Beyond The Pew - Episode 3 - Start Talking!

Transcript: 
Alright mom and dad, in our first two episodes we focused on our relationship with Christ and maintaining that relationship through prayer, now I want you to actually start having conversations with your kids about faith.
Moms and dads represent God in different ways. This is one of the many reasons why marriage is between one man and one woman. Because we each represent God in different ways and we show our kids about God in those different ways.
If we're honest with ourselves, we know that sometimes we don't represent God the way that we should, and when we falter we need to acknowledge it, we need to fix it, and we need to ask forgiveness. There’s no way to ask forgiveness, to seek forgiveness from our children, if we can’t have these conversations of faith at home, and that’s where today’s episode comes in.
It doesn't matter how "deep" your faith life is, but you know what? We’ve been entrusted with the care of a young soul and it’s high time that we as parents start taking this more seriously. You may feel like you don't know enough or that you don’t have the answers and I’m going to respond to that the same way that I would to myself 5 years ago and tell you to get over it! You are part of a 2,000 year old Church, there’s no way you’re going to know everything that there is to know, but you can trust that when your kids do ask that question that you don’t know the answer to, that the Church has answered that question and you can find the answer somewhere. Start talking now, and find that answer tomorrow.
One of the best experiences that I’ve had as a father was on a father-son campout. We were given a list of questions that we were supposed to ask each other, and it was a powerful moment. Not because of the questions asked, but because I was fulfilling my role as a father.
God didn’t entrust these children to my wife and I, for us to make sure that we got them into the best colleges, or that they became pro athletes. He gave them to us so that we could help prepare them for eternity. Sure, we strive to provide the best for them and we want them to get a good education. But if we aren’t helping them in their relationship with Christ and strengthening that relationship, then ultimately we fail them.
There’s a reading that I recently heard from Ezekiel 33 and I think it truly applies here:
EZ 33:8-9
If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die,”
and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from his way,
the wicked shall die for his guilt,
but I will hold you responsible for his death.
But if you warn the wicked,
trying to turn him from his way,
and he refuses to turn from his way,
he shall die for his guilt,
but you shall save yourself.”
Now I know that verse is talking about “wicked,” and I’m talking about our sons and daughters, but if we are accountable to our brothers and sisters to that level, how much more accountable are we for our children and spouses?
Now I know it can be hard to start these conversations, and to make it easier I’m going to give you just a few of the questions that I think would help start these conversations.
Mom or Dad, you go first. Find some one on one time with your kid and have know that you want to make God a bigger part of your family. Spend special alone time with each kid. This is not a time to be defensive; this is a time for you to learn how your kids see you and vice versa. 
I don't mean to cause guilt or stress, but I do want us, as parents, to realize how important it is to talk about God at home with our kids and that we represent God, we give our kids that first glimpse of what God might be like, as strange as that sounds. Don't be afraid, it’s not that hard, start these conversations of faith at home with your kids, and trust that God will take care of you. 
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