Many parents deeply desire to disciple their children, yet find themselves feeling inadequate for the task. It’s the same for other family members like young adults or teenagers. Whether it’s a lack of biblical knowledge, uncertainty about where to start, or a fear of making mistakes, these feelings of being ill-equipped can create a sense of paralysis.
However, you don’t need to be a theologian to disciple your children effectively. With a heart open to learning and willing to grow, you can confidently guide your family in faith. Let’s explore some practical ways to overcome these challenges and embrace your role as a spiritual leader in your home.
The Fear of Not Knowing Enough
One of the most common reasons parents shy away from discipling their children is the belief that they don’t know enough about the Bible or theology. You might worry that you don’t have the answers to all of your children’s questions or that you’ll teach something incorrectly. These concerns can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that discipleship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about walking alongside your children in faith and pointing them to Jesus.
1. Start Where You Are
You don’t have to be an expert to begin discipling your children. The beauty of discipleship is that it’s a journey of growth—for both you and your kids. Start with what you know, and be honest about what you don’t know.
- Be Open and Honest: Admitting to your children when you don’t know something is okay. In fact, it can be a powerful example of humility and teachability. When your children ask difficult questions, try saying, “That’s a great question! I don’t know the answer right now, but let’s find out together.”
- Use Simple Resources: If diving into the Bible seems overwhelming, start with simpler, more accessible resources. There are many children’s Bibles, devotionals, and Christian books designed to help parents teach their kids about God in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Don’t Overcomplicate It: Discipleship doesn’t have to be deep theological discussions every night. Begin with small steps, like reading a short Bible story before bed or sharing what you learn from Scripture over breakfast.
The key is to simply start, trusting that God will meet you where you are and equip you as you go.
2. Learn Together
Discipling your children doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers upfront. In fact, some of the most meaningful discipleship happens when parents and children learn together. It’s an opportunity to model a love for God’s Word and a desire to grow spiritually.
- Study the Bible Together: Set aside time as a family to read the Bible and learn together. Choose a book of the Bible or a specific story to study, and approach it as a shared learning experience. Discuss what you’ve read and encourage your children to ask questions.
- Explore Resources as a Family: There are countless resources available to help families grow in their faith together. Here in Across, you can find videos, Bible studies, articles, etc., which you can use. From Bible study guides to Christian podcasts and family devotionals, these tools can help you navigate spiritual topics even if you don’t feel fully equipped on your own.
- Pray for Understanding: Before reading Scripture together, pray and ask God for wisdom and understanding. This reinforces the idea that growth in knowledge is a spiritual journey, and it’s a great way to model dependence on God for your children.
When you embrace the idea of learning together, it shifts the focus from needing to be the “expert” to being a fellow disciple alongside your children.
3. Rely on God’s Strength
Feeling inadequate is a common experience for many parents, but it’s essential to remember that God doesn’t call us to disciple our children in our own strength. He equips us through His Holy Spirit, providing the wisdom, guidance, and courage we need to lead our families.
- Pray for Guidance: Make prayer a regular part of your discipleship journey. Ask God to give you the wisdom and confidence you need to guide your children. When you lean on Him for strength, He will provide the clarity and peace you need, even when you feel uncertain.
- Trust God’s Power: Discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about modeling a life that reflects Christ. Trust that God will work through your example, even in moments when you feel you’ve fallen short. The Holy Spirit is actively at work in your family, using your efforts—even imperfect ones—to nurture your children’s faith.
- Embrace Your Role as a Parent: Remember that God chose you to be your child’s parent. You are uniquely positioned to disciple them because you know them better than anyone else. Trust that God will equip you for the task He has given you.
It’s okay to feel inadequate sometimes but don’t let that stop you from embracing your role. Trust in God’s strength rather than your own, and rely on His guidance as you disciple your family.
4. Leverage the Resources Around You
You don’t have to disciple your family alone. Abundant resources are available to help you feel more equipped to teach your children about faith.
- Use Church Resources: CCF offers discipleship classes, small groups, or parenting workshops that can provide you with the tools you need. Check out the CCF website and browse our Across website for support, resources, or mentorship from more experienced parents.
- Find Age-Appropriate Devotionals: Choose devotionals specifically designed for your children’s age group. These books typically present biblical concepts in an easy-to-understand way, taking the pressure off you to come up with lessons on your own.
- Christian Media and Apps: Many Christian apps, podcasts, and online resources are designed to help families grow in their faith. For instance, you could listen to a Christian podcast together during car rides or use a Bible app offering family devotionals.
By utilizing the resources available to you, you can alleviate the pressure of feeling like you need to have all the answers and instead focus on guiding your children through the material.
5. Foster a Culture of Spiritual Curiosity
One of the most valuable things you can do as a parent is to foster an environment where spiritual curiosity is encouraged. Help your children develop a hunger for God’s Word and a desire to know Him more deeply.
- Encourage Questions: Let your children know that it’s okay to ask tough questions. Instead of shying away from topics you don’t feel comfortable with, embrace their curiosity as an opportunity to explore faith together.
- Lead by Example: Let your children see you studying Scripture and growing in your own faith. When they observe your commitment to spiritual growth, they’ll be more likely to take ownership of their own faith journey.
- Celebrate Spiritual Growth: Take time to celebrate how your family is growing in faith. Whether it’s memorizing a new Bible verse, praying together more regularly, or learning something new about God, celebrate these milestones to reinforce the importance of spiritual growth.
Creating a culture of spiritual curiosity takes the pressure off you as the sole provider of knowledge and instead invites your family into a journey of discovery together.
The feeling of being ill-equipped to disciple your family is common, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Discipleship isn’t about having all the answers or being a perfect parent. It’s about walking with your children in faith, learning together, and trusting God to guide you along the way.
Remember, you don’t need to know everything. You simply need to be willing to grow alongside your children and point them toward Christ. As you take small, consistent steps toward discipleship, you’ll find that God will equip you with everything you need to lead your family well.
Discussion Questions for Parents and Children:
- What is something new we’ve learned about God recently that we can explore further as a family?
- How can we encourage one another when we don’t know the answers to spiritual questions?
- How can we grow together in our faith, even when we feel uncertain or inadequate?
