Looking with the end goal in mind, Chandler and Griffin offer a simple but profound gospel centered framework of Time, Moments, and Milestones to see your kids conformed to Christ’s image. Integral to this framework is Modeling through a life steeped in the Gospel. They recognize and affirm that the family is the primary instrument and environment for discipleship. Sadly, many families have abdicated this roll to the church because they feel ill-equipped or unable to spiritually lead their children, especially fathers. Family Discipleship provides encouragement and practical steps and strategies for spiritual leadership in the family.
Unashamedly, Chandler and Griffin advocate for a process of indoctrination. Most see this word as negative, especially in today’s relativistic culture that values free thinkers. We are biblically called to teach and reinforce biblical doctrine within our families. Even before a profession of faith, parents should disciple their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. In doing so we teach them to how to truly love others well as God loves us. In today’s secular age, raising biblically-minded christian children comes with the understanding that they are walking out into a world that is increasingly hostel to Christian values.
“At the very least, discipled kids will be considered ‘weird’… Your children will be hated because of who your God is and what he is like (Mark 13:13; John 15:19)… You are raising kids who will hopefully pursue generosity over comfort, righteousness over acceptance, and selflessness over self-esteem for Christ’s sake.”
(page 32)
Chandler and Griffin put forth a simple family discipleship plan that is sustainable, memorable, and effective. Disciplining begins by being a Godly example for your family; living out a genuine walk with God; and humbly repenting when and where you fall short. Taking time to intentionally carve out time in the families routine for the purpose of thinking about talking about and living out the Gospel. Using everyday life to capture and leverage opportunities to weave in Gospel-centered conversations. And finally, schedule and celebrate significant spiritual milestones of God’s work in the life of the family and child.
“Let us give every effort to conduct ourselves as parents in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ hoping to see him rescue, redeem, and transform our kids and calling them to follow our example.”
(Page 44)
Instead of covering up parents failings or telling parents to just be better, they advocate for humbly acknowledging your failing and modeling repentance with your children. I have often modeled this with my children and seen much fruit. Children get a clear view at our sinfulness and shortcomings; as well as, growth and new life. Its difficult to hid anything from them. They understand that I am not perfect (even though we have a running joke that I am perfect), and when we sin or fall short we must confess our sins one to another. This is hard to do but as Christians, it is a necessary and fruitful discipline.
“Sharing your life with your kids will mean that they will get exposed to your shortcomings, but there is a good chance that your greatest failures might be your most relatable and profound lessons. Your kids will be far from perfect too so they need you to demonstrate how a man or woman of God handles pursuing God repentantly without wallowing in failure or seeking worldly affirmation to cope.”
At the end of each chapter there are helpful questions to explore, practical exercises, and scheduled rythms to participate in. To get the most out of these questions review in a group setting or with a mentor in the faith. In discussing the spontaneous gospel interactions of Moments, they break down the goal into two key components to teach: Characteristics of God and Godly Character. There should be ample times where we see our children grow in their knowledge of God reflect his characteristics. Where we don’t see this in their lives we can lovingly correct and redirect.
Family Discipleship is a valuable resource for the family and the church. Through different seasons of my children’s life we have implemented various strategies for family discipleship but never a comprehensive plan. Even though my children are now teenagers, Family Discipleship still is applicable and helpful in crafting a discipleship plan that is tailored to our family and grows each of them in the giftings that God has given them.
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Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home Through Time, Moments, and Milestones By Matt Chandler & Adam Griffin |
I received a free copy of Family Discipleship in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.