DiscipleBlog.com

Many surveys have shown that the single most effective factor in keeping a child faithful to the Christian Faith throughout their life is for a single adult Christian to intentionally show an interest in their spiritual development and intentionally disciple them. it was not the size of the church, the curriculum or even the devotedness of parents that kept kids in the Church according to these studies – but a non-related adult who spent time with them discussing spiritual thing. (aka discipleship) And yet, one on one discipleship seems to be the missing ministry in most children’s ministries today. Read the rest of this entry »

According to a report released by USA Today, digital gear sets this new group apart, even from their tech-savvy Millennial elders who among the oldest are approaching 30. They want to be constantly connected. Read the rest of this entry »

Just curious what you think – I hear a lot about “Spiritual Life Coaching” in the Church today.

How is that different from discipleship? Jesus said to “Go and make disciples” not “go and coach people spiritually.” I’m not saying spiritual coaching is ‘bad’ – just wondering where it fits in with discipleship?

Is spiritual coaching just a new “hip” word for disciple-making? In other words, are they actually the same thing, just a word our sports-crazy culture can understand? or…

Is spiritual coaching something that is a PART of disciple-making? Is it just that part where the discipler is giving tips or advice or a pep talk or teaching some life ‘plays’ from the ‘Play Book,’ the Bible? or…

Is spiritual coaching something completely separate from disciple-making?

Did Jesus coach?

What do YOU think?

Discipleship is often labeled a “spiritual” activity. Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus Christ showed His followers that discipleship encompasses every aspect of life. This article emphasizes the importance of balancing kids’ growth in three essential areas.

First Century Parenting

Just for fun, put yourself in the sandals of Joseph or Mary, Jesus’ earthly parents. While raising a child who never lied, never talked back, never undermined their authority, and always obeyed—what unique challenges did they face? A solitary verse summarizes Joseph and Mary’s parenting efforts: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). However easy or difficult raising Jesus may have been, His parents achieved a remarkable balance with their remarkable Son. His formation progressed intellectually (wisdom), physically (stature), spiritually (favor with God), and relationally (favor with men). Read the rest of this entry »

DiscipleBlog.com welcomes guest blogger Tony Kummer from www.ministry-to-children.com

Bible reading is one of the most important activities you can do with children. I believe that every Sunday school session, family devotion and children’s church meeting should include a time of Bible reading.

Since the Bible is God’s Word, we should do our best to listen to it.

The Big Problem: Can Kids Understand?

Children become discouraged when they don’t understand. Most kids experience a knowledge gap when the Bible is read aloud. Sometimes it’s the vocabulary, sometimes it’s the concepts, and sometimes it’s just the way the text is read.

Let’s be honest – Most children have a hard time comprehending the Bible when it is read aloud. Every week in church, many children are only learning to check out mentally while God’s Word is read.

Don’t give up. I believe that all of this can be overcome, and children can learn to appreciate the public reading of the scriptures. The benefits are much bigger than the challenges. Read the rest of this entry »