Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Project Portfolio
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
First Advisor
Sunggu Yang, PhD
Second Advisor
Gregg Borror, DMin
Third Advisor
Leonard I. Sweet, PhD
Abstract
NPO Statement
More than ever, children raised in Christian homes leave their faith by adulthood.
A major contributing factor to this tragic exodus is the North American ministry model that outsourced discipleship from the home to age-segregated church programs and professionals. This project responds to the urgent need to equip and empower parents in their foundational role as their children's first disciplers.
Key Benefit or Insights that Emerged from the Research Overall
The research for this project, grounded in biblical and theological foundations and sociological observation, highlights that lasting, authentic faith is fostered in a holistic home environment where parents, grandparents, and other guardians model and teach it.
Your Ministry or Vocational Context
This project is designed to address practical ministry challenges within the context of Columbia Grove Covenant Church; a local church actively seeking to strengthen its commitment to family discipleship and better support its congregational families in this essential task.
Description of the Project
The project, "Faith That Lasts: How Local Churches Can Support Families in Passing on Their Faith to Their Children," proposes an immersive, church-wide strategy. The core deliverable is an eight-week sermon series, along with accompanying small-group support materials that focus on shifting family culture to embrace God-oriented habits and rhythms. The project also includes content-supportive events and practical tools, such as the "Prayer Champions" initiative and the "Connection Group Blessings Guide," all designed to intentionally integrate discipleship into the daily life of the home and to foster supportive intergenerational relationships in the local church.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Andrew Corbyn, "Faith That Lasts: How Local Churches Can Support Families in Passing on Their Faith to Their Children" (2026). Doctor of Ministry. 742.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/742