What if your student didn’t just attend church, but was building a faith they could actually stand on?
As a parent, you are the most important spiritual influence in your student’s life. That’s both a huge honor and a heavy responsibility. But it’s not one you have to carry alone!
Lasting faith is built in everyday moments. And in Student Ministry, we’re committed to partnering with you to help your student develop rhythms that will strengthen their faith for the long haul.
These are the six key spiritual habits every student needs, and how we can work together to build them.
1. Have a Time With God
When a student spends regular time with God—reading Scripture, praying, or journaling—it shapes their identity, clarifies their purpose, and helps them learn to hear God’s voice in everyday life.
- What it looks like at home: Ask your student what God’s been showing them lately. Share what you’re learning, too. Even five minutes of quiet prayer can spark meaningful connection. Modeling this habit shows them that following Jesus isn’t only for church, but for everyday life.
- What it looks like at church: We create monthly Bible Reading Plans that track with what students are learning at High School Ministry or Collide. Group Leaders check in during the week and share their own experiences to help students stay encouraged.
- How we can build it together: Ask your student about the Bible Reading Plan they’re working through. Not sure where to start? Check out the plan and go through it together, or reach out to their Group Leader!
Check out this Bible Reading Plan we wrote for students about building spiritual habits!
2. Attend Church on the Weekend
Being part of church reminds students that they’re not alone in their faith. It gives them space to worship, hear truth, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.
- What it looks like at home: Make weekend gatherings a consistent part of your family’s routine. Talk about what stood out after the message or ask how they’re seeing God at work through it. Showing up together speaks volumes.
- What it looks like at church: For Middle Schoolers, we have Collide on Sundays—a space for them to worship, read the Bible, and pray together with their peers and leaders. For High Schoolers, we encourage them to sit together in a “student section” to build community. After the gathering, leaders often plan group hangouts that make church feel like a place they belong.
- How we can build it together: We all fall out of routines now and then! If your student hasn’t been to church in a while, help them start again. Remind them that they won’t be alone—their friends and Leaders will be there and excited to see them!
3. Belong by Connecting in a Group
Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky once said, “Through others we become ourselves.” In other words, the people we surround ourselves with influence who we become. Having a consistent group of friends who are moving in the same direction can make all the difference, especially when it comes to growing in faith. Plus, it gives them a safe space to ask questions and be themselves in a group of people who are walking with them.
- What it looks like at home: Ask your student what their group is talking about lately. Encourage them to be open and consistent and remind them that strong relationships take time to build.
- What it looks like at church: Leaders create safe, judgment-free spaces where students feel seen and valued. They show up consistently at group, but they’re also present in other parts of students’ lives, whether it’s at a game or with a text of encouragement.
- How we can build it together: Encourage your student to give group their full attention—phones down, heart open. And if you’re ever unsure how they’re doing, reach out to their leader. We’re here for you, too.
4. Invest in Others by Serving
When students look beyond themselves, they discover how much they matter. Serving others helps them grow in empathy, discover their gifts and purpose, and grow their heart for how God is working in the world.
- What it looks like at home: Look for ways to serve together as a family. Try volunteering, donating, or simply noticing the needs around you. Talk about how giving back reflects Jesus.
- What it looks like at church: Our groups regularly take part in service projects at church and in the community. We also encourage generosity goals so students can experience the joy of giving together.
- How we can build it together: Ask your student if they’ve heard about any upcoming serving opportunities. If not, connect with their leader—or look into opportunities through your LCBC location!
5. Tell Their Story
When students learn to share their story, it builds confidence in their faith and helps them recognize God’s ongoing work in their life. It also encourages others to take steps of their own.
- What it looks like at home: Ask open-ended questions like “What’s God been teaching you lately?” or “When did you feel closest to him this week?” Celebrate spiritual milestones and talk about how God shows up in everyday life.
- What it looks like at church: Leaders model vulnerability by sharing their stories and inviting students to do the same. We celebrate milestones like baptism and host “story nights” where students can speak about their faith.
- How we can build it together: Encourage your student to write out their faith story. If they’ve been thinking about baptism, help them take that next step. We’ve got resources to guide the conversation.
If your student is curious about baptism—or if you want to learn more yourself—check out our website!
6. Step Into Leadership
Leadership gives students ownership of their faith and invites them to make a difference. It builds character, confidence, and a vision for how they can influence others.
- What it looks like at home: Call out the leadership you already see in your student—whether it’s in how they care for others, step up to help, or bring people together. Encourage them with the truth in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, your love, your faith, and your purity.”
- What it looks like at church: We invite students to lead within their group by sharing Scripture, opening in prayer, or helping a new student feel welcome. We also offer leadership programs to develop their potential even further.
- How we can build it together: Ask your student where they feel ready to step up, and help them take the next step. If they’re interested in leading, talk with their Group Leader about what opportunities might be a good fit.
Let’s Keep Building Together
Your student is building a life, and their habits are the bricks. You don’t have to be a spiritual expert to guide them. You just need to be present and intentional. Trust that even the small things like showing up, asking questions, and praying over them can have a lasting impact.
We’ll keep doing our part—leading groups, creating resources, and giving your student space to grow. And we’ll keep cheering you on, too. Because what you do matters.
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Relationships thrive on communication. But as a parent of a middle school or high school student, do you ever struggle with knowing what to talk about with your kids anymore? Here are some conversation starters to keep the lines of communication open!
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!