What to Do When Faith Isn’t Taught at Home

Holy Made
Sep 12
3 min read

Updated: Oct 9

Growing up, I had a friend who never once prayed at the dinner table, never talked about church, and didn’t even own a Bible. When I asked him about it, he shrugged and said, “My parents just don’t really believe in that stuff.” Maybe you’ve felt something similar, sitting in a home where faith isn’t talked about, where no one encourages you to read Scripture, or where you feel like the only one trying to follow God. It can feel isolating, almost like you’re carrying something alone.

If that’s your story, you’re not without hope. God can meet you right where you are, even if faith isn’t modeled at home. Let’s walk through why this matters, what Scripture says, and how you can build your faith no matter your environment.

Why It Can Feel Lonely When Parents Don’t Lead in Faith

Family shapes so much of who we are, so when your parents don’t share or support your faith, it can feel like you’re missing a foundation others seem to have. You might feel misunderstood when you bring up spiritual things, or even pressured to hide that part of yourself. That loneliness is real, and it can leave you wondering if your faith can really survive without support at home.

But remember, while family influence is powerful, it is not the only influence. God places people, experiences, and His Word in your path so you can grow, even when the environment around you feels spiritually empty.

Encouragement from Timothy’s Story

You’re not the first person to walk this road. Timothy, one of the early church leaders mentored by Paul, had a faith that was influenced by his grandmother and mother, but not by his father. Paul reminds him in 2 Timothy 1:5: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (NIV).

Timothy’s story shows us that even when faith isn’t present in every part of your household, it can still grow strong. God can use mentors, friends, or extended family to nurture you, just like He did for Timothy.

Seeking Out Mentors and Church Leaders

If faith isn’t being taught at home, seek out spiritual mentors outside of it. This could be a youth leader, a trusted pastor, or a friend who is serious about their relationship with God.

Surrounding yourself with people who encourage your walk makes a huge difference. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (NIV).

These relationships give you guidance and support, filling in some of the gaps you might feel at home.

Building Your Own Habits of Faith

Even if you don’t have a faith-filled home, you can still build rhythms that strengthen your relationship with God. Here are some practical habits:

Daily Bible reading: Start small, maybe with a chapter from the Psalms or Gospels each day.
Prayer time: Set aside a few minutes in the morning or before bed to talk honestly with God.
Worship: Listen to Christian music, or spend time reflecting on Scripture verses that speak to your situation.
Scripture memorization: Holding God’s Word in your heart gives strength when you feel alone.

God encouraged Joshua with these words: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV). That promise applies to you, too, even in a home that doesn’t share your faith.

Final Thoughts

Not having faith taught at home can feel like walking uphill while everyone else has a head start. But you don’t have to give up. Like Timothy, you can grow strong in your walk with God through mentors, Scripture, and daily habits that anchor you. And like Joshua, you can be assured that God is with you wherever you go.

So if you feel like the only believer in your home, remember, you’re not truly alone. God sees you, walks with you, and can use your story to bring light to others. Keep pressing forward, keep trusting Him, and know that your faith can flourish even in unexpected places.

If this encouraged you, share it with a friend or drop a comment about how you’ve stayed close to God when faith wasn’t modeled for you at home.

Holy Made