Nebraska winters mark a season where, try as we might, keeping a vehicle clean is just about impossible. Mucky slush and spray from roadways slowly create a layer of unavoidable grime. When that grime buildup reaches the windshield, it can become hazardous to drive. If the washer fluid runs out and there is no clear line of sight, the driver and other vehicles on the road become unsafe.
This same scenario holds true for many Christian parents. One of the biggest challenges Christian parents face is raising children so their “windshield” of faith stays clean and free from the grimy culture that is spraying their way. This is getting more difficult. Every day, worldly influences blur Christian truths, leaving personal worldview at risk of becoming less than biblical. If youth don’t have a safe haven to express their doubts and concerns about faith before leaving home, they will drift away from the church and a biblical worldview.
So, what practical solution exists for fighting against grime? Four proven practices will help ensure our children’s windows stay clean and don’t distract them from the safety and security of a Christian worldview.
1. Create a safe environment for questions. Make sure it is okay within your home to discuss questions and express doubt. Our kids need the chance to ask questions and share uncertainty in a place where they know they will be listened to and taken seriously. Open up a dialogue and dig into the answers with them. Sometimes the best way to grow in your faith is to share the journey with a loved one.
2. Talk to your child. Do you know what they believe? Ask them pointed questions about their faith and their perspective on the world. These conversations will look different at different age levels and developmental stages, but start the conversation once your child is school-age.
3. Connect your child with other Christian adults. Most churches have some sort of active youth program. This can be a wonderful setting for kids to wrestle through tough questions with someone not named “mom” or “dad.” Christian schools can also serve as partners with parents who want to connect their children with strong Christian mentors during the most challenging developmental stages.
4. Network with other Christian parents. Plenty of other parents are going through similar experiences and challenges. You don’t have to feel alone and try to come up with all the answers. Offer mutual support and prayer for the eternally important task of raising children with a Christian worldview. It’s not going to go perfectly, but that’s okay. Caring enough to keep growing as a parent will have a lasting impact on your child’s life.
The good news is that these practices, along with several initiatives and the resurgence of Christian-based media, seem to be helping more kids, teens, and young adults reaffirm their commitment to Christianity. A 2025 Barna study shows a significant increase in the number of Gen Z (born between 1999 and 2015) individuals who say, “I have made a personal commitment to follow Jesus that is still important in my life today.” Among Gen Z males, commitment to Jesus jumped 15 percentage points between 2019 and 2025.
The Lutheran Schools of Lincoln would love to partner with you and your family on your child’s faith formation journey. Our schools provide a resource for parents in the Lincoln community (not just “Lutheran” parents) as they seek to raise their children with a biblical worldview. There are many benefits to choosing a Christian school, including a sense of community, amazingly dedicated teachers, and opportunities for students to discover their God-given talents. However, the most distinct benefit they provide is challenging young people to develop a worldview reflecting biblical values.
As you encourage your children on their faith journey, consider Lutheran Schools of Lincoln. Contact our admissions team to learn more.
Website Crafted by CMOShare
