Lived experiences of Convention of the Philippine Baptist Churches parents in nurturing faith: Biblical-theological foundations for Christian education

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of parents from the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches (CPBC) who successfully raised their millennial children in the Christian faith. The study focused on parenting practices, challenges in the digital world, children’s embodiment of Christian values, and the help that church and school communities give. The study was based on a qualitative research approach that was influenced by constructivist epistemology.

Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five sets of CPBC parents whose millennial children actively participate in church ministries. Colaizzi’s method of data analysis was employed to extract significant statements, formulate meanings, and describe the essential structure of the lived experiences.

The analysis found eight main themes: (1) parental presence and sacrifice as foundational to Christian nurture; (2) resilience through adversity as a context for faith development; (3) acceptance and understanding of each child's uniqueness; (4) intentional faith formation; (5) mutual spiritual growth between parents and children; (6) adapting to the challenges of the digital age; (7) collaboration with church, family, and school in faith formation; and (8) generational faith development and transmission. The participants observed that their millennial children often showed a deeper understanding and commitment to faith than they did when they were the same age.

This study offers a coherent model of Christian nurture that integrates biblical principles in parenting, strikes a balance between structure and autonomy, combines traditional and contemporary influences, and harmonizes guidance and independence. The study suggests that parents should develop purposeful parenting strategies, nurture strong emotional ties with their children despite physical separation, be open to adapting technology, recognize that each child is unique, turn problems into opportunities to teach faith, and build stronger partnerships between church, family, and school. In sum, this study offers a biblical-theological foundation for Christian education aligned with Baptist distinctives and offers perspectives to help parents, church leaders, and teachers who want to nurture Christian faith in today's social and cultural settings, especially in the CPBC community.