Last Saturday, our Student Ministries Team and Kids Team, at the church I help lead, hosted an awesome Parenting Workshop. It was just what many parents needed; practical and Biblical wisdom. They had a great line up of speakers (Ted Talk style) and asked me to give a 9 minute talk on “How to Lead Your Family Spiritually.” I am far from the expert on this subject, but I have learned a few things in the 12 years I’ve been a parent.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Remember, that is a PROVERB not a PROMISE. That means, generally speaking, it’s true, but not always. If I’ve learned anything it’s this; parenting is ALL about God’s grace. My father is in prison, my mother wasn’t around much as I grew up, we never went to church, and yet here I am a pastor! Grace.
Here are the three ways I shared on how you can lead your family spiritually. Hope they are a blessing to you.
Tend To Your Own Relationship With Jesus.
There is nothing more important than your own personal walk with Jesus Christ. Nothing. Want a better marriage, job, family, or life? Want to be a better spouse and parent? Focus on Jesus first. Jesus himself said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matt. 6:33).
How to do it:
- Regular time with Jesus (The Word and prayer)
- Accountability with others
- Consistency at church
- Small group
Lead By Example.
Your kids will do what they see you do not always what you say. Things are caught not just taught. The Apostle James reminded us, “Don’t just listen to the Word, do what it says!” Truth is, our kids are always watching us. Always. Some areas to consider: your marriage, your work, friendships, your hobbies, how you handle money, etc. In all those areas are you a person of integrity (who you are when no one is looking)? Are you vulnerable? Transparent? Do you say you’re sorry?
Be Intentional (practical tips)
Disciples are made not born. Christian parenting doesn’t happen through osmosis! So make faith a part of everyday conversations. Be normal about it. Share what God is teaching you and what you are struggling with. Make prayer a vital part of your family (meals, before bed, in the car…all the time!). Make yourself available to your kids. Date your spouse and your children (with teens it’s often on their schedule). Be willing to sacrifice your hobbies, sporting events, and other things to put your family first. Here is a great question to ask your child on a date: “Is there anything we should be talking about that we are not talking about?”
Pastor Rob Hall 