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

This verse highlights a key responsibility of each generation: to share the faith and goodness of God with the next. It underscores the importance of passing down the wisdom and love of God, especially to the younger members of our families. In the context of grandparenting, this call takes on a personal and profound dimension. Grandparents have a unique opportunity to influence the spiritual lives of their grandchildren. One way we can embrace this responsibility is through a ministry similar to one started at my church called Grands & More Grandparenting Ministry.

Who We Are and What We Do

Grands & More is co-led by me, my husband Tom DeLorge, and Sherry and Cash Rest. At my church, this ministry is a little over a year old. Folks have been meeting monthly for a potluck dinner, fellowship, education and prayer.  At the end of each meeting, a candle is lit and we ask the Holy Spirit to join us as we pray by name for approximately 100 grandchildren, children, and more.

Gifts of Love

One of our group projects is  to present a “Gift of Love” to grandparents or parents on the arrival of new babies in the parish. We started with the purchase of two books: “Thank you God for Grandma,” and “Thank you God for Grandpa.” by Amy Parker, along with a beautiful calligraphy declaration print that expresses the commitment to be an intentional Christian grandparent. These gifts were presented to three families in the parish and were so warmly received, we decided to expand our gift and our prayers.  

Newborn infant hats that we purchased are blessed by our pastor.  As soon as we learn about a new expectant mother, we create a place card for a hat with the name of the baby, the parents and the grandparents.  Then our daily prayers begin.  

We ask that this “helmet of salvation” be an outward sign of our love and prayers.   At each meeting, members lay hands on these hats. When the new one is born, they receive our “Gift of Love”. This gift includes the books and declaration print, their baby hat, special prayer card, and a blessing lamb lovie that is embroidered with their name.  

So far, five gifts of love have been presented by the group. One of our expectant little ones was for the baby of our pastor, who didn’t know when he was first asked to bless our infant hats that he would be on the receiving end of our prayers and gift of love. We continue to pray for five additional expectant little ones due over the coming months.

Everyone Benefits

Grands & More meetings provide a space for individuals to share their joys, concerns, and experiences as they seek to guide and support the spiritual growth of their grandchildren. Monthly meetings are not just about fellowship; they’re about coming together as a community to lift up the younger generation in prayer and to discern how to share the love of Christ with them.

One of the core values of the group is the belief that prayer is a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. While many grandparents may have concerns about their grandchildren’s faith or spiritual well-being, Grands & More emphasizes that God is at work, even when we cannot see the immediate results. Through regular prayer, grandparents are reminded that their influence is not limited to what they can directly see or do; it is also found in the quiet, faithful act of lifting their grandchildren to the Lord.

The group also provides a sense of community and encouragement. Grandparents often find that they are not alone in their concerns or hopes for their grandchildren. Sharing stories, challenges, and successes with others who understand the unique role of a grandparent fosters a spirit of support and camaraderie. Members of Grands & More can offer each other advice, share Scriptures, and pray together for specific needs. This shared commitment to prayer builds a deeper sense of connection, both with each other and with God.

Grands & More encourages grandparents to be more intentional in their own spiritual lives. As they pray for their grandchildren, they are reminded of the importance of modeling faith through their own actions. The group challenges them to be more deliberate in sharing Scripture, stories of faith, and acts of kindness with their grandchildren, modeling what it means to live as a disciple of Christ.

Grands & More at our church serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role grandparents play in shaping the spiritual lives of the next generation. Through intentional prayer and fellowship, this group equips grandparents to share their faith with their grandchildren in meaningful and impactful ways. 

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” (Psalm 78:4)

Scripture verses are in English Standard Version (ESV).