In what ways can churches support families in teaching children God's ways? Key verse “Then all your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” (Isaiah 54:13) Family discipleship: God’s design • “These words I command you today are to be upon your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6) • “Teach them diligently to your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:7) • “Fathers, do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the discipline of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) Why churches matter Isaiah’s promise shows the Lord personally teaching children; churches become living classrooms where His voice is heard. By partnering with parents, the congregation helps fulfill that promise and multiplies peace in the next generation. How churches can come alongside parents • Model Scripture saturation – Sunday school, youth meetings, and pulpit messages stay rooted in the Bible, reinforcing what parents teach at home. • Equip parents – Offer workshops on family worship, age-appropriate apologetics, and how to answer tough questions. – Maintain a resource library (books, podcasts, worksheets) parents can borrow free of charge. • Integrate generations – Plan services where children see adults worship, serve, and pray. – Invite older members to mentor or read Scripture with younger families. • Synchronize teaching – Provide weekly take-home guides so parents know exactly what was taught and can review it during the week. – Encourage church-wide memory verses; everyone hides the same word in their hearts. • Celebrate milestones – Recognize first Bible reading, baptism anniversaries, and service projects to show progress in faith. • Offer safe, biblical community – Screened volunteers create a secure space where children feel loved, making it easier to receive truth. • Pray with and for families – Pastors, elders, and small groups regularly intercede by name for each child and parent. Practical ideas to launch this week • Mid-week “family night” with a simple meal, short lesson, and hands-on craft tied to Sunday’s text. • Quarterly parent forums to discuss cultural challenges facing kids and how Scripture addresses them. • Bible memory incentive charts in classrooms linked to family charts at home. • Intergenerational service days—parents and children serving together in the community. • Monthly “story swap” where grandparents share testimonies of God’s faithfulness with the kids. Fruit that follows • Peace in children’s hearts, just as Isaiah promised. • Confidence in parents, knowing they are not alone. • A congregation marked by unity, depth, and generational continuity. • The gospel handed intact to “the next generation” (Psalm 78:4) so they, in turn, will teach their children (Proverbs 22:6). |
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