Parents as Disciplemakers: Just Start Somewhere

In this episode of Stand Firm Parents, Jake McCandless discusses the challenges and importance of being intentional about discipleship within the home. He emphasizes the need to start somewhere, even if it’s small, and shares practical advice on how to integrate faith into everyday family life.

Key Discussion Points:

1. The Overwhelm of Discipleship:
   • Many parents feel overwhelmed by the idea of discipling their children, often leading to inaction.
   • The importance of being intentional about guiding children in their faith.
2. Starting Small:
   • The episode’s main message is to "just start somewhere."
   • Jake shares a personal story about having a Bible study in the car with his daughters, highlighting that discipleship doesn’t need to be perfect or elaborate.
3. The Imperfection of Discipleship:
   • Waiting for the perfect moment or method often leads to missed opportunities.
   • Jake discusses the challenges of maintaining regular family Bible studies and how he overcame the paralysis of perfection.
4. Practical Steps for Parents:
   • Begin with simple actions like reading a Bible story at bedtime or having faith-based conversations.
   • Tailor discipleship activities to the age and maturity level of the children.
5. Integration of Faith into Everyday Life:
   • The goal is to fully integrate faith into every aspect of family life, rather than compartmentalizing it into specific times or events.
   • Jake emphasizes the need to find natural ways to incorporate faith discussions and practices into daily routines.
6. Biblical Foundation:
   • Jake references Deuteronomy 6, which instructs parents to impress God's commandments on their children throughout daily activities.
   • The episode encourages parents to be consistent and intentional in sharing their faith with their children.
7. Encouragement to Parents:
   • Jake encourages parents to take the first step, regardless of where they are in their faith journey or how old their children are.
   • The episode closes with a reminder that every intentional action taken to guide children in their faith starts with a simple step.