The mission of Journey Kids is to make disciples of children by the age of 12 through gospel-centered teaching and gospel-centered parenting.

The idea of gospel-centered parenting may seem like a daunting task to you.  We all have doubts and questions.  What does gospel-centered parenting look like?  How can I teach my children when I don’t know the bible all that well myself?  How can I lead my children when I have struggles of my own? Thankfully the Lord is gracious and merciful to us.  Not only has he given us his Word to instruct us but he has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to follow his instruction.  We can trust that he will work through us so that we will fulfill our roles as parents even when we feel inadequate.

When we read scripture one thing is clear when it comes to parenting: discipleship begins in the home.  You have the great responsibility of teaching and leading your children in the ways of the Lord.  One of the most famous passages of the Old Testament is found in Deuteronomy.  Listen to what it says:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

 ⁴"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ⁶And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

When God entered into a covenant relationship with the people of Israel the greatest commandment he gave them was to love God with their entire being.  God’s people were to never lose sight of this command.  Furthermore, it was of utmost importance that they passed this on to their children.  They were exhorted to teach their children about who God is and instruct them in all of his commandments that they would enjoy living in right relationship with him.  We see in this passage that God’s people are told to continually teach their children about the Lord, not merely for an hour a week or 10 minutes a day.  We are called to make the most of every opportunity to tell our children about the Lord.  When your child comes home from school after having a bad day because they were mistreated tell them how Christ responded when he was mistreated.  When your child is reluctant to share with a sibling or friend, teach them how incredibly generous God has been with us withholding nothing good.  Remind them they are to be generous givers towards others as God has generously given to us.  When your child complains remind them to be thankful for all that Christ has done for them.   

Of course, failing to model these things will undermine your ability to teach them to your children.  But don’t let your shortfalls be an excuse. The Holy Spirit will convict you of your sin as you work to lead and teach them.  This is a good thing.  Confess and repent of your sin even to your children. 

Parents, you have a great responsibility to lead your children in becoming disciples of Christ.  Nothing is more important in your role as a parent.  This responsibility must not be taken lightly or pushed to the peripheral.  Bringing your children to church is not enough.  You must be active and intentional about teaching your children about Christ and shepherding their hearts towards him.    

If you feel inadequate or intimidated by the task remember that God has given you everything you need to be faithful in your role as a parent through his Word and the Holy Spirit.  Also, if you ever need help or guidance don’t hesitate to ask.  No one is perfect as a parent and no one has all of the answers.  But a good parent is one who learns from others. 

Discipleship begins in the home.  As a parent you are given this challenging yet rewarding role.