"Salt and Light: Grandparenting with Grace in a Non-Christian Family"

Being a grandparent is a treasured role — a unique blend of love, wisdom, and legacy. But what happens when Christian grandparents find themselves in a family where their grandchildren are being raised in a non-Christian home? It can be both a powerful opportunity and a deeply emotional challenge.

The desire to see grandchildren walk with Jesus is strong, yet the path to that hope is often paved with careful steps, patience, and prayer. Thankfully, Scripture reminds us that God works through generations — and He is never limited by family dynamics.

Below is a series of practical steps to support Christian grandparents to support their grandchildren on their own faith journey.

 

1. Live Out the Gospel with Grace and Joy

One of the most powerful things Christian grandparents can do is to embody the love of Christ. When grandchildren experience warmth, consistency, and joy in your presence, they begin to associate those qualities with something deeper — even if they can’t name it yet.

Words may not always be welcomed, especially in families that are resistant to faith. But a life of peace, generosity, forgiveness, and steady love becomes a testimony that speaks louder than lectures. As St. Francis of Assisi is often credited with saying, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

 

2. Respect Boundaries, But Stay Present

It’s important to acknowledge that parents — even if they don’t share your faith — have the primary responsibility for raising their children. Pushing too hard can strain relationships. But loving well, being dependable, and staying involved lays the groundwork for influence over time.

Ask what’s appropriate when it comes to talking about faith, and honor those boundaries. Then, look for open doors — a question from a grandchild, a holiday tradition, a bedtime story — and gently walk through them when the opportunity arises.

3. Sow Seeds of Faith in Natural Ways

Even if you can't overtly teach or talk about Jesus, there are quiet, beautiful ways to plant spiritual seeds:

·        Read Bible-themed children’s books or share parables as stories with morals.

·        Sing hymns or worship songs when you're with them — children remember music for years.

·        Live your values in how you speak, give thanks before meals, or respond to challenges.

·        Celebrate faith-based holidays with intention — share why Easter or Christmas is meaningful to you.

·        Seek out gifts that get the Word of God infront of your grandchildren. The gospel message is one of power and victory and the earlier young children internalise this, the more the word can get to work in their lives.

These small acts may seem insignificant now, but God often uses the ordinary to produce extraordinary fruit later.

4. Be a Prayer Warrior Behind the Scenes

Perhaps the most important — and often invisible — role of a Christian grandparent is that of intercessor. Prayer is not the last resort; it is your most powerful gift. Ask God daily for your grandchildren's hearts, their protection, and their future encounters with Christ.

Pray for open doors. Pray for wisdom. Pray for softened hearts. And trust that God hears every word — even if you never see the results right away.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us: "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

 

5. Trust God’s Timing and Sovereignty

It can be heartbreaking to watch grandchildren grow up without the spiritual foundation you long for them to have. But remember: you are not their Saviour — Jesus is. And His reach is longer, His timing is perfect, and His love is unrelenting.

Even if your influence seems limited now, your faithfulness is never wasted. God may use your example as the spark that ignites faith years from now — long after a summer visit, a bedtime prayer, or a kind word.

In Closing

Being a Christian grandparent in a non-Christian family isn’t easy. It requires wisdom, patience, and often, silent trust in the unseen work of God. But never underestimate the power of a praying grandparent, a consistent presence, or a life that reflects Jesus without words.

You may be the only Jesus your grandchildren see right now — and that is both a sacred responsibility and a profound privilege.

Stay faithful. Keep loving. Keep praying. God is always working, even when we can’t see it.