Teaching Our Children the Word: The Role of Parents and the Church in Discipleship

Hey Guys,

“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NASB)

One of the greatest responsibilities and privileges that God has given to parents and the church is the discipleship of the next generation. In a world filled with competing voices, it is critical that our children hear and know the truth of God’s Word. But whose responsibility is it to teach them? Is it the church’s role, or does the burden rest on parents?

The answer is both—but with a specific God-ordained order. Parents are the primary disciplers of their children, and the church is called to equip and support them in this mission. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 makes this clear: biblical instruction begins in the home, carried out by parents throughout daily life. The church, then, comes alongside families to reinforce and support this discipleship journey.

If we fail to teach our children the Word of God, the world will gladly step in and teach them something else. So how can we faithfully disciple the next generation?

1. The Role of Parents: Primary Discipleship in the Home
God designed parents to be the first and primary teachers of biblical truth. Children’s ministry, Sunday School, and youth groups are valuable, but they cannot replace consistent, daily discipleship at home.

A. Teaching God’s Word as a Daily Practice
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands parents to teach God’s Word diligently in everyday life:

• “When you sit in your house” – Reading the Bible as a family, discussing God’s truth at the dinner table.
• “When you walk on the road” – Bringing up spiritual conversations in daily routines, car rides, and life events.
• “When you lie down” – Ending the day with prayer and Scripture.
• “When you get up” – Starting the day with God’s Word and setting the tone for a Christ-centered life.

Discipleship is not limited to scheduled Bible study time—it is woven into the fabric of everyday life.

B. Modeling a Life of Faith
Children learn more from what they see in us than from what we tell them. If we want them to love and obey God, they need to see us doing the same. Parents must model:

• A personal love for God (Matthew 22:37).
• Consistent Bible reading and prayer (Psalm 119:105).
• Repentance and humility when they fail (1 John 1:9).
• Active service in the church (Hebrews 10:25).

Faith is more caught than taught. If children see parents prioritizing Christ in everyday life, they are more likely to embrace their faith as their own.

C. Guarding Against the World’s Influence
The world is actively discipling children through media, schools, and culture. Parents must be intentional in countering these influences by:

• Filtering what children watch, read, and listen to (Philippians 4:8).
• Having open discussions about cultural issues through a biblical lens (Romans 12:2).
• Surrounding them with godly influences and friendships (Proverbs 13:20).

The goal is not just to shelter children from the world but to prepare them to stand firm in the truth of God’s Word.

2. The Role of the Church: Equipping and Reinforcing Biblical Truth
While parents are the primary disciplers, the church plays a crucial role in equipping parents and reinforcing discipleship through corporate worship, biblical teaching, and Christ-centered community.

A. Teaching and Preaching God’s Word
Children need to be exposed to solid, biblical teaching in church—not just entertaining lessons.

• Sunday School & Children’s Ministry should be rooted in Scripture, not just moral lessons or fun activities.
• Youth Ministry should challenge students with deep biblical truth, not just be a social club.
• Corporate Worship should include children, allowing them to see their parents worship and learn from biblical preaching.

The church’s teaching should not replace parents' responsibility but support and reinforce what is being taught at home.

B. Encouraging and Equipping Parents
Many parents want to disciple their children but feel unequipped. The church can help by:

• Offering parenting and discipleship classes based on Scripture.
• Providing family devotion guides and resources.
• Encouraging fathers to take leadership in spiritual training (Ephesians 6:4).
• Teaching parents how to answer tough questions about faith and culture.

A healthy church doesn’t just focus on children’s programs—it strengthens and supports parents in their God-given role.

C. Providing a Christ-Centered Community
Children need to see faith lived out beyond their family. The church provides:

• Godly mentors who reinforce biblical values (Titus 2:1-8).
• Friendships with other believing children who encourage one another in the faith (Proverbs 27:17).
• Opportunities for service and mission, teaching children that faith is meant to be lived out (James 2:17).

A strong, biblical church creates an environment where children are encouraged to grow in faith and where parents find support in their discipleship journey.

3. The Consequences of Neglecting Discipleship
If we do not intentionally teach our children God’s Word, the culture will teach them something else. The future of the church depends on how we disciple the next generation. Judges 2:10 gives a sobering warning:

“That entire generation also was gathered to their ancestors, and another generation grew up after them who did not know the Lord, nor even the work which He had done for Israel.”

A generation that does not know God is only one step away. If we fail to disciple our children, we risk raising a generation that walks away from the faith.

4. Practical Ways to Get Started Today
For Parents:
✅ Start with daily family devotions (even just 5-10 minutes).
✅ Pray with and for your children.
✅ Integrate Scripture into daily life (e.g., when discussing challenges, discipline, or decisions).
✅ Prioritize church involvement as a family.

For Churches:
✅ Teach solid biblical truth in all children’s and youth ministries.
✅ Equip parents with resources and training.
✅ Connect children with godly mentors and role models.
✅ Encourage a multi-generational church culture where children feel included.

Conclusion: A Call to Action
Teaching our children God’s Word is not optional—it is a command from God (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Parents must take up the responsibility of daily discipleship, and the church must come alongside to equip and reinforce biblical truth.

The future of the faith is in our hands. Will we pass down a vibrant, biblical faith, or will we allow the next generation to drift away?

The time to act is now. Let’s teach our children the Word, that they may know, love, and follow the Lord for generations to come.

Serving Him,

Bro. Joey