Blog

The youth ministry is putting a HUGE emphasis on discipleship again this year. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be sharing examples of the impact that discipleship can have on a student’s life.

For me, discipleship took on many different roles through my teenage years. The main person who discipled me was my Grandpa. As he and my Grandma raised me, God used them both to help lead me to Christ. But God used my Grandpa specifically, to pour into me spiritually. We spent countless hours in the scriptures talking about Biblical and world issues. I was immensely blessed as he sought to raise me according to the instruction in Deuteronomy 6:6-7:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

As you can see, it says to diligently teach your children God’s words when you walk and sit, sleep and rise. Basically, all the time. I remember morning Bible studies with my grandparents, but also all the informal moments that were so influential. Talking regularly about how God shows Himself to us through His creation while we were out doing yard work during the day, nights that we stayed up until 1 or 2 AM talking about the world or things Grandpa went through in his life and the lessons he learned. Admittedly, I dozed off a few of those times to wake up and realize we were still up talking, but my Grandpa was faithful to keep pouring into me and still is to this day. I can’t emphasize enough the impact he’s had on my life and the importance of Godly parental figures in a young Christian’s life. For the parents reading this, you ARE making an impact in your kid’s life in all the little moments. Even the ones where you think they aren’t paying attention.

I emphasize my relationship with my Grandpa because he took on the role of being my parent and I want to encourage parents in the role they play in discipling their own children. God can and will use you incredibly in your child’s life! As a ministry, our focus is on encouraging that relationship while being that extra influence that encourages and helps deepen your kid’s walk with God.

Join us for Part 2 of Daniel’s blog, “Discipling Changes Hearts and Lives” tomorrow!