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Posted on January 25, 2007 ...

In her book, The Surprising Power of Family Meals, Miriam Weinstein makes the case that the regular habit of shared family meals represents something of vital importance for human life. Families that routinely dine together have stronger family bonds and deeper relationships with one another. In addition, family discussions at the supper table make it more likely that children will react positively and wisely when confronted by life?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s challenges.
These assertions are supported by research. A 2003 study by the national Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that children and teens who share dinner with their families five or more nights a week were 34% likelier never to have tried cigarettes, 45% likelier to have never tried alcohol, and 24% likelier never to have smoked marijuana. In addition, students who eat lots of family dinners are almost twice as likely to get A?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s in school as their classmates who rarely eat as a family. You have to admit, the positive impact of a shared family experience is impressive.
In a similar manner, I believe that receiving common spiritual nourishment as a family also has great benefits. Parents wanting to provide the best influences for their children?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s welfare will put a high priority upon common experiences of worship, discipleship, and ministry. If you have a child involved in our church?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s children or youth activities, you should make a genuine effort to be involved in that ministry as a teacher, helper, chaperone, or some other avenue of volunteering. (When I used to direct children?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s choir, I enjoyed casting parents of my choir members in the adult roles.) The benefits of those common experiences are eternal.
Similarly, responsible parents ensure that worship is a family experience. I learned a lot about how to preach from observing my father?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s pulpit skills. But I learned how to worship from sitting next to my mother in Big Church as a child. I watched and learned as she sang the songs of praise, took notes on the messages, and kept her attention (and mine) focused on the Lord. (Thanks Mom!)
Many of the things that compete today with regular family church attendance and regular family meals are not bad in and of themselves. Still, the question remains: By sacrificing these common family experiences, are our homes losing far more than whatever is gained? Make family time, including church time, a priority. The investment pays great dividends. Jay