Surveys of US and Canadian churches reveal an issue with the church’s method of discipling the next generation. Despite the vast amount of children’s programs and resources, those who grow up in the church are leaving the church as they grow up. In my thesis, I argue that one of the changes the church can make to address this is to focus on parents as the primary source for discipling their children.
The parents’ true spiritual nature is revealed at home, where discipleship occurs. Parents must recognize that their role is to follow the Great Commission at home by discipling their children. In Deuteronomy 6:7, God directs parents to disciple through daily interaction with their children.
Father plays a significant role in passing the faith to the next generation. The study from Families and Faith shows that fathers who have a loving relationship with their children have a greater chance for the children to take on the faith of their parents (Bengtson).
Parents should see their children as a mission field. They need to contextualize spiritual truth to a level their children can understand. When Jesus taught the crowd, He used analogies, like farming, which His audience could relate to.
Church leaders can set an example for the congregation by discipling their families well. This is crucial because actions speak louder than words. The church can also encourage parents to disciple their children by offering peer support or materials for parents to use at home. Having Sunday services where the whole family can worship together fosters family relationships. Attending worship together generates talking points for parents to raise their children.
At church, we often talk about leaving a legacy. The most important legacy we can leave is showing our children who God is and how He is worthy of our worship. This requires time and intentionality. We must cultivate a relationship with our children daily as we disciple them.
When I was doing endurance racing, I learned that it takes a long time to build something great. This is the same example Bailey gives about building a house. In the beginning stages, most of the time is spent building a solid foundation (Bailey, Colossians and Philemon 93). This is also applicable to discipling our children. Discipleship takes time, and it may take years to see any fruits. But what we sow, we will reap (Gal. 6:7).
The best part about the discipling journey as a parent is that I am not alone. God is here to help us. Psalm 100:5 reads: “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, [a]nd His truth endures to all generations.” Some days I can’t wait to finish looking after my kids so I can rest. On those days, I remind myself that time is short. I am looking after my children, not because I don’t have a choice. I have a choice. I choose to spend time with them because I am sowing seeds. The fruits of my labour will not be evident today or tomorrow. Instead, I am looking at three or four generations beyond my children. I am looking at leaving a legacy for 300 to 400 years.
When I look at parenting this way through the eyes of discipleship for generations, the hard days become easier. I need to take advantage of every moment I can spend with them because it is an opportunity to deposit God’s truth in their little hearts. I don’t know when, but these deposits will reap dividends one day. One day, I will sow what I reap, and I want to leave a legacy through my children to their children and beyond.