At Berean, you may have noticed that we waive the flag of family discipleship loud and proud. Why? Because we believe that it is biblically directed. It is God's primary plan for his name to be known and for faith in Jesus Christ to be passed down from generation to generation.
Church is not made up of a group of professionals that parents are to take their kids to in order to learn about Jesus and salvation. Will we preach and teach these things to the younger generation? Absolutely! But the church wouldn't be holding up its side of the partnership that the Bible directs us toward if we didn't challenge, equip, and encourage parents in their role as the primary spiritual teacher of their children.
Family discipleship fell by the wayside a bit in the North American church over the last century. So, at Berean, we are working to direct families back to biblical instruction in this area so that generation after generation will develop a firmly-rooted authentic faith and the gospel will continue to move forward. But as we look to reengage in this God-ordained strategy, there can be some misconceptions about what it is and how to do it.
Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin have offered a handful of popular misconceptions that people often believe when it comes to family discipleship. Even as a family pastor, I have fallen for some of these. Take a look at each of these lies and consider if you have bought into them. They will provide incredible food for thought as we take seriously the call to lead our children spiritually.
Chandler and Griffin write:
"Far better to have a plan than to fly by the seat of our pants. Since every parent and every child is one-of-a-kind, we should have a plan and a vision for family discipleship suited for our unique family."
5 Popular Lies About Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin