Equipping Parents to Disciple Their Children at Champion Forest Baptist Church

Abstract

This project seeks to equip parents of Champion Forest Baptist Church to understand and practice disciple-making in their homes. The emphasis of the project relies on scriptural exhortations to parents to disciple their children and for them to utilize their personal testimony and other life stories in family settings.

In chapter 1 the project goals and church context are discussed. The primary goal was to equip parents to use their personal testimony and other stories in the discipleship process with their children. This topic was chosen to help parents, who believe it is their responsibility to make disciples of their children, but they do not feel equipped or prepared.

In chapter 2 the biblical passages to be interpreted were introduced and explained. These passages contain direct commands and some methods for parents to follow as the primary disciple-makers in their homes. Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Psalm 78:1-8, Ephesians 6:1-4, and 2 Timothy 1:3-5 and 3:14-15 were chosen to demonstrate consistency in both Testaments of the Bible and the unique role of the parents.

In chapter 3 the sociological impact of parents and their stories was considered. The role of parents in society is ever changing but parents remain a unique, powerful influence on a child’s education and maturation. When parents use their stories, they harness a powerful tool used by educators and even ancient parents who often used these stories to communicate important truths.

In chapter 4 the results of the pre-class survey and post-class survey were examined. Champion Forest Baptist Church is very similar to other churches who have participated in the Family Practices Survey. Of special note were the questions for parents indicating the use, or lack of use, of their spiritual stories. All Christians can and should use their testimony to declare the gospel. Therefore, Christian parents can and should use their testimony in their home with their children.

Finally, in chapter 5 the entire project is evaluated and reflected upon. There were some significant discoveries in parents’ practices, and there were some strategies and methods that could be improved on. Overall, the project succeeded in getting the parents to tell their stories and declare God’s glory.