Research shows that parents are the single most influential factor in a child's faith. 82% of kids whose parents talk about and practice faith at home go on to follow Jesus as adults — compared to 36% whose parents simply bring them to church. Alabaster Kids is one hour a week. You have the rest. We want to help you make the most of it.

Try these over dinner one night, spread across morning breakfasts, or return to them on the go in the car this week.

Weekly Scripture Passage: Mark 4:1–20 Jesus told a story about a farmer scattering seed. Some fell on the path and birds ate it. Some fell on rocky ground, sprang up fast, and then withered with no roots. Some fell among thorns and got choked out. And some fell on good soil and grew into more than anyone planted. Jesus said the seed is his word of the Kingdom, and the soil is us — how ready our hearts are to actually let it take root.

1. Jesus names a few things that can keep the Kingdom from growing in us — getting snatched away before it sinks in, caving under pressure, getting crowded out by worry or wanting more stuff. Which of those feels most familiar to you lately?

2. If you're honest, which soil have you felt like this week — rushed and distracted, excited but shallow, crowded with other stuff, or actually ready to grow? What's one small thing that could help make more room this week?

3. Jesus says good soil produces way more than what was planted. Pray together and ask God to help something he's planted in your family actually grow this week and thank him for a time you've already seen that happen.

4. (Consider pairing these questions with the Up, Down, In, Out examen from our cohorts.)