One of the most important resources that we have is what we call Grandparenting Matters. It’s a six-hour seminar that breaks down everything from the role and influence we can have on our kids and our grandkids, to how to communicate with them. It’s a downloadable video series [for] purchase. Soon it’s going to be followed up by Grandparenting Influence, another video series.
Len went on to tell me about some of the other events he is involved with and some resources available on their website. This is a relatively new Canadian arm of an American organization, and they are working to adapt American resources to fit Canadian culture.
If we want our next generations to be inspired to grow in their faith in Jesus, we need to have adults of all ages living lives that demonstrate this kind of faith.
Resource Corner
Legacy Coalition Canada
Legacy Coalition Canada is seeking to provide practical training for grandparents to share their faith with the next generation. For more information, visit legacycoalition.ca or contact the EMC office.
