Your mission is to make disciples. There’s no better disciple-making factory than your home. Asking yourself three questions should help you faithfully disciple your kids. #1 Who should disciple your kid? Train up a child (Prov. 22:6). We know our kids should be discipled, but who bears the responsibility? Ephesians 6:4 helps here, “Fathers…bring them (children) up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” It’s your job as dad to disciple your child. Awesome if you can lean on the student pastor, grandma, and neighbor. But who should do the most teaching? You. You’re the primary disciple-maker of your kid.#2 What should your kid be taught? in the way he should go (Prov. 22:6). Teach the right thing to the right kid at the right time. Stage by stage, there’s plenty of biblical truth to go around. Your 17-year-old will connect with different illustrations than your 7-year-old. #3 Why even try discipling your kid? even when he is old he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). Because, if not you, who? And if not now, when? You teach your kid God’s Word early and often so he’ll know right from wrong sooner rather than later. Yes, he’ll do what he wants later, darn free will! But God promises that His Word will not return empty/void. Whether your kid is 5 or 55, keep teaching, take comfort in God’s promise, and trust that conviction will come.

SEVEN DISCIPLESHIP CHARACTERISTICS THAT SHAPE FATHERHOOD: Being a Christian is a big deal. Letting your faith inform—and even transform—your everyday life is even bigger! Consider these seven attributes that genuine Christ followers need to develop. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also learn how those godly qualities can shape who you are as a dad.

UNLOCKING OUR KIDS’ UNIQUE TALENTS: As Christians, we believe that God has created every person with value and has wired them with unique gifts and talents. As a dad, you have the privilege of helping your kids discover and develop their God-given skill sets in a way that will bring glory to Him—all while strengthening the bond you share with them. In this episode, we’ll look at how you can connect with your kids by identifying and nurturing their abilities, all so they can become God’s very best version of themselves.

“You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are.” —Howard Hendricks

“Jesus said go and make disciples, but so often we just sit and make excuses.” —Francis Chan

“Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” ―Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Discipleship is not an option. Jesus says that if anyone would come after me, he must follow me.” ―Tim Keller

Train ’em up. Your kid is God’s before he’s yours, manage yourself and your kid like it. What you say and how you act will give your child the best shot at knowing Jesus. Point your kid to God and His Word. It will rarely feel like it, but you’re the greatest influence on your kid. You’re the most important lesson they will see. God will use His Word and your life to convict.

Kent Evans
Author of Bring Your Hammer, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

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