“It takes the entire church to raise families that means parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, singles, empty nesters… it takes everybody!”

“If your child’s salvation depended on the quality of your parenting efforts, it would not only make parenting overwhelming but it would make salvation impossible. Your child will not love God only if you are a good enough parent, or run from God if you are in any way found wanting as a mom or dad. Just as in your own life, it is by grace through faith that your kids will be saved, ‘this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast’

What a privilege it is, then, knowing that God could do as he wishes without us, but that he stills invites us flawed momsand dads into how he saves and raises a child to know him.”

– Matt Chandler, Pastor Village Church

“You cannot give what you do not possess.” – Pete Scazzero

“Don’t let your children have the same disadvantage you’re attempting to overcome, an undiscipled childhood. Regardless of your past, your future can be one of care, concern, and contrition for the sake of your kids.” - Family Discipleship: by Matt Chandler & Adam Griffin

“And yet I decide, every day, to set aside what I can do best and attempt what I do very clumsily--open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride.” - Eugene Peterson

We cant not do this

Tell the Stories

Worship is an act that develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God that is expressed in an act of worship.” - Eugene Peterson

Family discipleship is the charge to realign your priorities, to acknowledge that the spiritual feeding and the spiritual covering of your children needs to be as vital to you and your family as our children’s physical feeding and physical covering. “While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Tim. 4:8)

Clothe your children? Yes, of course, every day, but also help them put on the full armor of God so that they may be able to stand against the devil’s schemes. (Eph. 6:10-18) Feed your kids? Yes, of course, every day, but also give them Jesus, the daily bread of life, so they will not hunger or thirst for eternity (John 6:35). Give them a safe place to live? Yes of course, every day, but teach them to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of their lives that they may inquire of God and delight in his beauty (Ps. 27:4). Get them an education? Yes, of course, but teach them to discern good from evil and right from wrong, otherwise they will choose what seems right and it will lead them to death (Isa. 5:20; Prov. 14:12). If your children are successful and they get everything they ever want, what good is it if in the process they forfeit their eternal soul (Mark 8:36).”

This was a non-negotiable—like dressing our kids or feeding them

Prayer Isn't our last resort, it's our first and most important weapon

Belief – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” Acts 16:31

Blessing – “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Courage – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Contentment – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Encouragement – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

Endurance – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…” Hebrews 12:1-2

Faithfulness – “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Sam. 12:24

Favor – "For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:12

Forgiveness – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Fruitfulness – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Generosity – “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Godly Relationships – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Prov. 13:20

Grace – “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

Health – “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

Honesty – “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Hope – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Humility – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Integrity – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9

Joy – “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Kindness – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Love – “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 3:1

Obedience – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

Patience – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” James 1:19

Peace – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3