Empowering Families: The Church's Role in Discipleship

In a post-pandemic, socially-saturated world, the church faces the critical task of nurturing the spiritual growth of the next generation. This article explores the distinct yet complementary roles of the home and the church in the discipleship process, emphasizing the importance of equipping and supporting parents as the primary disciple-makers, while the church provides a vital community of support and resources.

Unlocking the Power of Family Discipleship

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Discipleship

In a culture that is increasingly post-Christian, post-pandemic, and heavily influenced by social media, the church finds itself navigating uncharted waters when it comes to discipling the next generation. Terrence Shay, a family ministry pastor, highlights the distinct challenges and opportunities that this landscape presents.Shay identifies two common archetypes within the church: "Program Pete," who relies solely on church programs to handle discipleship, and "Parochial Pat," who prioritizes family over church involvement. Both approaches, while well-intentioned, can lead to concerning outcomes, with children leaving the faith or having little personal need for the local church.To address this, Shay emphasizes the need for the church and the home to work in partnership, each playing a vital role in the discipleship process. He encourages the audience to step back and reflect on their personal and professional practices, with the goal of gaining clarity on the distinct yet complementary roles of the home and the church in nurturing the spiritual growth of young people.

The Foundational Spaces of Discipleship

Shay begins by defining the key terms and concepts related to discipleship. He highlights the Great Commission as the foundation for family ministry, where Jesus calls all of his disciples to make disciples. Discipleship is described as a personal, relational, and intentional process of helping people trust and follow Jesus, leading to spiritual maturity and multiplication.Shay then identifies the two primary spaces where discipleship takes place: the home and the church. The home is the primary place of discipleship, where parents and caregivers are the irreplaceable, God-ordained disciple-makers. The home is likened to a "squad," a tight-knit group working together towards a specific mission – raising children to live and move out of the house.The church, on the other hand, is the body of Christ, the tangible expression of our eternal identity. It is the team, the group of individuals assembled for the common goal of making disciples. The church is essential because it is where Christ is the head, and where disciples of Jesus are called to fulfill the Great Commission.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Home and Church

Shay emphasizes the biblical and practical partnership between the home and the church, highlighting how they are meant to support and complement one another in the discipleship process. The home should be a "little church," a place where Christ is honored, and where the love of God and love of neighbor are cultivated. The church, in turn, provides the resources, community, and intergenerational relationships that empower and equip parents as the primary disciple-makers.For children, the church offers a powerful visual representation of the gospel, as they witness the lives of mature believers who have been following Christ for a lifetime. For parents, the church provides the opportunity to be equipped, encouraged, and empowered in their role as disciple-makers, as well as a community of support and camaraderie.Shay presents a practical example of how his own church is seeking to foster this partnership between the home and the church, highlighting initiatives such as celebrating spiritual milestones, providing next steps for church membership and involvement, and equipping, encouraging, and empowering parents as the primary disciple-makers.

The Church's Role in Empowering Family Discipleship

Shay emphasizes that the church has a vital role to play in supporting and empowering families in the discipleship process. The church can provide children with a tangible expression of the gospel, as they witness the lives of mature believers. For parents, the church can offer training, resources, and a community of support, helping them to fulfill their God-given role as the primary disciple-makers.Furthermore, the church can foster an intergenerational culture, where families are not just a self-contained unit, but part of a larger spiritual family. This community can provide the camaraderie, mentorship, and support that families need to navigate the challenges of discipleship.Shay's practical example highlights how his church is seeking to cultivate this partnership between the home and the church. By celebrating spiritual milestones, providing clear next steps for church involvement, and equipping and empowering parents, the church can play a crucial role in supporting and strengthening family discipleship.