Written by Dr. Joannie DeBrito, Family Support Specialist
The word “influencer” has taken on a whole new meaning in the 21st century. Many young (and some older) people are actually earning a living (sometimes quite a substantial amount of money) as a so-called “online influencer.”
Grandparents influence their grandchildren spiritually by modeling authentic faith, sharing personal stories, practicing humility, serving others together, and encouraging their God-given gifts. Consistent relationships and intentional conversations help shape a child’s beliefs and can impact their faith for a lifetime.
You don’t need followers to be an influencer. Your grandchildren are already watching you. Your consistency and authenticity in their lives will influence them.
Why Grandparents Have a Unique Spiritual Influence
Grandparents, you have an opportunity to be an influencer too, but in a very different way and for a much more important reason. Your intentional discipleship of your grandchildren can influence them to believe in God, turn their lives over to Jesus, and look forward to eternity in the presence of the triune God.
In this blog post, Joannie DeBrito will discuss some practical ways for you to be spiritual influencers in your grandchildren’s lives. Let’s look at some of the ways the Bible encourages us to be influential in our lives as Christians.
1. Set the Example of Godly Character
It begins with demonstrating Godly character in your interactions with your grandchildren and teaching them about good character through your stories. Stories of how you have failed and succeeded in the examples you have set for others.
We find guidance in Galatians 5:22-23, where we learn the fruit of the Spirit, and in Romans 12:2, we are encouraged to experience transformation via the renewing of our mind. Additionally, 2 Peter 1:5-7 encourages us to deepen our faith:
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” (ESV)
Sharing Your Failures and Growth Authentically
I don’t know about you, but I have plenty of examples where I have followed this guidance, but unfortunately, probably more times when I have failed to set a good example in my life. I often showed more condemning judgment than grace or justified a lie because it was easier than telling the truth. I broke several of the 10 commandments more than once and faced the consequences of these inappropriate behavior examples. Most occurred before I was an adult, but I would be lying right here and now if I asserted that I no longer sin.
How Transparency Builds Trust with Grandchildren
When my grandchildren talk about struggles in their lives (or get caught with their proverbial hand in the cookie jar), I often talk about a time when I did something similar, the consequences I faced (internally and externally), and how I responded differently later on in a way that glorified God.
Sometimes the stories are pretty easy to tell, and other times, well, they’re messy because not every story has been fully resolved, even this late into my life. I have found that my willingness to be honest with my grandchildren has made them more apt to tell me when they have made a mistake and opened the door to talk about a Savior who will forgive our sins when we confess. This tends to lead to discussions about freedom in Christ.
I also share examples when good character was demonstrated because of those who raised or mentored me and set good examples for me.
2. Teach the Power of Humility
Telling the truth requires humility, which reflects the character of Jesus Christ. The world of online influencers shows no evidence of humility. It’s an environment full of self-involved people who will sometimes do almost anything to draw attention to themselves. Our grandchildren can easily be seduced into this world with promises of rich rewards and convinced to reject the values of their parents and grandparents.
However, we can influence our grandchildren to resist the pull away from humility and toward narcissism and entitlement by allowing them to see the natural consequences that come from putting others before themselves in times of need. Being real and vulnerable leads to authenticity, which is desired.
3. Serve Others Together
When we participate in serving others along with our grandchildren, we can be influential in helping them learn to be grateful for what they have and to see fulfillment in sacrificial service.
Once, when I took my grandchildren along to help clean up the yard of a neighbor who was caring for two disabled family members, I saw both experience surprising joy during a hot, tiring day. They finished working, talking about how thankful they were for their health. Also, how beautiful it was to see the excitement that the caregiver showed when she was able to see her garden after it had been buried under trash for over a year. Whenever we walk by that house, they comment about how much they enjoyed that day and how it contributed to their desire to serve in many other ways.
Seek influence by pointing out how to be other-focused and not self-focused and absorbed. Be on the alert for ways to encourage and develop this trait.
4. Discover and Develop God-Given Gifts
Intentional Christian grandparents build authentic relationships with their grandchildren and learn, through observations of them and conversations with them, about their God-given gifts. As grandparents demonstrate how they use their gifts to serve God and lead others to Christ, their grandchildren may be influenced to do the same.
I remember working on a women’s conference with a very well-known Christian speaker and evangelist when she told of how her mother and grandmothers encouraged her to develop her talents in public speaking. At the time, the keynote presenters at women’s conferences were all men, mostly because women were not recognized as potentially having the ability to speak to large audiences and certainly were not offered the opportunity to try. However, the encouragement of this gifted speaker’s older and wiser female family members was influential in giving her the courage to fine-tune her speaking skills and become one of the most sought-after and admired female Christian evangelists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
5. Inspire Confidence to Use Gifts for God’s Glory
Grandparents, look for your grandchildren’s talents, skills, and gifts and encourage them to think about how they can use them to love and serve others and to glorify God in this life and beyond.
Challenge yourselves to look beyond obvious gifts in academics, sports, or performing arts. Many kids do not have any of those skills. However, some have a dynamic personality or a knack for making people laugh. Others may be extremely sensitive to the feelings of others or excellent at comforting people when they are hurting. Maybe that adventuresome grandson is destined to travel the world spreading the news of the gospel, or that quiet granddaughter who loves to read will write a book that inspires others in their faith.
Let’s remember that all grandchildren, including those who have visible or invisible disabilities, chronic health issues, or mental health diagnoses, have much to offer others. Often, they can draw on experiences that most of us don’t have to inspire courage in us.
Watch, listen, and learn. Every grandchild has something to offer the kingdom, and you may be the first to influence them to that end. By encouraging your grandchildren to accept Jesus Christ, you will contribute not only to their life in eternity but to all those souls that he or she influences as well.
Conclusion
Grandparent, what can you do this week to intentionally begin to spiritually influence your grandchild?
Do you need some ideas? – go to our brand new, free, community-driven resource hub Grand Ideas. You can also share ideas about what you do. It may encourage others to spiritually influence their grandchildren.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of grandparents in spiritual development?
Grandparents play a key role by modeling faith, sharing wisdom, and reinforcing biblical values through consistent relationships.
How can I talk to my grandchildren about faith?
Use everyday moments, ask questions, share personal stories, and keep conversations natural rather than forced.
What if I feel unqualified to disciple my grandchildren?
You don’t need to be perfect—faithfulness, humility, and consistency matter most.
