When we consider that more than one third of our current population is of grandparenting age, and that the traditional family is under severe attack threatening the future of the family, it is vital that we reclaim the biblical roles and necessary responsibilities of grandparenting mandated by Scripture while the window of opportunity is still open.

As a grandparent you are right now engaged in one of the most exciting – albeit challenging – adventures of a lifetime! The fact that you are at this site right now is an indication of your genuine interest in the issues of effective grandparenting as a follower of Christ. That, of course, is what CGN (Christian Grandparenting Network) is all about – promoting, enabling, encouraging and empowering effective, godly grandparents in today’s world for the sake of our families’ future.

The issues facing grandparenting today are as varied as the people who are grandparents – everything from raising grandchildren to long distance grandparenting to building strong spiritual foundations with grandchildren – and a whole lot more. We live in a time when grandparenting has been severely neglected by our culture – whether in the legal system, the social systems, or even in our churches.

Each week our Reclaiming Christian Grandparenting page on this site will feature articles written by a variety of authors, Christian leaders and real life grandparents like YOU! These articles will address the important issues of godly grandparenting that could help all of us who are grandparents all over the world reclaim the vital role God has always intended grandparents should play in the lives of their children’s children.

The Bible clearly commands grandparents to take seriously their responsibility to teach our grandchildren about the truths God has revealed about Himself, us and the world we live in, as well as the great and wonderful things He has done on our behalf (Dt. 4:9; 6:1-2) – especially the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! The psalmist writes matter-of-factly about that responsibility as he reminds us to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He has done.” Why? So that even the “children yet to be born… would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds, but would keep His commands.” (Ps. 78:1-8).

At this point a word of caution is in order. Reclaiming Christian grandparenting is not about demanding my rights as a grandparent, nor is it about making our grandchildren the #1 things in our lives. As to the first, humility and self-sacrifice, not selfish demands, will bring about lasting results in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Effective grandparenting is not about “my rights” – it is about my responsibility to bless and teach my children and grandchildren so that they may walk in the way of truth and righteousness. Grandparenting is a redemptive role, and as such requires sacrificial love. We are bearers of the towel and bowl in our families, not the whip and scourge.

Secondly, God has made it abundantly clear that only ONE thing is to be first. Consider what God’s Word declares in this regard: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mt. 6:33 NIV). To be effective, godly grandparents who will reclaim the power of grandparenting for the blessing of our children and grandchildren, then seeking the rule and reign of Christ in our lives can be the ONLY first thing in our lives. All other things, including grandchildren, are “added things”. David said it this way: “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…” (Ps. 27:4)

There can be no other options for the grandparent who wants to lay a solid foundation for their grandchildren that will be able to withstand the forces of this turbulent, hostile world they must certainly endure. Listen again to another psalm writer: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar in Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; He is our Rock, and in Him there is no wickedness.’” (Ps. 92: 12-15 NIV)

First things first – it will be the righteous who will flourish and bear fruit even in old age. In other words, those who seek FIRST God and His reign will be able to proclaim to those who follow the truth that God is trustworthy, all powerful, sovereign and faithful. There is nothing else and no one else capable of fulfilling that reality. So… seek Him first!

Someone has said…

• If we depend on organizations, then we will get what organizations have to give;
• If we depend on education (or intellect), then we will get what education has to give;
• If we depend on men or military might, then we will get what men and military might has to give;
• If we depend upon prayer, then we will get what God has to give.

There is no greater role of a grandparent than that of the prayer warrior. Peggy Powell from Dallas, Texas understands this reality and has formed a ministry called Praying Grandmothers to encourage grandmothers to join together in praying for their grandchildren. I thought you might enjoy and benefit from Peggy’s comments about this ministry.

“We OPEN doors frequently in our days… the front door, the car door, the refrigerator door. Why not use these opportunities to open ourselves to prayer! Many years ago another grandmother and I began praying together over the telephone on Monday mornings at 7:00 am. We have been so blessed by praying the Scriptures for our combined eleven grandchildren that we now have a little ministry called Praying Grandmothers. It’s not slick or fancy – just a collection of prayer ideas we mail three to four times a year. We pray that the Heavenly Father will open the EYES of our grandchildren that they may see His provisions for every battle, behold the wonderful things He has in His Word, and that they may recognize Jesus alive and powerful in the world today. We pray that their MINDS will be open to understand God’s Word; we pray that their HEARTS will be open so that they will be filled with care and compassion, especially for those without Christ; we pray that God will open their MOUTHS to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel to their generation. And we pray… Mighty God, thank you for opening Your ears to my cry and opening so many doors of opportunity for me to pray. Keep me open, dear Lord, to Your Spirit’s prodding today.”

Whether you have been at it a while, or are just starting your role as a grandparent, the best place to begin is on your knees. First things first!

For more information about PRAYING GRANDMOTHERS contact Peggy Powell at peggyhpowell@earthlink.net.