3 WAYS YOU CAN HELP DISCIPLE YOUR KIDS
Reading this title may already have you feeling some sort of way. When we hear the word disciple or think about discipling others, oftentimes we think about how daunting that can be. It’s a HUGE responsibility. As a parent of a 14-month-old, the weight of having to lead and spiritually guide my child weighs on me because I want to do it RIGHT. That’s right- coming from a youth pastor who has been in ministry for almost 10 years and has spent countless hours disciplining youth, I still feel inadequate and underqualified at times given the significance of the job ahead. Where do we begin? What do we say? Do I know enough myself?
These feelings are understandable, but you don’t have to submit to the pressure of the task ahead. Working with young people, I can tell you that PARENTS play the MOST important role in their kid’s spiritual walk. I look at the time that I spend with students and at BEST I get to see students for an average of 2 hours a week, that is if they never miss youth group and don’t have a life outside of church (vacation, sports, etc.). What about the other 166 hours? See- that’s why you as a parent is so important. Let me encourage you and give you three practical ways you can help disciple your kids.
- Be Realistic
The main problem I often see with parents is that they have extremely high expectations. I get it- discipling your kids is important just like we mentioned earlier. But when we have these high expectations and can’t meet them, you may find yourself discouraged and wanting to quit. How you lead your family doesn’t have to look just like what you see and experience at church. Don’t think you have to have all the answers, powerful life-changing prayer sessions, or dynamic preaching at home. BE REALISTIC. It could look like a daily conversation with your family about stories in the Bible that lead to Jesus. It could be a short family devotional each night before going to bed. It could be asking your kids what they are talking about in youth group- that is if they don’t respond to your question with, “Nuthin.” Be realistic, start simple, be CONSISTENT, and then look at ways to grow and expand your conversation.
2. Teach By Example
You know the famous saying that goes something like this, “People will often remember more of what we do, than what we say.” I don’t want to take away from what we speak to our kids. What we say is important. But we need to understand that our kids are learning more from what they see us do. As Christians, we need to be working through our salvation through God as mentioned in Phil 2:12-13, but this principle holds a greater importance as a parent. Is the good news about Jesus leading and directing your actions, the way you talk and treat others? Is the love, grace, and mercy of God evident in how you respond to everyday situations and interactions? I could go on and on, but I’m starting to feel a little convicted myself as I type those questions out. It takes a genuine, honest look at your heart to determine if you are teaching by example. But it’s something that your kids will never forget.
3. Pray With and For Your Kids
Just like we want to have meaningful conversations with our kids, we also can’t underestimate the importance of prayer. Think about all the opportunities you have each day. I’m most certainly preaching to myself as well. During your morning or bedtime routine, trips in the car while running errands, the point is that we all have opportunities that we don’t always take advantage of as we should. It doesn’t have to be profound or an expert prayer. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to come from your heart.
I’m sure the list could have been much longer, but as mentioned earlier I wanted to be practical. Please know that as your youth pastor, I am always in your corner as a parent. I love having conversations and coming up with ideas and solutions to help you disciple your kids. We truly are in this together. Never hesitate to reach out.