Family Discipleship – Action Steps

I have been collaborating with Brian Smith , a friend and ministry peer, about what a discipleship plan could look like for families. Here are a list of action steps for beginning a family discipleship plan. Have more ideas? leave a comment. Step one: Make it a priority. If you never commit to making family discipleship a priority it will never be done. Pastors across the U.S. say, if you want to know where a family’s priorities are, take a look at the checkbook. This may or may not apply to all but it is a good place to start. Next would be to look at your family’s calendar. Are you spending time doing “life” or are you actively seeking ways to connect to God. How do you make family discipleship a priority? Sit down with your family, and explain that from this day forward, discipleship will become a priority. Make it clear to your children, that although you are not perfect, God has a perfect plan for your family. Give your family ownership. Allow each child to be “in-charge” of an aspect of your family discipleship time. For example, one child could keep a list of prayer concerns, another child could ...

Family Discipleship: Do you have a plan?

Family Discipleship – Do you have a plan? This post is a collection of thoughts that have been rattling around in my head. Disclaimer: This is in no way a final product! This is merely me typing out loud about the things to come. The next post will be a simplified version of this post and an outline for future writings on the subject. Like me, there are many Pastors, Youth Pastors and ministers starting the conversation of family ministry. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a new topic; however it is a growing subject in the church today! Family ministry is, I believe, the next step for those who train future pastors and ministers. Please leave comments and thoughts. Again, the following are thoughts that have been jumbled around in my head and in no way a final product. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, there must be a plan for your family’s spiritual growth. Without a plan, you are planning to fail. Secondly, there are “must-have” elements that should be integrated into your plan. Lastly, there are some obstacles to address with family discipleship. Discipleship Plan: Everyone needs a plan, however, we must be careful to understand God’s plan ...