“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). The perfecting of our faith is both taught and caught. As we mature in Christ, we learn specific truths while embodying others, a process essential for developing healthy spiritual rhythms.
Growing up in South Carolina, I attended small churches where my family and I were deeply involved. In these spaces, young and old alike would sing in the choir or proclaim the good news from the pulpit. This communal experience contributed significantly to my disciple formation and maturity.
As children, we did more than recite Easter Sunday speeches; we also served as ushers, wearing uniforms and badges as we welcomed the saints of God. When we weren’t serving, we attended Sunday school, participated in Vacation Bible School, or sang in the children’s choir. Although I had not yet memorized much Scripture, I felt a profound closeness to God, finding formation through history and community.
I knew what was perceived as reverent behavior: sitting quietly in the pews and not being disruptive in the Lord’s house. I knew what felt normal: looking down the pew or across the aisle and seeing my grandparents, a grand aunt, my mother, a cousin or a friend who was just as true as our blood. I knew what was unacceptable or undisciplined: eating, talking or chewing gum during the service.
Some may read these sentences and think that I’m talking about religion, fundamentalism or vain tradition, or how children are forced to participate in a lot of church “activity.” However, I never felt forced to do any of it. It all felt like love and safety to me. It was who we were—simple people who went to church and worshiped, who served our community, who had standards and who offered God our best whatever that looked like. I didn’t realize it then, but I was being discipled. I was being taught and trained in the ways that God’s people become a spiritual family who honor and worship the Lord. I was learning spiritual rhythms within community, which created a lived theology that formed and changed the trajectory of my life.
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of not despising these humble beginnings. As I witness the loss of so many elders, I appreciate the impact of their service and faithful witness of the gospel throughout my life. As a parent and nonprofit leader who is committed to mentoring and discipling the next generation, I witness the results when young people lack the intergenerational relationships and spiritual rhythms that formed my childhood.
And I am reminded of the warnings and admonishments of Israel who forgot the Lord’s command to “teach their children, so the next generation would … tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands” (Ps. 78:5–7). We teach our children through our words and our actions. Consistently and intentionally practicing spiritual rhythms within community and across generations matters (Deut. 6:1–2, 31:9–13). The faithfulness of those actions can have an impact for generations long after we are gone (Exod. 20:5–6).
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Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is the visionary founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc. and the author of A Sojourner’s Truth and Mentor for Life.