Research Review: Handing Down the Faith

This research review of Handing Down the Faith* condenses the book’s findings about how parents transmit religious belief—and what helps or hinders that process. It highlights the role of everyday practices, the importance of parents’ own commitment, and the kinds of support churches can offer that truly help families. Use it to shape your parent-equipping pathway, design more effective classes or conversations, and keep your team aligned around research-backed priorities instead of assumptions.

A practical review of Christian Smith’s research on how parents pass down faith and the kinds of support churches can offer that genuinely help families.

When to Use It

Use this when developing a parent-equipping pathway, evaluating current ministry efforts, or preparing a parent discipleship conversation.

How to Use It

• Discuss it with your ministry team or leadership team
• Use the findings to evaluate what your church is already offering parents
• Let the research guide your next parent class, resource bundle, or ministry priority