Introduction
In the decade that I have been working in full-time ministry, I have heard scores of parents bemoan the challenges of discipling their own children. So often, they explain that they just feel ill-equipped to impart God’s Word and ways into the lives of their off-spring. There is a constant need for coaching and counsel in this area and the North American church has creatively attempted to step in and solve this problem for parents.
In my opinion, just as the church has made most issues of discipleship more complicated than they need to be, this one too, has taken on a life of its own. There are a zillion different ideas, systems, processes, books, DVDs, curriculums, workshops and seminars available to aid parents in the discipleship of their kids.
To be clear, most of them are “Bible-based” and have a lot of excellent advice, tools and tips for the parent eager to lead their children in the ways of the Lord. But, at the end of the day, I still hear parents – particularly those who are new in their own walk with Jesus – express their stress in this area.
I’ve been a parent for about 10 years. I don’t think I’m too terrible at it. My kids are good citizens, fairly well adjusted, mostly courteous and respectful. And, frankly, I like them. I can’t say that about all children.
The other note to add, is that I believe my children (at the ages of 21, 9 & 7 years) are, more or less, where they should be with regards to their character and spiritual development. Some who know them may disagree. But I’ll tell you that, while I know that I haven’t gotten everything right, I can stand before God with a clear conscience, knowing that I have done my best at raising them in a way that is honouring to Him.
Sure, I’ve read a few books and attended a couple of seminars on parenting. From that, I’ve learned some valuable insight into the discipleship process. But I can’t say that there has been any single “trick” or “system” that has been the key to success. When I begin to evaluate how we (I figure I should include my wife, Elizabeth, in this too!) have gone about discipling our kids, most of it points right back to the way that Jesus lead and mentored his own disciples.
Jesus was systematic. He had a process that He often followed. Contrary to most made-for-tv-movies, His disciples were likely not a bunch of full-bearded middle-aged men. I’ll save the “young age” disciple debate for another day, but I think it’s safe to say that the disciples often acted like children. And much of Jesus’ guidance was done so in a way that is relevant to the way we instruct our children.
This post will serve as an introduction to a 3-part series that I will share on my personal insights into discipling one’s own children; doing it the way Jesus might do it if He had children.
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