As a parent, cultivating your child’s faith is one of the most powerful ways you can impact the kingdom of God. Amid busy schedules and activities, your words and actions can help build a foundation that can stay firm throughout your child’s lifetime. And it doesn’t have to be complicated – here are seven easy ways you can disciple your children today!
1. Read the Bible together
Kids have big questions about the world around them, and the greatest gift you can give them is wisdom from the Bible. You don’t have to have an advanced Bible degree to show your kids how to love God’s Word. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Find a time (morning or evening can work!)
- Help your kids understand the “why” of Bible reading
- Pray before you read
- Work through a book of the Bible together
- Ask good questions
2. Pray together
Prayer is a powerful way to show your kids that God is listening to them, and is never too busy to hear from them. If prayer is new to your family, try “sentence prayers”. Simply start the sentence, and have your kids finish the sentence on their own:
- “God, I thank you for …”
- “God, you are…”
- “God, forgive me for …”
- “God, I’m confused about….”
- “God, help my friend …”
3. Prioritize family time
You’ll never regret spending time with your children and developing a closer relationship with them. Busy workdays and hectic schedules can make it challenging to prioritize your family – but that time you spend together can transform your children’s lives (Ephesians 6:1-4).
By putting your family first, you’re able to create moments where you can invest in them and build stronger relationships. Set aside a night or two a week as “family night”, and don’t be afraid to say no to activities or obligations that cause you to miss out on spending time together.
4. Integrate faith into daily conversations
Your walk with Christ is the most important thing about you, so you don’t have to limit your faith conversations to specific times of prayer and Bible reading. Ask your kids how they saw God at work during their school day, or ask them how you can be praying for them. You can also share what God’s been teaching you during your day!
5. Set realistic expectations
You may start out with lofty ambitions to read through all of Romans together or serve every week at church, but it’s important to give yourself grace as you implement these new discipleship rhythms. Don’t be afraid to adapt lofty aspirations into more achievable goals that fit your children’s needs. Remember this: you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be faithful and point your kids towards Christ!
6. Point them to Jesus
It can be easy to focus on teaching our kids about good morals and behavior, all while forgetting to teach them to love Jesus. How they act is important – but why they act is even more important. Remind your kids of the gospel daily, and allow Christ’s work on the cross to transform your kids’ hearts.
7. Model your faith for them
You can tell your kids to follow what you tell them – but ultimately, your greatest discipleship tool is your own walk with Christ. By modeling the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) to your children in your relationships with them and others, you establish a powerful witness for what a faithful life looks like.
Your home is the first place your child will learn about who God is and what His love looks like. By leading well in your home, you’re equipping your children with God’s truth and empowering them to change the world for His kingdom!