I think we can all agree—we have some incredible core parents. They’re engaged, they read every announcement, and they’re quick to volunteer. But families look different today.
Some kids come to church because grandparents bring them. Some parents are new to faith and are still figuring out what discipleship even means. Some kids attend every other week because of divorce or shared custody.
In Deuteronomy 6, God is very clear about the role parents play in the spiritual formation of their children. We are called to teach them throughout the day—when we get up and when we lie down.
So, the big question remains: How do we come alongside parents and caregivers—no matter their season or situation—and equip them to be the primary faith builders in their homes?
Support from your pastor is key. Have a conversation about the importance of parents as the primary spiritual leaders in their homes and ask if he would be willing to preach a sermon that reinforces this biblical role. When families hear this from the pulpit, it carries weight and helps establish a churchwide culture of home discipleship.
Communicate this same vision to your married adult leaders and encourage them to weave it into their classes and small groups. The more consistently parents hear that discipleship starts at home, the more confident and supported they will feel.
Provide simple, practical resources families can actually use. When choosing or creating materials, be mindful of your wording. Many parents want to disciple their children but feel unsure how to begin. Clear prompts can make all the difference. Include phrases like:
“Say This” – a simple statement they can say to start a conversation
“Read This” – a short passage of Scripture
“Ask This” – an easy discussion question
“Pray This” – a guided prayer they can pray together
These small helps remove the pressure parents often feel and give them a clear starting point.
As you map out your ministry year, consider adding family events that intentionally include a short discipleship moment. I like to call these “Take-Home Events.” The goal is to gather families for something fun while also giving them a 10–15 minute experience they can repeat at home.
For example, you might host a Nerf & Nacho Night. Before or after the fun, model what a simple family prayer time looks like. Set up a few prayer stations where families can walk through guided prayer prompts together. Then let them go right back to enjoying the activities.
Another idea is a Family Game Night where families bring their own dinner and a favorite game to share. Invite the pastor to briefly explain how parents can use everyday moments—like playing games—to have meaningful faith conversations. Model how to pause, ask a faith-based question, or pray together in a natural, relaxed way.
Don’t forget—some of the best resources are free. Lifeway offers seasonal family devotions and activities around Easter and Christmas that are easy to download and distribute. Providing these at key times of the year gives families a helpful tool right when they’re already thinking about spiritual conversations at home.
The goal isn’t to give parents more to do—it’s to show them how faith can naturally fit into what they are already doing. When we equip parents with simple tools and model what it looks like, we help them move from feeling unsure to feeling empowered.
