Work began on the bell tower, the final structure of a cathedral complex in Tuscany, in 1173. This eight-story tower would stand two hundred feet tall and be made of marble. But by the time the third story was complete, a problem was apparent: the tower was leaning. The foundation couldn’t support the structure.
A war in the region had forced work on the tower to pause, giving the foundation time to settle. When construction resumed, workers attempted to even the tower’s height by making the short side taller. The extra weight, however, caused that side to sink even more. Placing seven bells in the tower (one of which weighed eight thousand pounds) didn’t help. In time, the bells stopped ringing because their swinging destabilized the tower even more.
Why a Faith Foundation Guide Matters
Today, the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands at 186 feet on one side and 183 feet on the other, leaning about four degrees. The stationary bells are “rung” by electromagnetic hammers—all because of a faulty foundation (“Leaning Tower of Pisa,” Britannica, accessed February 24, 2025, www.britannica.com/topic/Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa; and “Leaning Tower of Pisa Facts,” Leaning Tower of Pisa, accessed February 24, 2025, www.towerofpisa.org/leaning-tower-of-pisa-facts). This famous tower reminds us why we cannot forsake the establishment of a sure foundation—especially when it comes to discipling our children. One of our highest callings as parents is to help lay a strong foundation of faith in our children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). This calling is to be accomplished primarily in the home, through the power of the Holy Spirit and with the help of the church.
A Faith Foundation Guide for Parents and the Church
I believe most Christian parents want to disciple their children, but they aren’t sure how. It’s important to remember that God hasn’t given you this task to complete on your own. The Holy Spirit is with you! He will help you, guide you, encourage you, and strengthen you. God knows that you too are a disciple, learning and growing. That’s where the partnership of the local church comes in. The church helps equip you as a parent to fulfill this calling even as it fulfills its calling to help you grow as a disciple.
Building a Strong Faith Foundation Guide for Children
Understanding that you play a significant role in laying a faith foundation in your child is one thing; understanding what that foundation is to be is another. Coming to saving faith in Jesus is a critical step, but it’s not the entire foundation. Forgiveness from sin is just the first part of an amazing journey.
Faith Foundation Guide for Long-Term Spiritual Growth
A child who has trusted in Jesus but doesn’t grow in faith misses out on a life of blessing and purpose, sometimes for years or even decades.
Helping Children Apply the Faith Foundation Guide Daily
We want the best for our children, and the best is Jesus. Not just some of Jesus; all of Jesus. That’s why it’s so important to roll up our sleeves and help our children know and trust Jesus, then help them put their faith into practice by living like Jesus. That faith foundation will last.
Adapted from Faith Foundations by Brian Dembowczyk. ©2025 by Brian Dembowczyk. Used by permission of InterVarsity Press. www.ivpress.com.
Brian Dembowczyk (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles and the author of Faith Foundations and Family Discipleship That Works. He was previously the managing editor of The Gospel Project, a Bible study curriculum used by over 1.6 million adults, teens, and children each week, and he has also been a pastor, discipleship pastor, and family pastor.
