We talk a lot about discipleship on this site because it is at the core of all we do and all we desire to do. When Jesus was leaving his disciples, he gave them one big command or commission, and it is for every believer in Christ: go and make disciples…teaching them all I’ve commanded you. In Deuteronomy 6 we see a similar command to parents to teach their children as they go through their daily lives. We see the example of Christ as he lives daily life with his disciples and teaches them along the way. So, this mandate seems clear, and it is a calling we hope every parent and every believer will take seriously.
As parents, discipleship includes discipline. With all discipleship we are looking at training, helping, encouraging, and spurring on one another to do the work God has for us to do.
Discipleship becomes natural when it’s woven into the activity of your everyday life—not added on like a chore.
From talking with parents, these five questions come up all the time, and we hope to address each of these.
When Should I Start Discipling My Children?
Many parents wonder if their young children can grasp spiritual concepts or if they should wait until they’re older. Parents often seek guidance on age-appropriate approaches to introducing faith concepts from toddlerhood through the teenage years.
How Do I Disciple My Child When I Feel Inadequate In My Own Christian Walk?
Parents frequently express insecurity about leading their children spiritually when they themselves have questions, doubts, or feel they lack biblical knowledge. They worry about saying the wrong thing or not having all the answers.
How Can I Make Discipleship Natural Rather Than Forced?
Parents struggle with finding the balance between structured teaching times and organic conversations. They want to know how to weave faith naturally into everyday life without it feeling like another “lesson” or becoming legalistic.
How Can I Disciple Children at Different Developmental Stages?
With multiple children at various ages and stages, parents find it challenging to meet each child where they are spiritually. What works for an 8-year-old may not resonate with a teenager, leading parents to question how to effectively disciple across developmental differences.
How Do I Know if My Discipleship Efforts Are Working?
Parents often express anxiety about whether their efforts are having a lasting impact. They wonder what signs to look for that indicate spiritual growth, especially when children don’t seem receptive or when they begin questioning what they’ve been taught as they mature.
We all know discipleship is important, but we may have one or more of these concerns. Over the next few weeks we will address these more deeply, and we would love to answer any questions you may have as well. Please feel free to post them in the comments below.
For now, here are a few items to consider as we begin this deep dive into disicpling our children.
What Parents Are Facing Without Discipleship:
- Spiritual Confusion in Their Children
➤ Kids don’t know what they believe or why—they’re being discipled by culture, TikTok, and public systems more than the Word. - Guilt and Uncertainty as Parents
➤ “Am I doing enough spiritually?” They feel like they’re failing in the one area that matters most—raising godly children. - Busyness and Burnout
➤ Families are overcommitted and spiritually undernourished. Devotions get squeezed out, and parents don’t know where to start. - Lack of Confidence to Lead Spiritually
➤ Many parents were never discipled themselves. They don’t feel “qualified” to lead family Bible studies or conversations, so they leave it up to others or “let the children decide” when they are older. Without discipleship, though, the children a losing the very decision parents intend to give them. As mentioned before, they are bombarded with ideas and “discipled” in the ways of the world and ideas of false teachings without the counter balance of the Truth of God. Parents who don’t lead spiritually leave their children open to the enemy. - Division and Disconnection
➤ The home feels like a battleground instead of a sanctuary. Kids aren’t opening up. Faith conversations feel forced or awkward.
What Discipleship Brings to the Home:
- Peace and Unity in the Home
➤ Discipleship creates shared language, values, and rhythms that align the family. Conflict decreases, unity increases. - Spiritually Confident Kids
➤ Children begin to understand their identity in Christ and develop boldness to live counter-culturally with conviction. - Equipped, Empowered Parents
➤ Parents become confident spiritual leaders, with simple tools and rhythms to disciple daily without adding stress. - Consistent, Life-Giving Habits
➤ Families grow in consistency with prayer, scripture, and conversation—without it feeling like another “to-do.” - Eternal Legacy Building
➤ Parents are no longer just raising children—they’re raising Kingdom warriors and multiplying generational faith.
We know it’s working when fruit begins to show in our child’s character, choices, and questions—
even if it’s slow-growing.
Let’s take on this calling with confidence in God. He equips us, and his wisdom guides us. We can walk this journey together. Our desire is to help equip, encourage, and empower every parent to disciple their children.
We have several resources for helping with that. You can join our groups here or join in some fun discipleship in your literature classes or reading time together as a family here. Plus, we have a handbook and other books all focused on leading our children to follow Christ more and more.
Remember to check back here in the coming weeks as we deep dive into these questions.