Two recent studies suggest faith really is a family affair.

Nearly three-quarters of adult evangelicals (72%) came to their Christian beliefs before age 18, according to a 2024 report, The Spiritual Journey, from Grey Matter Research and Infinity Concepts.

Twenty-eight percent say one or both parents were the single biggest influence in their decision to follow Christ, and another 23% cite parents as a significant factor.

Parents aren’t the only family members shaping the faith of young people. For 11% of respondents, the biggest spiritual influence was another family member, such as a grandparent, sibling, or cousin. One-third say at least one such family member played a significant role in their decision to accept Christ.

In total, 64% of today’s evangelicals say one or more family members influenced their faith decision, including 38% who say the impact of family exceeded that of church, friends, media, personal Bible reading, or any other factor.

Home Foundation

The latest Grey Matter and Infinity Concepts study, Evangelical Parenting, explores efforts by evangelicals to inculcate their children to faith.

For consistency, researchers asked parents of both children and adults about their oldest son or daughter.

Fifty-nine percent of evangelical parents say their faith has played an extremely important role in parenting, and 28% feel faith has been very important.

Evangelicals typically incorporate multiple faith activities into family life. Most have regularly prayed for their child’s Christian beliefs or commitment (95%); taught their child about the Bible, Christianity, and spiritual values (94%); prayed with their child (89%); attended church with their child (86%); and read the Bible with their child (73%).

Additionally, a majority report sending their child to Sunday School (71%); youth or children’s church activities (71%); and Vacation Bible School (54%).

One-quarter of evangelical parents have sent their child to a Christian school for at least one year.

Nearly all (99%) say at least one of these activities has regularly been part of their parenting.

Despite this involvement, only 7% believe their oldest child has a level of commitment to Christianity that exceeds their own. Thirty-eight percent say their child’s commitment to Christianity is equal to their own.

This leaves 42% who feel their child is less committed to Christianity. That includes 24% who say their child has some commitment; 14% who report some Christian beliefs but no real commitment; 3% whose oldest child is atheist, agnostic, or disinterested in religion; and 1% whose child has converted to some other religion.

Five percent are unsure what their child’s spiritual beliefs are, and 8% say their child is too young to have developed religious beliefs.

One clear correlation in the data is that spiritually engaged parents are more likely to raise spiritually engaged children. (Grey Matter measures spiritual engagement by the frequency of attending church and small group, reading and studying the Bible, and praying.)

Among parents with high levels of spiritual engagement, 53% say their oldest child’s Christian commitment is also at a high level.

Forty-one percent of parents with moderate spiritual engagement say their child is at least moderately committed to their faith.

In addition to activities for kids and teens, churches can come alongside parents to help them create spiritually healthy and nurturing home environments.

Only 28% of parents with low spiritual engagement indicate their child is at a similar or higher level of commitment, while 49% say their child is even less engaged in faith.

Most evangelical parents have some regrets about the spiritual guidance they provided. Three in 4 agree with the statement, “I wish my child were more involved in the Christian faith,” including 40% who agree strongly.

Even more telling is that 63% say, “I feel like I could have done things differently to help my child build a stronger Christian commitment.” Only 16% disagree strongly, believing they have done all they could.

Interestingly, 59% of parents whose oldest child is under age 18 say they could have done more — meaning they still have time during the formative years to alter their approach. The question is whether they will.

Still, most evangelical parents maintain hope. Just 5% agree with the statement, “My child’s religious beliefs are not especially important to me,” while 81% disagree strongly.

Meanwhile, 92% say, “I truly believe my child will become stronger in the Christian faith (or return to the Christian faith) as he/she matures.” This includes 53% who agree strongly.

This is not just blind hope. Eighty-three percent say, “I talk to my child regularly about Christianity,” with 45% agreeing strongly.

Together, the two reports highlight the vital role families play in children’s spiritual development.

Growing Faith

Of course, the reports also show there is room for growth. Despite regularly involving their children in religious activities, nearly two-thirds of evangelical parents believe they could have done more. And a sizeable share indicates their child’s faith commitment falls short of their own.

It seems spiritual activities may not be enough to inspire a lifetime of faith. Guiding children into meaningful faith experiences requires intentionality.

Exposure to religion doesn’t necessarily lead to long-term commitment. In fact, negative encounters with church and Christianity can have the opposite effect.

Tragically, one of the most common reasons adults give for leaving church is the behavior of fellow congregants. People often turn from faith after observing gossip, scandals, hypocrisy, and conflict among churchgoers and leaders.

Might such issues impact homes as well as churches? How many parents take their children to church and pray with them before bed, while simultaneously demonstrating non-Christian attitudes and behaviors?

Neutral experiences may not be sufficient either. A religious upbringing involving few moments a child views as meaningful or relevant is unlikely to make a lasting impression.

There is a need for discipling the entire family. In addition to activities for kids and teens, churches can come alongside parents to help them create spiritually healthy and nurturing home environments.

This might extend to parents of non-Christian adults as well. Even senior groups can address this topic. After all, parenting does not stop when a child turns 18 — or 58.

Most evangelical parents of prodigals continue hoping, praying, and talking to their children about God. The local church can partner with them, providing resources and support.

Finally, research shows it’s not just parents who influence the spirituality of children. Other family members also have a significant impact. Churches can encourage grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others to help disciple the young people in their lives.

Youth groups can talk about these issues, too. Students may not realize the impact their faith walk can have on younger siblings and cousins.

There are no guarantees when it comes to passing on faith. After all, God gives people the freedom to accept or reject salvation through Christ.

Nevertheless, belief in God often starts at home. Churches, leaders, communities, Christian schools, and extended family members all have roles to play in supporting and equipping parents to nurture the spiritual lives of the next generation.

This article appears in the Summer 2025 issue of Influence magazine.