Family Discipleship – Jump Start

Parents we know we are called to disciple our children. We feel guilty about not doing it well, so sometimes we never try. So how do we get started?

“You shall therefore lay up these words of Mine in your heart and in your soul…You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”  (Deuteronomy 11:18-19 ESV)

God’s command in Deuteronomy is for parents to store up God’s Word in your own hearts and souls and then teach them to your children in everyday life. We also need to teach our children how to have a relationship with God – talk to Him in prayer. Here are some simple and practical ways to do that.

Pray regularly

  • Pray together at meal times.
  • Pray at bed time with your children.
  • Pray specifically for needs in your own family, your neighbors, your church family. HINT: Our bulletin includes a prayer list. Try praying for several each time.
  • Pray for the two missionaries we support each month.

family reading bible

Read the Bible together regularly

  • Start small
  • Pick a book to read through (a chapter or half a chapter at a time)
  • Take turns reading – as age appropriate
  • Be consistent – try to pick a time to do this daily or weekly
  • Look for what God is doing and teaching in the passage – help them see how to apply the truths, warning, promises
  • Memorize a verse together. HINT: It could be their Awana verses!

Talk about your faith regularly

  • Talk about what God is teaching you in your own devotions and your life.
  • Share your testimony of how and when you trusted Jesus as your Savior.
  • Share personal prayer requests and your own failings – as appropriate.

Serve together

  • Help them experience the joy in serving God.
  • Include them in your area of service if possible.
  • Look for opportunities to serve together as a family.
  • If you can’t find something ask me!

Get Started!

If all of this looks to hard or seems too daunting, pick one and start small! Remember, God will bless your efforts and the dividends will continue for years to come.