Each generation must choose faith for themselves, and we have the sacred calling to make sure they’ve heard the story.
I am a descendant of dairy farmers. Family lore says my great-great-grandfather was the first cheesemaker in central California, loading canal barges pulled by horses down to southern California.
If you asked me to milk a cow or make cheese, I’d be clueless. But with interest and practice, I’m sure I could learn the old family craft.
The family trade and the family language of Italian faded out over the generations. This wasn't passed along.
Family core values, however, remain strong: deep faith — whether in good times or in adversity — compassion for others, creativity in expression, living generously and a strong work ethic.
In the example of the children of Israel, we see what happens when generations fail to pass on faith. Judges 2:10 says, "When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel."
The reality we see after the death of Joshua is that if we fail to pass on our faith and traditions, the church is always just one generation away from disappearing.
This is why you hear so many church leaders talk about next-generation ministry development, concepts like keychain leadership, investing in scholarship programs, providing internships and summer camp staff positions, nurturing new pastors and teachers, and having a pathway for ordination and commissioning.
The further in time we are removed from the birth of the Advent movement, the less instinctive our identity becomes — and the more intentional we must be about transmitting vision, values and mission.
It’s no longer enough to assume the next generation will catch the fire by proximity. We must fan the flame, tell the stories, invite participation, stop judging and share real responsibility.
One meaningful way to nurture faith across generations is by sharing the Christ-centered writings of Ellen White — through a family reading challenge, couples’ devotional plan or small group book club. Whether through a well-worn hard copy, a modern edition or an e-reader, her words still speak with clarity, pointing hearts to Jesus and painting a vision for wholehearted discipleship. It’s time to revisit her writings with fresh eyes — setting aside past misquotes or misunderstandings — and rediscover the grace-filled counsel she intended.
I was reminded recently — at the 49th Regional Convocation — of the story of Eutychus in Acts 20. When the young man fell from the window, Paul didn’t rebuke him; he embraced and brought him back to life. That’s our call too: to lift up, not lecture.
Garth Dottin, the guest speaker, urged us, “Choose to invest in others. Invest in your youth. Remain grounded through life’s ups and downs. Be consistent in prayer. You can’t go wrong when you help bring people to Jesus.”
Table Talk Prompt
In what ways have you seen faith passed on in your family, church or community — and how is God calling you to nurture and pass it on to the next generation?
