Discipleship Archive
Once upon a time, Christian parents asked their children after church, “What did you learn about God?” Today, the question is often, “Did you have fun?” Not too long ago, churches offered Bible training for all ages—wanting to fully equip children to serve Christ. Today, many churches offer high-energy, entertainment-based programs—wanting to keep kids happy and to make recruiting easy. Children rarely use their Bibles.
Jesus told His followers to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Sounds simple enough, but what does disciple-making look like? At its core, our discipleship commitment finds expression in a close, personal relationship with God and with others. The following article written by Dr. Bobby Harrington will encourage and challenge you as you discover the priority of relational discipleship.
Optimism. Honesty. Teamwork. Integrity. These are just a few Christ-like character traits that benefit children and families. But how do we teach these qualities to kids? American writer James Baldwin once said, “Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” Dr. Scott Turansky provides the following insightful and practical DiscipleTip. 1 Please share with …
“Many churches equate discipleship with knowledge … but the essence of discipleship is transformational not informational. Jesus did not merely ask us to teach everything He commanded. He asked us to teach people to obey everything He commanded, and the difference is massive (Matthew 28:19). The end result of discipleship is not merely the knowledge of all Jesus commanded but the obedience to all Jesus …
Chip Ingram writes, “Far from being a dirty word, discipline is evidence of love. When you consistently discipline your child and do it with the right attitude — compassionately, under control, with consistent boundaries and consequences, and focused on the child’s best outcome — you are expressing love exactly as God sometimes expresses His love.” 1 The writer of Hebrews clearly explains how and why …
Discipleship is a common term in churches today, but how well are we developing Christ-like people? Greg Herrick writes, “For our purposes, then, a “disciple of Christ” is someone who has been called first to know Christ, then to follow him, and then to make disciples of all nations. That is, in our knowing Christ we are becoming like him—thinking, feeling, and living as he …
Instructing Children For Life by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN There’s more to giving instructions than just accomplishing tasks or getting children to do what parents say for the sake of convenience. Valuable lessons for life are hidden within the instruction process. Through instruction, children learn character and skills that will help them to be successful outside the home. They learn things …