A Barna survey found that nearly half of parents believed the church should take the lead in their children’s discipleship, while 95% of church leaders believed the home was the primary place where children learn about Jesus. Because children may spend only 1-3 hours a week at church, and the Bible makes it clear (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Proverbs 22:6), parents are the primary leaders in our children’s discipleship.
What is the church’s role, then? Look to your ministers equip you as a parent. What resources do they provide? What guidance can they offer? Take advantage of events such as retreats, mission trips, and service projects. All these opportunities should complement what is happening at home.
What can we do as parents, then? Decide with your spouse what is most important to you. What is your why for discipleship? Do you want your kids to trust Jesus? Read your Bible together as a family? Provide intentional, consistent times to talk about faith or pray with your family?
Each family is unique. Some parents lead daily devotions every morning before school. Some families prioritize prayer and set aside specific times and places to write and speak prayers aloud. Others display scripture around the house for everyone to see and memorize. One mother has her toddler singing Bible verses. Discipleship opportunities are everywhere.
I had a vision for my family: all my kids would love Jesus, pray without ceasing, and study God’s Word. However, I didn’t know how to achieve it. I had a vision but no plan. I had a desire but no clear direction. I joined a group of moms who prayed for our kids, and prayer ignited the momentum of discipleship at home.
Whatever your goal, start small. If you have young children, start with just one minute each day, for as many days as you can each week. Read a Bible passage, pray for your child, or let them hear you singing worship songs. As your child grows older, add more time and encourage more questions and ownership of what you’re reading or studying. These small steps will have a big impact on your child’s faith journey.
In her book, Little Habits, Big Faith, author Christie Thomas states, “Any flourishing discipleship process starts with inviting the Holy Spirit into what we do and how we do it.” Pray and seek God’s guidance, then invite Him to equip you.
We read in the Bible, “Don’t despise small beginnings” (Zechariah 4:10). Start small and build on your progress each year. When you do, you’ll see these small steps lead to a big impact in your child’s faith walk.
Check back next month as we examine how to overcome obstacles to discipleship.
—Sally Cressman is the author of “The Dance of Easter.” Sign up for her email list to receive “Prayer Sheets for the Family or connect on Instagram.
Resources:
www.barna.com/research/how-best-to-disciple-children
