3 Ways to help you disciple your kids
As parents, sometimes it is difficult to know how to disciple our kids. We try everything we can. We read Bible stories at night, we pray before meals, and we try to model for them what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. But sometimes we simply get bored doing the same things over and over. Because of this, I want to offer a few ideas and resources that might be helpful in your journey of discipling your kids.
Tell them Bible stories
When I say “tell them” I do not mean “read them”. My challenge to you is to be so familiar with Bible stories that you are able to tell them to your child. As my son has grown up, I have told him several Bible stories from memory that he still asks me to tell him over and over again.
When we tell Bible stories to our children there are a couple of things we can do that we would not be able to do if we were simply reading it.
1. We add a personal touch to the story. When we tell stories, they connect much better than when we read them. Have you ever heard a preacher read his entire sermon without looking up? How much of it did you remember? Probably not much of it. But when a preacher looks at you and speaks, we are connected, we engage, and we remember much more.
2. We can tell them these stories wherever we go. So even if you are driving in your car, you don’t have to read. You don’t even have to turn on your radio. You can simply tell them the story. This will take some work on your part, but it is totally worth it.
New City Catechism App
This is a free app designed to help children and adults learn the core Christian beliefs via 52 questions and answers. What’s great for parents is this app has a children’s mode. In this mode, there are songs that go along with each question, as well as prayers and Scripture. You can use this app at home, in the car, or at church. My only concern about the catechism is that parents will simply use the questions and songs without using the Scripture provided. Do not let this happen.
Jesus Kids by Shai Linne
Christian rap artist, Shai Linne released his first Children’s album this year. It is filled with songs for kids that are all Christ-Centered. This is a fun way to for you and your kids to learn Bible stories, how the Bible points to Jesus, and why Jesus loves children so much! It even has 3 tracks of kids reciting the catechism. The song “Jesus Kids” brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it because it’s a great reminder of how much Jesus loves children and how much he wants to use them for his glory.
I hope these suggestions will be helpful to you! I am praying for you as you train your children to be more like Jesus every day. Sometimes it is difficult, but it is such an honor to point our children to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Savior, our very Life, Jesus Christ. What an opportunity we have! Remember you are not alone, for He is with you each step of the way.
You are deeply loved by the Father in Christ Jesus,
Jeremy
