Beth Cunningham explores why faith formation happens most powerfully in the home—and how churches can equip parents to pass on a vibrant, lasting faith through both spiritual practices and relational closeness.

Topics covered include:

• Why the home is the most important “room” in the church
• What research shows about parent-led Bible reading, prayer, and faith modeling
• The #1 predictor of faith lasting into adulthood: relational closeness
• Why closeness is a conduit (and why a parent’s own faith vitality matters)
• The “Warmth, Wonder, Walk” framework for building closeness and discipleship at home

Key takeaway for leaders

• Don’t treat home discipleship as optional—it’s where the most influential formation happens.
• Equip parents for more than teaching Bible content: help them grow into people worth imitating (real, not perfect).
• Emphasize that closeness is the conduit for faith transfer, and what flows through it is shaped by the parent’s own walk with Jesus.
• Give parents a clear pathway like Warmth, Wonder, Walk they can apply immediately in everyday life.
• Parents want this help—many believe they’re primary disciplers, but few feel it’s going well—so provide simple, confidence-building next steps.