In today’s fast-paced world, it can feel like there’s never enough time. Between work, school, extracurricular activities, and the constant demands of everyday life, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed. Discipleship often takes a backseat simply because there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to make it happen.
But what if discipleship didn’t have to be an extra item on the to-do list? What if it could be woven into the fabric of your family’s daily life in simple and intentional ways? Even in the busiest seasons, there are ways to prioritize your child’s spiritual growth without adding more stress or pressure. Let’s explore how busy families can incorporate discipleship into their everyday routines.
The Challenge of Busyness
We live in a culture that glorifies busyness. We fill our calendars with activities and commitments, often stretching ourselves thin in the process. It’s no surprise that discipleship—especially family discipleship—can get pushed aside in favor of more urgent tasks.
Many parents have good intentions. They want to teach their children about God and help them grow in their faith, but time slips away. Days turn into weeks, and before they know it, they realize that faith has been squeezed out by other priorities.
However, family discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t require huge blocks of time. It’s about being intentional with the time you already have, using everyday moments to point your children toward Christ.
1. Make Faith Part of Your Routine
One of the easiest ways to incorporate discipleship into your busy life is by integrating it into your daily routines. You don’t have to carve out hours of formal Bible study to make a spiritual impact on your children. Instead, look for opportunities to weave faith into the rhythm of your day.
- Morning Devotions: Start the day with a simple prayer or a short Bible verse. Even a few minutes spent acknowledging God’s presence can set a positive tone for the day ahead.
- Mealtime Conversations: Use mealtimes as an opportunity to talk about what God is doing in your lives. Ask your children what they’re thankful for or how they’ve seen God at work during the day.
- Bedtime Prayers: End the day by praying with your children before they go to sleep. Encourage them to share their concerns, thank God for their blessings, and ask for guidance for the next day.
These moments don’t have to be long or elaborate, but when done consistently, they create a culture of faith in your home that naturally disciples your children.
2. Use Transition Times
Families spend a lot of time in transition—whether it’s driving to school, waiting at appointments, or walking the dog. These moments are often overlooked, but they can be golden opportunities for discipleship.
- Car Talks: The car can be a great place for meaningful conversations with your children. You might discuss a recent Sunday School lesson, listen to a Christian podcast, or play worship music and sing together.
- Waiting Time: If you find yourself waiting at soccer practice or in the doctor’s office, use that time to read a short devotional or share a Bible verse. It doesn’t require much time but keeps faith at the forefront of your family’s mind.
- Walk and Pray: If your family likes to go for walks, try turning those walks into prayer walks. As you stroll through your neighborhood, pray for the people in your community, thank God for His creation, or take turns sharing prayer requests.
These small moments add up over time, helping to create a strong spiritual foundation even amid busy schedules.
3. Keep It Simple
It’s easy to feel like family discipleship has to be a big production, complete with long Bible studies, theological discussions, or perfectly curated devotionals. But the truth is, simpler is often better—especially for busy families.
- Short and Sweet Devotionals: Look for short devotionals that can be done in five minutes or less. Many family-friendly devotionals are available designed to fit into a busy lifestyle without compromising on content.
- Scripture on the Go: Write a Bible verse for the week and stick it on your fridge, bathroom mirror, or dashboard. Encourage your family to memorize it together. It’s a simple way to keep God’s Word front and center throughout the week.
- Gratitude Jars: Set up a gratitude jar in your home, and encourage everyone to write down things they’re thankful for throughout the week. This helps cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and reminds your children to look for God’s blessings in their daily lives.
Remember, discipleship doesn’t have to be complex. Simple practices done regularly can profoundly impact your family’s spiritual growth.
4. Prioritize Quality Time Together
Discipleship is often best done in the context of relationships. If you’re spending quality time with your children—laughing, talking, and connecting—you’re already laying the groundwork for spiritual conversations to take place.
- Family Dinners: Studies show that families who eat together tend to have stronger relationships. Make family meals a priority whenever possible, and use that time to talk about faith, life, and how the two intersect.
- Special Moments: Find ways to create special moments where your family can focus on faith. This could be as simple as a Sunday afternoon hike where you talk about God’s creation or a family game night with a biblical twist.
- Be Present: In the midst of busy schedules, the best thing you can give your children is your presence. When you’re fully engaged with them—whether playing, talking, or just spending time together—you’re building trust and creating an environment where discipleship can naturally occur.
5. Delegate and Share the Load
If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of being the primary spiritual guide for your children, remember that you’re not alone. The body of Christ is meant to support and encourage one another in faith, including helping parents disciple their children.
- Get Involved with Church Programs: Many churches offer programs that can help reinforce the discipleship you’re doing at home. Sunday School, children’s ministry, and youth groups are all great ways to give your children additional spiritual support.
- Connect with Other Families: Find other Christian families who share your desire for discipleship. You can partner together, share ideas, and encourage one another to stay consistent. Sometimes, just knowing that others are in the same boat can be a great source of motivation.
- Ask for Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your church leaders, family, or friends. Discipleship is a community effort, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Discipling your family amid a busy life can seem challenging, but it’s possible when you take small, intentional steps. Rather than adding another task to your already full schedule, think about how you can incorporate faith into the routines and moments already happening in your daily life.
By making discipleship a natural part of your family’s rhythm, you’re helping your children grow in their relationship with God in a way that feels sustainable and life-giving. No matter how busy your life may be, there’s always room to nurture your family’s faith.
Discussion Questions for Parents and Children:
- How can we work together as a family to make faith a bigger part of our daily routine?
- What are some small moments during the day when we could talk about God or pray together?
- What has been your favorite faith-related activity that we’ve done as a family, and why?
