As parents we are concerned for our children and their moral development. Church is one of the many options people consider for the moral development of their children. You may be wondering, “How can I maximize the effectiveness of the Church experience in the lives of my children?” Jesus presents a principle of life to His disciples,

A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. ( Luke 6:40)

A pupil (your child) is not above his teacher (you as the parent); but after the pupil has been fully trained will be like his or her teacher. The word “fully trained” in the original language of the Bible conveys the idea to strengthen, perfect, and make one complete. The word for “fully trained” was used for the setting of a broken bone. The New Testament brings out the richness of the meaning of this word – notice the way this word is translated in the following verses:

Matthew 4:21 – mending their nets
Luke 6:40 – after he has been fully trained
2 Corinthians 13:11 – be made complete
Galatians 6:1 – restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness
Ephesians 4:11 for the equipping of the saints

What is your training plan for your children? Is it one of equipping them to proactively face life using God’s word as the standard or are they simply reacting to the challenges of life in a crisis mode? How do you respond to the challenges of life? Your children will follow the example you set.

One of the most effective ways to fully train others is through modeling – more is caught than taught. Your children will gain more from your example than hours of verbal instruction. Therefore, when you attend worship services and participate in a small group, you are modeling for them the priority of God in your life.

Deuteronomy 6:7 emphasizes the importance of continuously training your children, “You shall teach them diligently to your sons 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 up.” You may be asking, “How do I do that?” Here are some practical steps to help you get started with family devotions.

Steps toward meaningful family devotions

1. Agree as parents that this is a priority. You will find the mutual support and encouragement will be a great help. The ideal is for Dad to take initiative in leading family devotions.

2. Set a definite time. Just after supper is a strategic time. Make it a priority to schedule family devotions along with the meal time before evening responsibilities fill up the schedule.

3. Expect difficulties. Keep persevering, do not give up, your children are learning more than you realize. Encourage cheerful cooperation. Train the younger ones to be obedient.

4. Keep it brief and upbeat. Less is more in this context, don’t try to cover too much. In emergencies, abbreviate rather than eliminate – you may only have time to share a key thought and pray.

5. Prepare in advance. Glance over the Bible portion to be covered. The Bible in story book form can help youngsters learn key facts and important principles.

6. Vary the method of presenting the Bible. Variety can be helpful:

1) One person read a portion of Scripture – taking turns each evening.
2) Have each person in the circle read one or several verses. (Or, in the case of very small children, let them take their turn, too, by repeating the words after you as you read.)
3) If the Scripture section is a long, single episode, prepare to tell the story and read key verses. (This takes a few moments of advance preparation.)
4) Employ the family members in turn as “leaders.” Coach them in advance how to give present a topic and ask questions.
5) Give assignments on various questions and truths from the Scriptures.

7. Lead a brief discussion time. Frequent questions interspersed in a story will stimulate interest. You should also humbly share from your heart. Ask: “What does the passage say? What does it mean? How does this apply to your life?”

8. Incorporate a time of Prayer. Pray for various topics: one another, salvation of friends, neighbors, relatives and various missionaries – perhaps one for an entire week. Say the Lord’s Prayer in unison, once in a while, to close or open a prayer period.

9. Add other worship activities. Singing songs can be helpful. Use a verse or two of a familiar hymn or chorus before prayer or as you open worship. Bible verses set to music can be a helpful way to memorize scripture. Act out the Bible story. Make it fun!!!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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