Nurturing Children's Faith in a Digital Age

Choir director Shirani and daughter Marvelynn with Edmonton Children’s choir.

If ever there was a time to safeguard the minds of our children, it is now. Today’s children are incredibly adept with computers, smart phones, and the Internet. This constant exposure to technology can be both beneficial and detrimental. As technology becomes an ever-growing presence in their lives, parents often find themselves facing new and daunting challenges. However, we are not left without guidance. The Bible provides clear principles on how to raise our children, equipping us with invaluable resources for nurturing them in faith and character.

There is no question about how God views children. During His ministry on earth, Jesus emphasized the importance of their character, admonishing His disciples in Matthew 18:3, “Unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

As we nurture our children’s faith at home and church—while balancing school, extracurricular activities, and daily responsibilities—how do we ensure they turn to God for guidance? The journey is not without its challenges, but one of the greatest joys of parenting is fostering an environment where their faith can flourish. It is equally important to teach them how to develop a loving relationship with Jesus so they can carry this faith forward for generations to come.

At Edmonton Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, Shirani, the children’s Sabbath School leader, along with her dedicated team and supportive parents, have gone to great lengths to encourage the children’s spiritual growth. Their commitment is evident as they dedicate their time, talents, and resources to guiding children in praising God during divine worship. Week after week, they gather for choir practice before heading home, reinforcing their spiritual walk and strengthening their connection with God. Because of their dedication, we have high expectations for our children’s performances at Edmonton Central, and we are immensely grateful for their unwavering commitment.

Ellen G. White wrote, “Too much importance cannot be placed on the early training of children. The lessons that the child learns during the first seven years of life have more to do with forming his [her] character than all that it learns in future years.” — Child Guidance, p. 193.

— Submitted by Ina Martin, member of Edmonton Central Seventh-day Adventist Church