Faith-Based Family Bonding Activities to Grow Closer Together
In the whirlwind of parenting — school lunches, bedtime battles, scattered socks, and Sunday mornings where no one can find their shoes — it can feel almost impossible to create intentional family rhythms around faith.
But here’s the truth: faith is formed in the in-between moments. In car rides. Around the dinner table. On walks. During giggles and chaos and questions. You don’t need to lead a seminary-style Bible study or reinvent your routine. You just need to start with one moment of connection — and let God build from there.
Here are some grace-filled, low-pressure family bonding ideas that build both faith and closeness. Try a few. Adapt them. And let go of perfect.
1. Read One Verse Together Every Day
You don’t have to carve out 30 minutes. Just open the Bible (or a kid’s Bible) and read one verse together in the morning or before bed. Some families like to:
Tape a verse to the fridge or bathroom mirror
Read the daily Proverb (i.e., Proverbs 14 on the 14th)
Memorize one verse a week together
Use a devotional with quick daily prompts
It’s not about how much you read — it’s about making God’s Word part of your everyday rhythm.
2. Light a Candle and Pray at Dinner
This one is surprisingly powerful. Lighting a candle before meals can feel sacred — and helps even little ones pause and pay attention. Then, take turns thanking God for something. Keep it simple:
“Thank You for the mac and cheese.”
“Thank You that we didn’t fight on the way home.”
“Thank You that You’re with us when we’re tired.”
Let the prayer be raw, short, and honest.
3. Create a Faith-Based Game Night
Want to get your kids talking about Jesus without forcing it? Make it fun.
Try:
Bible Pictionary or Charades: Act out or draw characters, stories, or parables.
Memory Match with verses and themes.
Christian trivia or question cards about life, faith, or feelings.
“Would You Rather…?” questions tied to kindness, bravery, or faith decisions.
Games create laughter — and laughter opens hearts.
4. Have a Family Worship Night (Or Morning)
This doesn’t have to be formal. Play a worship playlist in the background while you clean up toys or dance in the living room.
Some nights you may want to:
Sing a song together
Play instruments (real or pretend)
Watch a kid-friendly worship video
Color or draw while listening
The goal isn’t performance — it’s helping your kids experience God’s presence as part of everyday life.
5. Serve Someone as a Family
Nothing bonds a family like serving together — even in small ways.
Try:
Baking cookies for a neighbor
Packing a meal or care bag for someone in need
Raking leaves or shoveling snow for someone on your street
Delivering diapers to a local ministry
Writing “Jesus loves you” notes to include in lunches or donate with snacks
Let your kids help choose the act of kindness. Ask afterward, “How did that make you feel?”
6. Read Christian Picture Books (Even to Big Kids)
Storytime is sacred — especially when the stories remind your kids of who God is. Some Valley Moms favorites:
Found by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Psalm 23)
The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross
The Biggest Story
Jesus and the Very Big Surprise
Who Sang the First Song? by Ellie Holcomb
Big kids love being read to, too — especially when it leads to questions and conversation.
7. Ask “Heart Questions” Once a Week
Set aside one night a week for intentional connection. It could be over dinner, during bedtime snuggles, or even in the car. Try questions like:
What made you feel happy today?
What was hard today?
Where did you see kindness?
Did anything make you feel close to God?
Is there anything you want to pray about?
You don’t need to fix or preach — just listen and pray together afterward.
8. Create a “Faith Wall” in Your Home
This could be a little cork board, a wall by the kitchen table, or even your fridge. Fill it with:
Memory verses
Prayers your kids write or draw
Names of Jesus (one for each day of Advent!)
Gratitude lists
Favorite worship lyrics
Photos of people you're praying for
Let your kids help decorate and update it. It becomes a visual anchor for your family’s faith life.
9. Speak God’s Truth Over Your Kids
This one takes no supplies — just intention.
Before school, say:
“You are brave. God is with you.”
“Jesus made you kind and strong.”
“You are deeply loved, even when you mess up.”
At bedtime, whisper a short blessing:
“May the Lord give you peace and rest tonight.”
“Jesus is with you while you sleep.”
“You’re my gift. And God’s, too.”
Your words shape their view of themselves and their God.
10. Let Your Kids See Your Faith in Action
They don’t need perfection — they need authenticity. Let them hear you:
Say a short prayer when you’re overwhelmed
Ask for forgiveness after you lose your temper
Say “God, I don’t know what to do” out loud
Thank God for something small
Open your Bible and let them see it open
Faith isn’t something we “teach” our kids — it’s something we live in front of them.
Final Thought
You don’t have to be a perfect parent to raise faith-filled kids. You don’t need a degree in theology or a perfectly planned devotional calendar. You just need to show up, invite God in, and make space for little moments of connection.
Start with one idea. See what works. Let the Holy Spirit lead.
Your home doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be present. And God will meet you there.
