10 Practical Steps For Men Leading Family Discipleship At Home

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God has place a unique responsibility for men to reflect Him to their spouses and children. I wrote these practical steps for me, but I’m certain they can work for you too. I presented these steps as a breakout for a Men’s Conference my church sponsored. As a husband, father, and pastor–I am not exempt of busyness and distraction, and honestly I fall short more than I succeed at these practical steps. But as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9 ^“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”

The Captain, Ship, and Crew

“Imagine a ship sailing through a treacherous storm. The waves are crashing against the hull, the winds howling, and the crew struggling to keep the vessel steady. In the midst of this chaos, the captain remains resolute, guiding the ship with unwavering determination and wisdom. His leadership becomes the source of strength for the entire crew.

Similarly, in the storms of life, the role of a man leading his family in discipleship is akin to that of a captain guiding his ship. As the head of the household, he is entrusted with the responsibility of steering his family through the unpredictable waters of the world. He must not only navigate through challenges. He also is to instill in his loved ones the values of faith, love, and perseverance.

Just as a skilled captain relies on his knowledge of the sea, a man leading his family in discipleship must be deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ. His actions, words, and choices should reflect the principles of love, forgiveness, and service that Jesus exemplified. By prioritizing regular family prayers, discussions about scripture, and acts of kindness, he can cultivate an environment that nurtures the faith of each family member.

In the same way that a captain ensures the safety and well-being of his crew, a man leading his family in discipleship must prioritize the spiritual growth and well-being of his loved ones. He should be attentive to their needs and challenges. He should lead them to their aspirations, offering guidance, support, and encouragement along their individual journeys of faith.

Just as a skilled captain inspires confidence and unity among his crew, a man leading his family in discipleship has the power to foster an unbreakable bond. By demonstrating humility, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving others, he can inspire his family members to follow in the footsteps of Christ, forging a legacy of faith that will withstand the tests of time.

Family Discipleship In Scripture

One of my favorite passages on family discipleship is found in Psalm 78. There is strength in the sense of tradition, especially when is comes to praising God rightly. There is a call for the people to listen, recall, and be intentional; because if they are not intentional in teaching the next generation–hope for future generations is bleak.

Psalm 78:1-8
1 My people, hear my instruction; listen to the words from my mouth. 2 I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past—3 things we have heard and known and that our ancestors have passed down to us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children 6 so that a future generation—children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children 7 so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands. 8 Then they would not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not loyal and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Lead by Example:

Men, we can begin by actively practicing our faith and demonstrating moral, spiritual, and ethical values in our everyday lives. We need to consistently engage in personal devotion, prayer, and study of Scripture, and openly share insights and experiences with our families.

How are you already leading by example in your home? 
What resources do you think you might need to succeed in leading your family?

Establish Regular Family Devotions:

Set aside dedicated times for family devotions where everyone can come together to pray, read Scriptures, discuss spiritual matters, and even sing. Encourage open dialogue and create a safe space for questions and exploration of faith.

How might you be able to encourage open dialogue and questions during family devotions as your children explore faith in Jesus?

Encourage Open Communication:

Foster an environment where every family member feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Create opportunities for open discussions about faith, values, and life lessons, and actively listen without judgment.

In what ways have you tried to encourage open communication about faith, values, cultural issues, etc. in your home?

Set Family Goals:

Collaboratively establish spiritual and personal development goals as a family. Encourage each member to set individual goals and regularly check in to discuss progress, and challenges, and provide support and encouragement.

Do you set goals for your family together? How have you implemented this in your home?

Serve Together:

I’ve heard it said, “A family that serves together stays together.” Engage in community service and outreach activities as a family. Participate in church initiatives, volunteer work, or community events, allowing everyone to experience the joy of serving others and making a positive impact in the community.

Prioritize Quality Time:

Make a conscious effort to spend quality time with each family member individually and collectively. Engage in activities that foster bonding, such as shared hobbies, family outings, and recreational activities that promote unity and strengthen familial bonds.

How do you prioritize quality time at home with each family member?

Cultivate a Culture of Appreciation:

Express gratitude and appreciation for one another regularly. Acknowledge and celebrate individual achievements, milestones, and acts of kindness. This helps to foster an environment of love, support, and encouragement within the family.

Graticube

Encourage Personal Growth:

Support and encourage each family member’s personal growth and development. Provide resources, mentorship, and guidance to help them pursue their interests, talents, and educational aspirations. By doing so, you are fostering a sense of empowerment and self-confidence.

How are you encouraging each person in your family to pursue their interests, sharpen their talents, and empower them to be who God called them to be?

Address Challenges Together:

Tackle challenges and conflicts as a family unit. Encourage open and honest communication during difficult times. Work together to find solutions that align with the family’s values and principles, fostering resilience and unity.

Are you addressing challenges with your spouse and even your kids to create a resilient family or are you making all the decisions in your home?

Stay Consistent and Patient:

Recognize that family discipleship is a journey that requires consistency, patience, and resilience. Embrace the process of growth and learning. Understand that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant spiritual and emotional transformation over time.

Putting These Practical Steps Into Practice

By implementing these 10 practical steps, men, we can lay a strong foundation for family discipleship. As you begin to implement these steps you will also foster a nurturing and spiritually enriching environment within your home. But like anything else, it takes time. 

May each of us, strive to be the captains of our families, leading them with the light of Christ. A we do so, nurturing a spirit of discipleship that will not only weather life’s storms, but also bring all the family members safely to the shores of God’s eternal grace.”

Let’s be the men that the psalmist writes about. Let’s be the men who tell their children ALL that God has done. We need to develop their confidence to be found in the Lord as they keep His commands. Whoa to us if we do not take heed of this warning in our own homes.