Note: These pages are a list of topics that parents have asked for help navigating. These are not necessarily meant to be conversations that you should have with your kid/teen, but more helpful as you navigate parenting in general. These are designed to start the conversation, not answer ever issue that might surround it. Do more research! Follow up these ideas with a conversation with another trusted parent. Our goal is to start the conversation and help point you in the right direction. The goal is not to give you all the answer!

In Deuteronomy 6, God provides us with a blueprint of what discipleship should entail, and there is no mention of a children’s or youth pastor. God designates parents as the primary disciple-makers of their children. This might seem daunting as most parents haven’t gone to Bible college, or don’t work in ministry. However, the model presented in Deuteronomy 6 is refreshingly straightforward. God instructs parents to love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength and to impress, or convey, His love and His commandments on their children. God advises the people to discuss these matters while sitting at home, walking along the road, and contemplate them when waking up in the morning and going to bed at night. This might be easier said than done given the myriad of distractions such as school, sports, work, phones, and more. There may be some days where you simply don’t have much family time. However, that doesn’t mean discipleship stops, it just means we must be intentional with the time that we do have. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to discipleship, we encourage you to think of three key elements when it comes to Jesus conversations with your child: consistency, authenticity, and a focus on relational growth rather than mere head knowledge.

Jesus conversations with your kids

When it comes to younger children, consistency is perhaps the most critical factor in Jesus conversations. The University of Georgia highlights the role of consistency in aiding brain development, indicating that children develop emotional security when their life is consistent and predictable. Establishing routines from an early age also led to more trusted and secure attachments. Your elementary school kid may not require an in-depth exploration in biblical hermeneutics, but they do benefit from a consistent presence in their life affirming how Jesus loves them! It’s essential to note that consistency does not equate to lengthy discussions. Children don’t need hours a day of Jesus conversations every day, but consistent and gentle reminders of Jesus’ goodness throughout their day.

Jesus conversations with your teenager

As for teenagers, Jesus conversations become a bit more profound. While consistency remains essential, it’s also crucial to keep these conversations genuine and focused on relationship with Jesus rather than mere knowledge. As parents we shouldn’t promote a sinful lifestyle, but we should authentically demonstrate our love for Jesus and His love for us, despite our failures and mistakes. How can you use your own story and relationship with Jesus to nurture your student’s spiritual health? Furthermore, it’s important in our Jesus conversations to steer them to relationship with Jesus rather than head knowledge. When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, Satan tried to test Him and used the Word of God to do so. Satan had knowledge of what the Word said, but not a love for Jesus. Our goal should not be to make intelligent and scholarly disciples out of our kid’s, but to foster genuine individuals who love Jesus. If we can have consistent and authentic talks that bring us back to relationship, then discipleship becomes less confusing and intimidating and more fulfilling and straightforward, and organic.

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