You just got the very exciting news that you’re becoming a grandparent, now what? Besides seriously considering if you prefer Papa, Papaw or Poppy or if Grandma or Grammy sounds a little less old, understanding your role as a Christian grandparent will be helpful. Sure, you can buy the cute little sneakers and the giant pink bow, but then grab your Bible and let’s look at some new responsibilities you’ll have.

“But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.” Psalm 79:13

Time and time again throughout Scripture God is using generational language and concepts to help us understand that He is eternal, and He didn’t just come once for one, but once for all people for all of time. We wouldn’t have the Word of God today nor any idea who God is or what He’s done if those before us didn’t take seriously the generational pattern they were to develop. Do you have a generational pattern for faith formation developed? It may be time to develop one...

1. Pass on the Faith

Declare God to the next generation—His mighty and miraculous deeds, His covenant of love, His keeping of promises. It’s very likely that you’ve already begun this task with your children.

“One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4

2. Perpetuate the Faith

As you passed on faith to your children, encourage and join with them in sharing God with your grandchildren as well. This passing on of faith will continue indefinitely.

“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.” Joel 1:3

3. Teach Two Generations

Talk about the ways that God has been at work in your life. Don’t take for granted that somehow your personal experiences of God’s faithfulness will transfer through osmosis. To “make known” you first need to open your mouth. Often. Grab a pen and write, hire a skywriter, summon a carrier pigeon, take up Morse code, learn to text, tweet and snap, build a memorial—whatever you need to do to teach your children and grandchildren the things your eyes have seen.

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children…” Deuteronomy 4:9

4. Think More Generations

Consider all the generations still to come. Consider how what you do with your grandchildren now will impact your great grandchildren and your great-great grandchildren and your eight-great grandchildren. Silence can’t be passed down but modeling the simple practice of sharing God’s goodness can.

“For the Lord builds up Zion; he appears in his glory; he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer. Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord…” Psalm 102:16-18

“He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children…” Psalm 78:5-6

So, Gramps, Gran, let’s get talking—our grandchildren now and in the generations to come need to know about God!

For fun, tell us what your grandkids call you in the comments below.