Research has long suggested that the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild is one of the most critical and important relationships one will ever experience. Because of the importance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, this article seeks to find how grandparents shape the faith formation of their grandchild, particularly looking at whether or not geographic proximity is a factor in their faith formation. We will begin by defining our problem statement and introductory thoughts, then move into a literature review synthesizing the findings from various research, articles, books, and publications that describe how grandparents shape the faith formation of their grandchild. Finally, we will examine the data analysis and results of our research before offering practical conclusions for grandparents and the church.
AllenH. C. (2008). The spiritual influence of grandparents. Christian Education Journal, 3rd ser., 5(2), 346–362.
2.
AllenH. C., & RossC. L. (2012). Intergenerational Christian formation: Bringing the whole Church together in ministry, community and worship.Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.
3.
AnthonyM., & AnthonyM. (2011). A theology for family ministries.Nashville, TN: B&H.
4.
BengstonV. (2013). Families and faith.New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
5.
BlyS. A., & BlyJ. C. (2003). The power of a godly grandparent: Leaving a spiritual legacy.Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
6.
ClarkS. (2013). Intergenerational Christian formation: Bringing the whole church together in ministry, community and worship. Christian Education Journal, 3rd ser., 10(1), 187–192.
7.
GarlandD. R. (2012). Family ministry: A comprehensive guide.Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic.
8.
GoreW. W. (2008). Long-distance grandparenting: Connection with your children from afar.Sanger, CA: Quill Driver Books.
9.
KimmelT., & KimmelD. (2007). Extreme grandparenting: The ride of your life.Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House.
10.
KingS. (2006). The religious dimension of the grandparent role in three-generation African-American households. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, Vol.19(1), 75–96. https://dx-doi-org.web.bisu.edu.cn/10.1300/J496v19n01_06
11.
LaneD. (2012). A theology for family ministries. Christian Education Journal, 3rd ser., 9(1), 206–209.
12.
MeadM. (1971). New style of aging. Christianity and Crisis, 31(19) 240–243.
13.
MulvihillJ. (2016). Biblical grandparenting: Exploring God's design, culture's messages and disciple-making methods to pass faith to future generations.Streamwood, IL: Legacy Coalition.
14.
NealC. J. (1995). Nurture that is Christian: Developmental perspectives on Christian education [Kindle Version]. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group.
15.
PennerL. A. (2010). Grandparenting with a purpose: Effective ways to pray for your grandchildren.Enumclaw, WA: Redemption Press.
16.
PowellK., MulderJ., GriffinB. (2016). Growing young: Six essential strategies to help young people discover and love your church.Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group.
17.
PowellK. (2014). The sticky faith guide for your family: Over 100 practical and tested ideas to build lasting faith in kids.Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
18.
RempelE. H. (2012). Please pass the faith: The art of spiritual grandparenting.Harrisonburg, VA: Herald Press.
19.
SchwartzK. D. (2006). Transformations in parent and friend faith support predicting adolescents' religious faith. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 16(4), 311–326. doi: 10.1207/s15327582ijpr1604_5.
SmithC., & DentonM. (2005). Soul searching: The religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers.New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
22.
TaylorA., & WiseR. (2004). The influence of grandparents on grandchildren's value formation: Assessing the perspectives of grandparents and grandchildren. The Gerontologist (Program Abstracts: 57th Annual Scientific Meeting), 44(1), 86.
23.
UhlenbergP., & HammillB. G. (1998). Frequency of grandparent contact with grandchild sets: Six factors that make a difference. The Gerontologist, 38(3), 276–285.
24.
VhymeisterN. J. (2008). Quality research papers: For students of religion and theology.Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
25.
VygotskyL. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological process.Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
26.
WeberJ. A., & AbsherA. G. (2003). Grandparents and grandchildren: A “Memory Box” course assignment. Gerontology and Geriatrics Education24, 75–86.
27.
WimberlyA. S. (2000). From intercessory hope to mutual intercession: Grandparents raising grandchildren and the church's response. Journal of Family Ministry, 14(3), 19–37.
