Discipling your kids
Discipling Your Kids: A Daily Journey of Faith
Discipling our children is one of the greatest privileges and responsibilities given to us as parents and carers. It’s not just about formal Bible studies or weekly Sunday school; it’s about weaving faith into the very fabric of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from Parenting for Faith, let's explore three key principles that can help guide this journey.
1. God trusts you to disciple your kids
God has uniquely positioned you to be the primary spiritual influence in your child’s life. You may have heard this before but we may see your kids for an hour or so a week but you spend dozens of hours living life with them. In Deuteronomy 6:4-7, we are commanded to teach our children to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might. Parenting = discipleship. The everyday moments—car rides, dinner conversations, bedtime prayers,wiping things up, dealing with hurt and celebrating together—are all opportunities to point your children to Jesus.
You are best positioned as parents and carers to disciple your kids through genuine, day-to-day interactions. Faith is not something merely taught; it is caught through the example you set as you navigate life with your children.
While knowing you are the primary disciplers is exciting, this can also feel daunting at times but always come back to and remember that 1. God has put you in this role, he trusts you, he has the grace and wisdom you need and 2. He has placed you among others who know and love him. We are here and can come along side you so come chat to us if there are things you are struggling with, you aren’t alone! 3. You are also a disciple of Jesus! You are on a journey with Jesus, you haven’t arrived yet and that’s ok just like them! :) Invest in your relationship with God, join a small group, read your Bible, chat to God and you will grow. Keep moving towards him and, as a side product, your kids will move towards him too!
2. Discipleship Is Not Based on Age
One of the biggest misconceptions is that children are “too young” to begin learning about faith. In reality, discipleship starts from the earliest moments of life. Even as infants, children are learning about love, trust, and patience through the way you care for them. As they grow, those lessons expand to understanding God’s character and His love for them.
Remember stories from the Bible like David being called at a young age and helping to free Israel from the oppressor Goliath. Also Samuel who heard and then spoke God’s voice to the people of Israel at a key time in their history. Mary said ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to be part of his story even when it may mean rejection and hardship. These are just some of the young people God’s used and he knows your kids and sees their full potential to be in a relationship with him right now even at their age, to hear his voice and speak his truth to others and be light and salt in their generation. Don’t wait till they can do x or y, start with them now! :)
3. Discipleship Isn’t a Programme; It’s Everyday Life
Discipling your kids doesn’t require a perfect program or a strict schedule. The Bible describes discipleship as something that happens “when you sit at home, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). It’s about integrating faith into the ordinary moments—celebrating God’s creation during a nature walk, talking about His faithfulness while cooking dinner, or praying together before bedtime.
The beauty of everyday discipleship is that it is authentic and relational. Children get to see your faith lived out—how you handle joy, disappointment, and even failure. These are the moments that leave a lasting impact. The goal is not perfection but presence: being there consistently to guide your children towards Christ. You are the most amazing example of a disciple of Jesus and you can create windows for your kids into what discipleship looks like, learn more about that here:
Making the Most of Your Discipleship Booklet
Recently some of the children in church came up and said they wanted to know about being a disciple of Jesus! We have given them a discipleship booklet to help explore what following Jesus looks like.
If your kids got one of these booklets, that’s amazing! We are praying for you and them and cheering you on!
The booklet is a fun and engaging tool, but its real power comes from how you use it. Your child has asked for more intentional discipleship— how amazing is that! You can use this as an opportunity to turn their hunger into something significant that helps connect them to God’s heart. Set aside some time each week to go through the booklet together. Ask questions, chat openly, and explore the journey of faith side by side. Make it a time they look forward to full of joy, connection, and intentional focus on Christ.
Consistency is key. Your child is eager to grow in their faith, and they’re looking to you for guidance. This is a beautiful moment to lean in and walk this path together. Celebrate it, cherish it, and watch how God works in both of your hearts as you disciple them faithfully.
Ready to Begin?
Discipleship doesn’t require perfection, just faithfulness. Begin today, right where you are, using the moments you have. For more resources and guidance, check out Parenting for Faith for practical tools and get in touch with us via the Parent Portal. Remember, God has equipped you for this—you got this!