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Rethinking the Role of Grandparents


Many things shape our understanding of grandparenting—our grandparents, popular culture, and hopefully, the Bible. Scripture challenges us to move beyond cultural expectations and embrace a higher calling.

Dr. Mulvihill outlines four essential roles for Christian grandparents:

  • Encouraging Voice – A cheerleader who offers kind words and spiritual support.
  • Supportive Parent – A steady helping hand for our adult children as they raise their families.
  • Loving Friend – A trusted companion who listens with compassion.
  • Disciple-Maker – A mentor in the faith who intentionally helps grandchildren know and follow Christ.

We must ask: How am I helping my grandchildren grow in Christ? What goals am I setting as a spiritual guide?

Rejecting Cultural Messages

Modern culture sends grandparents three harmful messages:

  • Live independently of your family.
  • You’ve worked hard—now it’s time to focus on yourself.
  • Just have fun with your grandkids—be the “fun” grandparent.

These ideas seem innocent, but they ignore the biblical truth that our later years are the giving years—a time for spiritual investment and legacy-building.

Embracing the Giving Season

This is our giving season, when we:

  • Give our time and flexibility to be available.
  • Give our presence to share daily life.
  • Give our joy to create memories filled with celebration and belonging.
  • Give our God-stories to help build a spiritual foundation.
  • Give spiritual tools like Bibles, prayer habits, and Scripture verses.

This isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about consistent, meaningful engagement.

Biblical Foundations for Grandparenting

Scripture gives us a powerful framework for this role. Consider these seven ways grandparents matter, rooted in biblical wisdom:

  1. Long-Term Relationship – We offer lifelong influence (Proverbs 23:26).
  2. Wisdom – We speak truth shaped by experience (Proverbs 4:7–8).
  3. A Good Name – Our reputation and integrity inspire (Proverbs 22:1).
  4. Christlike Character – Little eyes are watching (Deuteronomy 4:9).
  5. Stability and Strength – We’ve weathered storms and can guide others (2 Timothy 1:5).
  6. Joy in Jesus – Our joy points to something greater (Philippians 4:4).
  7. The Gospel – We carry and share the good news (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

Whether we’re supporting strong Christian parents or stepping in for those who are spiritually absent, our role matters deeply.

Avoiding Spiritual Abdication

One of our greatest dangers is abdication, leaving spiritual matters entirely to others. But Psalm 145:3-4 reminds us:

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.”

Let’s be that generation, passing on our love and awe for God.

Where Do I Start?

Start with Deuteronomy 4:9:

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen… Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

Your own walk with the Lord is the starting point. A growing, vibrant faith overflows into the lives of your grandchildren.

God’s Vision for Families: Psalm 78

Psalm 78 gives us a multigenerational vision for family discipleship. As grandparents, we are called to:

  • Tell grandchildren about the mighty works of God.
  • Share our personal testimony.
  • Teach God’s commands and truth.
  • Model what it looks like to hope in God.

Our influence, if grounded in faith, can shape how generations view God and His Word.

Meeting the Spiritual Deficiencies

Many Christian families today lack three critical elements:

  1. Family Discipleship – Regular spiritual conversations at home.
  2. Biblical Worldview – Understanding life through God’s truth.
  3. Church Involvement – Regular worship and community with believers.

Grandparents can gently and lovingly step in—not by preaching, but by being a steady example and faithful encourager.

Six Lessons from a Seasoned Grandparent

Dr. Mulvihill shares six heartfelt lessons from his own experience:

  1. Being a “good” grandparent isn’t enough—we must be intentional.
  2. Our soul’s condition shapes the depth of our legacy.
  3. We don’t need all the answers, just a willingness to listen and love.
  4. A safe, loving space is more powerful than winning arguments.
  5. Life is short, but our legacy can be eternal.
  6. Prayer for our grandchildren is one of the greatest acts of love.

Final Thoughts

Grandparenting is more than a stage of life; it’s a mission field. God uniquely places each of us in our family to make Him known to the next generation.

Let’s live so that our grandchildren won’t just remember the games we played but also the faith we lived, the prayers we prayed, and the love we shared in Christ’s name.

This is our calling. Let’s embrace it with purpose, humility, and joy.

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