Beth Cunningham unpacks the research behind warmth, the first building block of closeness—and why it’s a key predictor of whether kids carry their parents’ faith into adulthood.

Topics covered include:

• Why what happens at home is part of a kids pastor’s discipleship strategy
• What “warmth” is (and what it isn’t) in parent-child relationships
• How warmth strengthens closeness—and why closeness predicts long-term faith
• Simple ways leaders can keep warmth on parents’ radar over time
• Practical starting points like “name it” and the 10-minute rule

Key takeaway for leaders

• Warmth is the foundation—faith is often passed down through closeness, and warmth is where closeness begins.
• Warmth is not permissiveness or harsh discipline; it’s love + boundaries in the same relationship.
• You don’t need to become a therapist—just keep warmth consistently and naturally in front of parents.
• Make warmth shared language in your ministry (volunteers, parents, group chats, gatherings) so it multiplies beyond you.
• Give parents a low-barrier win like the 10-minute, distraction-free connection a few times a week to build lasting relational trust.