Equipping parents and caregivers with tools for Christian formation
Cultivating faith and character in every stage of life
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”
Luke 2:52
What is Christian Formation?
Christian formation is the Spirit-led shaping of our hearts, minds, and lives to reflect Christ. Parents and other beloved caregivers help shape young hearts to know God’s story, trust His promises, and live out His love in the world.
Why Rooted Families?
Rooted Families helps parents and caregivers nurture lasting faith by offering practical, Bible-based tools for every stage of a child’s growth. Our resources guide you in weaving Christian formation into daily life, planting seeds of faith that will grow and bear fruit for years to come.
1
How do you… Nurture a toddler’s understanding of God’s love through play and everyday moments?
Plant
Sow seeds of trust and God’s love.
2
How do you… Lead your children through difficult emotions and help them respond with patience and kindness?
Root
Anchor identity in Christ.
3
How do you… Foster a Christ-centered family routine that encourages spiritual growth and connection?
Growth
Nurture growing faith and character.
4
How do you… Teach your children the value of service and compassion toward others in their community?
Fruit
Live out Spirit-led qualities.
Stages of child Christian formation
Holding Stage
(Ages 0-4)
A sacred season of nurturing where children are embraced in the love and security of family. Through daily connection, caregivers model God’s steadfast love, planting seeds of faith and trust.
Encircling Stage
(Ages 4-8)
In this stage, children begin to explore the world around them. Caregivers intentionally surround them with truth, grace, and steady love, reflecting the faithful presence of God.
Partnering Stage
(Ages 8-12)
In this season, caregivers walk alongside children, guiding them in faith and responsibility. Through mutual trust and collaboration, children begin to take ownership of their relationship with God, learning to live out His truth in everyday life.
Conversation Stage
(Ages 12-16)
Caregivers engage in open, honest dialogue with children about their developing faith, helping them connect biblical truths to their lives. This stage fosters deeper understanding and encourages children to articulate their beliefs, growing in both knowledge and relationship with God.
Commissioning Stage
(Ages 16-20)
In this important transition time, caregivers release adolescents into spiritual responsibility, just as Jesus sent out His disciples. Teens are equipped and empowered to live out their faith, step into mission, and rely on the Holy Spirit as they embrace their calling.
FAQs
Who we are?
For nearly 120 years, College of the Ozarks has been committed to providing a Christian education to youth from the Ozarks region. Today, the College serves infants through college students through its baccalaureate education, classical Christian laboratory school, and Child Development Center.
Over the years, the College’s emphasis on Christian education has allowed it to develop frameworks for faithfully educating children of all ages with Christian practices, courses, and worship experiences that nourish the students we serve and the families they come from.
Who’s guiding the Rooted Families Project?
Freeman serves as Associate Professor of Christian Formation at College of the Ozarks and can be contacted through her website: jenniferfreeman.co
Who are we trying to support?
Beloved Adults: The parents, teachers, grandparents, mentors, pastors, and friends who partner with children in their Christian growth from infancy through young adulthood.
What’s our goal for the Rooted Families Project?
Our hope for this project is to empower Beloved Caregivers by providing resources, networks, and Christian practices that help them share their faith and values with the children they love.
Who else deserves credit for this work?
This project was made possible by College of the Ozarks faculty, staff, and students and underwritten by a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative. We are so thankful for all who participated and offered input in the process.
What are caregivers saying about participating in Rooted Families?
The Rooted Families Guide communicates human development theories in a way that those who are raising children can understand through her use of storytelling and practical examples. This guide serves all life stages of people desiring to raise children who are followers of Jesus, from those praying for a child to those launching their children into their God-given callings.
Joey Bluege, Associate Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church
Drawing on a wealth of experience and wisdom, Jennifer intentionally guides caregivers in nurturing loved ones from the cradle through adulthood in their spiritual development. This valuable discipleship tool provides a clear path through the stages of their journey. Through the truth of scripture, this thoughtfully crafted resource not only engages and shapes the child but also transforms the caregiver, as they grow together along the voyage.
Beth Howard, Faculty – Kindergarten, School of the Ozarks, a Laboratory School of College of the Ozarks
As an educator in early childhood development, I cannot express how impactful the Rooted Families Guide is to new parents and families. This guide is an excellent tool to equip all caregivers in the lifelong process of guiding children to become more like Jesus in everyday experiences, relationships, and interactions. It is also valuable in teaching the importantace of providing through each of the stages.
Kristy Orrell, Child Development Center Director, College of the Ozarks
