Will Our Faith Have Any Children?

No matter your age, faith can be tough to define and even more difficult to quantify and measure. In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews calls it an evidence of something unseen, and James the brother of Jesus explains that faith must have works or it is dead. So faith isn’t something we can see, but it does produce results.

Dudley Chancey believes every Christian should take an active role in cultivating their own faith and helping others, especially the young, to grow. Grounded in academic research, Keep Faith Alive offers a careful look at what today’s grandparents understand about faith and their role in society. He offers actionable steps for fostering a deep, lasting spiritual legacy. With a focus on storytelling, prayer, and practical advice, he equips grandparents to make a meaningful, intentional impact on their grandchildren’s faith journeys, ensuring their lives are filled with purpose and spiritual richness.

Dudley Chancey leads the Intergenerational Faith Center at Oklahoma Christian University. He served as a professor of youth and family ministry from 1998 to 2020, equipping a generation of pastors.

“Families have been under attack since the first days of creation. Satan’s strategy is well-documented throughout the Bible. Dudley has recognized that strong families are important in faith development, but a strong family with intentional grandparents is even better. When I ask my university students in class each year who shaped their faith the most, the majority list their grandparents as one of the top three influencers and spiritual guides. If you are worried about the future generation, the author has given you some practical and powerful ideas of things you can do to help your grandkids be faithful. I hope what you read on the pages of this book will inspire you and move you to make intentional grandparenting part of your family’s DNA.”
— Robert Oglesby, ACU Bible Faculty Director; ACU Center for Youth and Family Ministry

“Grandparents are our best-kept secret in faith formation! Dudley Chancey has uncovered the secret with a timely and important book—grounded in research and filled with wisdom and insight and ideas. The power of grandparents to share faith with the other generations in their family and in the congregation is still untapped. This book gives us the understanding and practical strategies to tap into that power.”
— John Roberto, Director, Lifelong Faith Associates; author, Lifelong Faith: Formation for All Ages and Generations

“Chancey has given grandparents, their children, and their grandchildren an incredible resource within the pages of Keep Faith Alive. His research provides a treasure trove of spiritual, emotional, and practical insights that will help grandparents of all ages walk alongside their grandchildren and engage them prayerfully and conversationally in the great things God has done and is doing in our world. In addition, his counsel regarding boundaries, overall health, and our own spiritual journey as grandparents provides actionable steps for strengthening and growing our relationship with God, our children, and our grandchildren. As a grandfather of four, I encourage all grandparents who want to pass a legacy of faith to their grandchildren to pick up a copy and read Keep
Faith Alive.”
— Dr. Gregory Anderson, President, Midland Christian School; Assistant Director, Lipscomb University Doctorate of Ministry Program

“Using the importance of ‘faith stories’ as the cornerstone and weaving together research and practical application, Dudley has produced an informative and compelling book for parents and grandparents. The thesis is clear: The generations that follow will not know the stories of how God has impacted our lives unless we tell them. Rich in resources and valuable suggestions, the volume is a must-read for anyone seeking more information in transferring their legacy of faith.”
— Dr. Jerry and Lynn Jones

“When I became a parent, I went on a search for books to read and mentors to follow. That is exactly what I had to do again following my ‘birth’ as a grandmother. Grandparenting, whether by blood or by spiritual connection, is a vital role in the life of a child. Not only is this role essential for the children, but it is also extremely important for grandparents. Research is clear that people don’t fear their own deaths as much as they fear that their lives won’t have mattered. With intentional grandparenting, we can know our time on earth matters. This book offers beautiful ways to make sure that this happens!”
— Beverly Ross, MA, LPC-S, Founder and Executive Director of Wise County Christian Counseling and Jenny’s Hope; coauthor of Scarred Hope: A Mother and Son Learn to Carry Grief and Live with Joy

“Dudley Chancey has written a book that will be useful to many different readers. While maintaining a strong biblical base, the book surveys numerous academic studies and thus serves as a helpful resource for church leaders and ministers who will appreciate summaries of the findings of leading researchers. The book gives practical advice for grandparents who are seeking ways to connect with and influence grandchildren, clearly focusing on spiritual influences. Included are numerous suggested resources for grandparents. The book gives suggestions for developing one’s spiritual life more fully. Finally, the book provides help and encouragement for those who desire to tell their own faith stories more effectively.”
—Bob Young, DMin, Latin American Leadership Development

“Dudley Chancey has provided a great service to the church through his carefully researched book on grandparenting and how grandparents pass faith on to their grandchildren through storytelling. His objective was to explore ‘intentional intergenerational living’ where grandparents tell their grandchildren about the great things that God has done for them. This construct is defined as ‘telling our faith story—telling the greatest things that God has done and is doing in our world.’ This isn’t just a book for grandparents; it is a book for anyone who is interested in how faith is passed from one generation to the next. It is a book for parents, youth workers, ministers, church members, and scholars. Although the book is academic in its approach to the topic, it is accessible to every reader because of its pastoral tone. Chancey shares his research, but he also shares his heart and his concern for intentional intergenerational faith. As a grandparent, I’m grateful for this book. After reading the book, I am more intentional about passing my faith story on to my grandchildren. Perhaps that is the greatest attribute of this work: It causes the reader to reflect on how to make changes in their own lives to be more intentional in their intergenerational living. It helps the reader understand the
importance of telling our personal God-story to others.”
— G. Steve Kinnard, Editor of Teleios, a journal of holistic Christian spirituality; Educational Director, Chord Leadership Center

“I started reading this book with a heavy heart and a sinking feeling. Distance, an overly busy schedule, and friction with our children has hindered the influence we had on our grandchildren. I know the biblical admonitions. I also know I want to do better with our eight. In the book, I expected a guilt trip. Although it is scholarly at times and heavily footnoted, what I discovered was a breath of fresh air: motivation and encouragement to pass this precious faith on to the next generation.”
—Joe Castillo, BBS, MDiv, Artist, Author, and Storyteller

“This is one opportunity that is often overlooked and neglected. And—it may be right in front of us! The author of this book articulates a spiritual vision for grandparents that can help anyone learn how to make a lasting kingdom investment in their grandchildren. While parents are still to be the primary spiritual guides for their children, grandparents have a rich opportunity to participate in their spiritual formation and growth. As the grandfather to four grandchildren, I read this book not just with casual interest but as a guide to help me learn how to be more intentional in sharing the story of my faith in Jesus with my own grandchildren. For me, this has been a great reminder of the powerful ministry of grandparenting.”
—Jim Martin, Vice President, Harding School of Theology

“Christian grandparents will surely want to strengthen their spiritual influence on their precious grandchildren, and this book gives clear guidance. The author has carefully and diligently spent the last few years gathering research data by survey and interviews on effective spiritual grandparenting. Now in this unique book, the author shares his findings on what makes a strong and highly effective grandparent and how to do it.

This must-read book for grandparents is solidly based on biblical principle. Relationship with one’s grandchildren forms the next layer. Next, the author stresses the importance of being intentional in sharing your own faith and other spiritual values. The author highlights the example of the psalmist in emphasizing the importance of telling children the great things that God has done and is doing around the world. He also stresses the importance of grandparents sharing their own faith with their grandchildren. Numerous statistical charts give the reader an objective look at many aspects of grandparenting for a purpose. One can evaluate their own style and see what works with kids and what does not.”
— Lynn McMillon, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Bible, Emeritus; Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, Retired

“In years past, no one questioned the impact of grandparents on the lives of children. Even with the vast changes over the years, grandparents remain unique stewards of a lifelong faith that only they can share. There is undeniable power in a ‘praying grandparent,’ especially when a grandparent takes seriously the call to ‘declare your power to the next generation’ (Ps. 71:18). Keep Faith Alive not only makes a clear case for the role of grandparents, but it also provides clear, accessible, and powerful ways grandparents can engage their grandchildren that pass on the love and mission of Jesus Christ with authentic connection and compassion. This is a book to not just read but to study, dog-ear, drink in, and commit to practicing daily.”
— Chap Clark, PhD, Author, Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers; Executive Director, Institute for Ministry Leadership

“Many grandparents, after parenting their own children, find themselves part of bringing up the grandchildren. Dudley Chancey calls us to make sure passing on our faith is part of this role. He not only issues that challenge, but he explores many ways for grandparents to help raise up faithful grandchildren. This book is filled with excellent practices to help us be better grandparents. We felt affirmed by this thorough study in the efforts we are making to tell our own faith stories about the great things God has done.”
— Sally and Harold Shank, Edmond, Oklahoma

“While Chancey is credible and justified in having opinions about grandparenting, what made this book unique and compelling for me was the extensive research study that informs every page (in addition to Scripture). Since I’m not yet a grandparent, I assumed most of my thoughts while reading would be about a ‘someday in the future’ application for me. Instead, I was constantly reminded of my parents and in-laws and the massive, positive role they played in the lives of my (now adult) children. Thank God for intentional, loving, faith-filled grandparents!”
— Mark Oestreicher, Author, Founder of The Youth Cartel

“Grandparents matter . . . more than those of us who are now grandparents realize or know. Our grandkids are growing up in a world that’s catechizing them 24-7, all too often in ways that are opposed to the gospel and things that are good, true, right, and honorable. And now more than ever the presence and voice of grandparents is needed in the lives of our grandkids so that they might hear and heed the call of Jesus to ‘Come and follow me.’ Do your grandkids a favor and read this book!”
— Dr. Walt Mueller, President, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

“All grandparents have an image of the perfect grandparent. Sometimes we struggle to become what we want to be. If you don’t have the relationship with your grandchildren that you have always wanted, Chancey can help you get there. The product of fresh and extensive research about grandparenting and faith transmission, Keep Faith Alive will provide encouragement and inspiration for every grandparent who desires to connect with their grandchildren and build a lasting legacy with and for them. Full of practical ideas and personal anecdotes, and fully centered on spiritual principles, this is a great resource for Christian grandparents or those who are wanting to prepare for grandparenthood.”
— Teresa Castleman, Director, Abundant Living, a ministry for Christian senior adults sponsored by Harding University

“If you’re a grandparent (or plan to become one someday), this book will be a great encouragement to you. Grandparents are often marginalized in a world that values staying young, relevant, productive, and tech-savvy. But the truth is—our grandchildren need grandparents a whole lot more than they need coolness and the latest tech knowledge. Today’s ‘cut-flower’ grandkids need roots, and that’s what we can give them. I’m so glad that Dudley has written this very excellent guidebook for grandparents who want to have a lasting impact on their grandkids’ lives and pass on a legacy of faith.”
—Wayne Rice, Author, Co-host, Legacy Grandparenting podcast

“As I read through this timely piece by Dr. Dudley Chancey, I was reminded of the passage in the book of Judges where the writer states that ‘there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel’ (2:10 esv). We are foolish to think that this would never happen again, and Dr. Chancey’s encouragement of spiritual leadership from grandparents is a key ingredient to prevention. This reading should not only be read by grandparents and soon-to-be grandparents but also by those who are currently parenting their own children. Parents should use as many tools as possible to prayerfully help our children navigate this spiritually deficient world. Grandparents should be a part of that toolbox.”
—Dr. Bill Pink, President, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan

“The decline of faith among young people in the US is well-documented and sobering. Sadly, far more ink has been spilled in recent literature on diagnosis than treatment. In Keep Faith Alive, Chancey takes a different approach, making the case that the greatest latent strength of faith transmission is right in front of our eyes—with grandparents. Using Scripture, social science, original research, and plenty of personal anecdotes, the author offers convincing arguments as well as concrete practices to empower grandparents to take a more prominent role in the spiritual development of their grandchildren. This will be a groundbreaking playbook for intergenerational faith formation for years to come.
—Phil Brookman, Lead Minister, Memorial Road Church of Christ

“For parents, it is not wise to want something for your children that you aren’t willing to pursue for yourself. We want the next generation to have a compelling story of Jesus to live into, and this story must be modeled, not downloaded. With a few years of research and decades of ministry experience, Dudley writes a book encouraging each generation to take seriously how we pass along faith to the generations that come after us. In reading this book, you will be inspired and encouraged to live a life of meaning and purpose. The next generation is watching.”
— Josh Ross, Lead Minister at Sycamore View Church in Memphis; author of a few books, most recently COREOLOGY: Six Principles for Navigating an Election Season without Losing Our Witness

“As we viewed a video of the first sonogram of our newest grandchild punctuated by the rapid heartbeat of a nine-week-old fetus, we were awed by LIFE and our role in it: grandparents. Dr. Chancey provides encouragement and how-to as a valuable tool for grandparents of one or twenty-one! This book combines sound research and practical applications in stand-alone chapters for grandparents of varying skills. Keep
this manual close as you enjoy your journey as a GRAND parent.”
— Betty and Steve Gregg, our co-grandparents for Crosby Kyle Chancey, born March 19, 2025

“When Paul sought to strengthen the faith and galvanize the courage of Timothy, he evoked the name of Timothy’s grandmother, Lois (among other things). In this well-researched and challenging book, Chancey reminds us of the vital role grandparents can play in the lives of both their children and grandchildren. We often hear of the joys and privilege of being a grandparent—something to which I can testify—but to go hand in glove with the privilege is a deep sense of calling. We can be guides, affirmers, encouragers, and evangelists. I’m especially grateful for the suggestions of how to be intentional in passing along our stories of faith to our grandkids.”
—Mike Cope, Director of Ministry Outreach, Pepperdine University

ISBN: 9781684262229

Pages: 208

Dimensions (inches): 5.5 x 8.25 

Weight (pounds): .5