EXPORT, PENNSYLVANIA – How do evangelical parents influence their children’s faith? Do their efforts lead to lasting spiritual commitment, or do they look back with regret? A groundbreaking new study by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research explores these pressing questions and reveals critical insights into the successes and challenges of evangelical parenting in America.

Titled “Evangelical Parenting: Hopes, Results, and Regrets,” this report provides an in-depth analysis of how evangelical parents integrate faith into their child-rearing, the effectiveness of their efforts, and the emotional impact of their children’s spiritual journeys. The study surveyed 550 evangelical parents, spanning both those with grown children and those still raising children under 18.

Among the key findings:

• Faith is central to parenting: 87% of evangelical parents say their faith has played an extremely or very important role in raising their children.
• Engagement does not guarantee commitment: Despite widespread spiritual practices such as prayer (95%), Bible teaching (94%), and church attendance (86%), 47% of evangelical parents say their oldest child is less committed to Christianity than they are.
• Regret is common: 63% of evangelical parents feel they could have done more to help their child develop a stronger Christian commitment.
• Hope remains strong: Even among parents whose children have drifted from faith, 92% believe their child will eventually return to Christianity.
• Commitment Consensus: Nearly all those surveyed regularly involved their children in Christian teachings and activities.
• Longing for Greater Faith: While 83% of parents continue to regularly talk to their children about Christianity, 76% express a desire for them to be more involved in their faith.

“These findings illustrate the deep investment evangelical parents make in their children’s spiritual lives, as well as the emotional complexities that come with seeing them take different faith paths,” said Ron Sellers, president of Grey Matter Research. “Even when parents express concerns or regrets, their commitment to faith-centered parenting remains strong.”

“The report clearly revealed a generational change in the commitment of children to the Christian faith,” said Mark Dreistadt, president and CEO of Infinity Concepts. “Yet it still remains true that the more important faith has been in the life of a parent, the more likely they are to have raised children who are at least as strongly committed to Christianity as they are.

“While faith does not always guarantee a certain outcome, evangelical parents should take heart and continue to hope, pray, and engage in meaningful conversations about Christianity with their children.”

To explore the complete findings, download Evangelical Parenting: Hopes, Results, and Regrets.

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To schedule an interview with Mark Dreistadt or Ron Sellers, email Clem Boyd, Director of Public Relations, at clem@infinityconcepts.com or text or call him at 724.930.4003.