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What is the role that parents play in discipling their children and why's it so important?
Discipleship, it's something we talk about in church. It's a term we throw out whenever we discuss sharing and/or growing in our faith. Often times, however, in these conversations we neglect discussing where discipleship starts. (Hint: it's not at church!)
My goal, today, is not to tell parents how to disciple their children - as parents know how their children learn best - but I am going to share some reasons why discipleship, though an important role of leaders within the church, needs to begin at home. I'll close by including some great resources to get you started, also.
A Parent's Role in Discipleship
As a youth pastor, one of my biggest fears is hearing one of my students say something along the lines of:
"I’m convinced that nobody discipled me because no one had discipled the men I looked to for spiritual leadership." - Dayton Hartman, Acts29.com
But in order to avoid hearing such a comment it's important to know where discipleship starts and unfortunately it doesn't start with me; though it does continue through my ministry. It starts at home with a child's parents or guardians. A parents role in the discipleship of their children is: Primary Discipler. Unfortunately, though, this responsibility has increasingly fallen on Sunday School teachers and youth leaders, as of late.
Why Discipleship must Occur at Home
Proximity: This is the obvious one, and that's why it's first. You're around your children more than any other adult so take advantage of this time. Use it to connect with and understand your child by building a positive, safe, and open environment for them, and yourself, to live.
They're Watching: Whether you, or they, acknowledge it your child is watching you. They're studying your behaviors, attitudes, and words and they're going to imitate them. So, what example are you setting for them to follow?
The Bible Tells Us to: When thinking about life and how to live in a way that brings honor and glory to God, it's essential for us to turn to the Bible. How to raise children is know different. Though, you can go online and find multiple lists on verses related to, and for, parenting. Two verses that highlight the importance of discipling are:
Start a youth on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6
and
Fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training
and instruction of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:4
These verses highlight how important parental discipleship is in the lives of children.
Some Tools to Get You Started
Maybe you've heard this all before or maybe this is brand new to you. Whatever the case may be I hope it's sinking in how important it is to disciple your children at home, and use church gatherings as a way to reinforce and bolster your child's burgeoning faith and understanding. I want to finish today by listing off some resources for you to use to get started, or enhance, discipling your children at home. This is not an all encompassing list, nor am I being endorsed by any of my recommendations; this is simply a place to start, or add to, your toolkit for raising Godly children.
Family Worship by Donald S. Whitney
Secure Daughters, Confident Sons by Glenn T. Stanton
Focus on the Family, focusonthefamily.com
Plugged In, a ministry of Focus on the Family, pluggedin.com
The Source for Parents, a ministry of The Source for Youth Ministries, thesource4parents.com
The Gospel & Parenting, part of The Gospel for Life Series, edited by Russell Moore and Andrew Walker
I hope you have found some insight and tools into this important element of parenting. Parenting isn't an easy task, but God has chosen you for it. Look to Him for wisdom and guidance and put in the difficult work to get better at it. Your children are a gift He has provided you with and you have a responsibility to nurture, love, and care for them and this includes not only their physical/psychological/emotional needs but also their spiritual ones as well.
Have a great day. God bless.
Matt
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