Christian Grandparenting: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
A Canadian Resource for a Growing Global Movement
Grandparents have never had more influence, or more opportunity, than they do today. Thousands of Christian grandparents are discovering that their role extends far beyond family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and cherished memories. God has entrusted them with something profoundly significant: the opportunity to help shape the spiritual lives of the next generation.
That conviction lies at the heart of Christian Grandparenting: Leaving a Lasting Legacy, a new book by Canadian author and ministry leader Dr. Lawson Murray. Written from a deeply biblical perspective and enriched by personal experience, the book invites grandparents to embrace their God-given calling to intentionally invest in their grandchildren's faith formation.
Remarkably, when Murray began writing the book, he didn’t realize it would become the first Canadian-authored book dedicated specifically to Christian grandparenting. Yet its publication arrives at exactly the right time. As churches, families, and ministries seek ways to strengthen faith across generations, this resource provides practical guidance and spiritual encouragement for grandparents who desire to make an eternal difference.
Grandparenting with Purpose
Many grandparents love their grandchildren deeply but remain uncertain about their purpose. What role should they play? How involved should they be? How can they influence their grandchildren without becoming overbearing?
These questions are increasingly common in today's culture. Society often encourages grandparents to maintain a respectful distance, avoid spiritual conversations, and enjoy their grandchildren without seeking to shape their values or beliefs. While affection and support are important, Scripture presents a much richer vision.
Murray defines Christian grandparenting as the intentional nurturing of Christ-centred, trusting relationships across generations while creatively strengthening biblical family life so that every generation knows, loves, and wholeheartedly follows Christ.
That vision captures both the privilege and responsibility of grandparenting. It’s not passive. It’s intentional. It’s not merely about preserving family traditions. It’s about passing on faith. It’s not focused on grandparents themselves but on helping grandchildren discover and follow Jesus.
The book repeatedly reminds readers that grandparenting isn’t an afterthought in God's plan. Throughout Scripture, God works through generations to accomplish His purposes. The faithfulness of one generation often becomes the foundation for the faith of the next.
Rooted in Scripture
One of the strengths of Christian Grandparenting is its strong biblical foundation.
The book draws readers back to passages such as Psalm 78:4:
"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."
This verse serves as both a mandate and an inspiration. God's people have always been called to declare His faithfulness to those who come after them. Grandparents occupy a unique place within that calling. They’ve lived long enough to see God's provision, experience His grace, and witness His faithfulness through many seasons of life.
Rather than keeping their stories to themselves, they’re invited to share them.
Murray emphasizes that Christian grandparents possess something their grandchildren desperately need: wisdom forged through experience, faith tested through trials, and a perspective shaped by years of walking with Christ.
In a culture where younger generations are often searching for meaning, identity, and hope, grandparents can provide a powerful witness to the reality of God's presence and faithfulness.
More Than a How-To Book
While Christian Grandparenting offers practical ideas and actionable guidance, it’s much more than a how-to manual.
Throughout the book, Murray shares personal stories from his own journey as a grandfather of twelve grandchildren. Readers encounter both joys and challenges, successes and lessons learned. These stories make the book relatable and accessible while illustrating biblical principles in everyday life.
The practical sections encourage grandparents to pray intentionally, build meaningful spiritual conversations into everyday interactions, strengthen relationships based on trust, model authentic Christian faith, support parents in their disciple-making role, create family experiences that reinforce biblical values, and leave a spiritual legacy that extends beyond their lifetime.
Importantly, the book avoids placing unrealistic expectations on grandparents. Grandparents don’t need to become perfect spiritual heroes or add endless responsibilities to already busy lives. Instead, it focuses on faithful influence. The message is simple yet profound: God can use ordinary grandparents who are available, prayerful, and intentional.
A Vision for Generational Disciple-Making
One reason Murray felt compelled to write this book is his deep commitment to generational disciple-making.
Across North America, churches continue to wrestle with the challenge of helping young people maintain a vibrant faith into adulthood. Many parents feel overwhelmed by cultural pressures, while churches often struggle to connect faith formation with everyday family life.
Grandparents represent an often-overlooked resource in addressing this challenge.
Research consistently demonstrates that grandparents can have a significant impact on the faith development of children and teenagers. Their influence is frequently characterized by love, acceptance, wisdom, and stability; qualities that create fertile soil for spiritual growth.
Yet many churches provide little intentional training or encouragement for grandparents.
Christian Grandparenting helps fill that gap by equipping grandparents to see themselves as active participants in God's mission. Rather than viewing retirement years as a time to step back from ministry, the book encourages readers to recognize that some of their most fruitful kingdom work may still lie ahead.
A Legacy That Points Beyond Ourselves
The central theme of the book is legacy. When people hear the word "legacy," they often think of financial inheritance, family achievements, or personal accomplishments. Murray challenges readers to think differently.
The greatest legacy a grandparent can leave isn’t material wealth but spiritual influence.
Grandchildren may remember special vacations, holiday traditions, and treasured family moments. Those memories matter. Yet the most enduring gift is helping them know and love Jesus.
This perspective transforms the purpose of grandparenting. Every conversation, prayer, story, and act of faithfulness becomes an opportunity to point grandchildren toward Christ.
Murray writes from the conviction that his own legacy should never elevate his name but direct attention to God. His desire echoes the words of the Apostle John:
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" 3 John 4
That longing resonates with Christian grandparents everywhere. More than success, comfort, or achievement, they desire to see their children and grandchildren faithfully walking with the Lord.
An Invitation to Every Grandparent
Whether you’re a new grandparent holding your first grandchild or a seasoned grandparent with a growing family tree, Christian Grandparenting: Leaving a Lasting Legacy offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical help.
This book is ultimately an invitation: an invitation to embrace the sacred influence God has already placed in your hands.
It reminds us that God is a generational God. He delights in working through families. He calls grandparents to participate in His redemptive purposes by nurturing faith, sharing stories, offering wisdom, and praying fervently for those who follow behind them.
The legacy you leave today may echo far beyond what you can see.
For grandparents who desire to invest in what matters most, Christian Grandparenting: Leaving a Lasting Legacy provides a compelling vision and a practical pathway. It’s a timely resource for a growing movement of grandparents who want every generation to know, love, and wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ.
Available soon in the Legacy Coalition Canada store!