As the 2024 presidential election draws ever nearer, more Americans seek to find ethical leaders as they question political leaders’ opinions on poverty, war, and abortion. Yet one Washington pastor, Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church in Auburn, is warning parents against looking towards secular institutions to instill values, particularly in their children. “How we value, protect and love children reveals the spiritual health of a nation,” he warned Fox News Digital during a recent interview. He admonished parents to not be “passive, do not trust the world to teach your kids about God — and do not expect it all to happen at church,” and that, “many parents provide for the physical, emotional, intellectual and athletic needs of their children, what about their souls?” Gen Z, he noted, is particularly open to hearing about the Gospel.

He gave four key strategies for parents to pursue: to do life with their children, to go deeper within their own faith, to live a life of integrity, and to cultivate godly habits. “Doctrine is helpful, but living life together is far more significant. Kids want more than just the truth; they want to feel loved,” said Washington. He also encouraged families to pray together. He suggested that parents should be ready to explain their faith. “Share with them the reason for the hope you have. Following Jesus is not a blind faith — it’s based on historical evidence and facts.” It’s also important for parents to live out the values they want to instill in their children. “If you tell your kids to have integrity, make sure you are honest with your business, taxes and neighbors. If you tell your kids to be generous, make sure you tip well at restaurants and give to people who can never pay you back,” he cited as examples. He stressed how parents can show their children how to lean on the Lord in good and bad times. “And if your children are soaring with God, continue to set them up for success. We do not own, force or manipulate our children — but we can be faithful to encourage them in the deepest ways,” he added.

It’s an important conversation to have, as a recent Barna study shows that 73% of parents are concerned about their child’s spiritual development. Yet Arizona State University found that 90% of parents have no plan for their children’s spiritual development. The study found that most parents rely on “outsourcing” their children’s spiritual development to others, primarily to churches. A lack of such parental planning could be devastating for the future, according to George Barna, the study leader. “What became abundantly clear during my research is there is little objective information about conditions related to the faith, discipleship, and worldview of children,” he said. “And parents desperately need resources and support to help them in the spiritual development of their children. The nation has clearly been going in the wrong direction for decades when it comes to worldview.”