Research Review: Families and Faith (Bengtson)

This research review of Families and Faith* translates Vern Bengtson’s thirty-year, four-generation study into language and insights kids and family pastors can actually use. It explains why relational closeness between parent and child is the top predictor of faith transmission, and introduces the core ideas that shaped the WalkWith framework of Warmth, Wonder, and Walk. Use it to ground your parent strategy in robust research, to brief leaders on why parent-child relationships matter so much, and to cast vision for investing in the home as the primary site of discipleship.

A practical review of Vern Bengtson’s long-term research on how faith is passed through generations, including the importance of relational closeness between parents and children.

When to Use It

Use this when you need research-backed language for why parent-child relationships and faith at home matter so much.

How to Use It

• Read it as a team before planning parent ministry initiatives
• Share key insights with senior leaders or parent volunteers
• Use it to introduce the importance of warmth, wonder, and walk in family discipleship