67 million grandparents in America
37% of American population are grandparents

83% over age of 67
2.1 million grandparents are primary caregivers of grandchildren

Barna (2023): 37% teens say grandparents are the most influential person on their faith other than their parents.

Proverbs 16:31 – “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Proverbs 17:6 – “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
Psalm 127:3-5

I. THE WISDOM OF THE GRANDPARENT MATTERS

Deuteronomy 4:1 – “And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.”

Deuteronomy 4:2 – “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.”

Deuteronomy 4:3-4 – “Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all the men who followed the Baal of Peor. 4 But you who held fast to the LORD your God are all alive today.”

“Baal-Peor,” place of idolatrous worship in Shittim (Moab)

Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”

1 John 1:1-3
Acts 2:42

II. THE WITNESS OF THE GRANDPARENT MATTERS

2 Timothy 1:5 – “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

2 Timothy 3:14-15 – “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

“Childhood,” Gk. βρέφος (brephos), “infancy or newly born”

III. THE WORDS OF THE GRANDPARENT MATTERS

“Ephraim and Manasseh”

Genesis 48:20 – “So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will pronounce blessings, saying, ‘God make you like Ephraim and as Manasseh.’”

Q: Do you believe you matter?

Bill and Tracie Alexander

1. How were both of you impacted by your grandparents?
2. What does “intentional grandparenting” look like?
3. What are some barriers to being an intentional grandparent?
4. What are some practical ways the group can help grandparents be active in the spiritual development of their grandchildren?

Parent Dedication

a. Parent Covenant:
1. I will treasure my child as a gift from God on loan to me.
2. I will teach my child of God’s love and of His gift of eternal life through His son Jesus.
3. I will show grace and forgiveness to my child, as grace and forgiveness have been shown to me.
4. I will disciple and lead my child to live a life that honors the Lord Jesus.
5. I will accept responsibility for helping my child discover his or her God given purpose in life.
6. I will model repentance when I fall short and demonstrate what a repentant life looks like.

b. Church Covenant
1. I will pray for you and your children as often as I think of your family.
2. I will encourage you often to continue leading your children in a Godly way.
3. I will assist you when necessary in watching over your children.
4. I will hold you accountable to this commitment you have made by caring for you and asking you how you are doing.