“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:19–20
When Jesus gave His final instructions to His followers, He didn’t just tell them to believe—He called them to make disciples. While many interpret this as a call to global missions (and rightly so), it begins in the most immediate mission field God has entrusted to us: our homes.
Discipleship is not just a church word or a Christian trend. It is the heartbeat of the Great Commission, and it starts with the people closest to us—our children. As Christian parents, especially those homeschooling or discipling at home, we are invited into one of the most sacred roles on earth: raising disciples of Jesus Christ under our own roof.
Let’s explore what discipleship truly is, why it matters so deeply at home, and how we can walk faithfully in this calling—step by step, with joy and grace.
🏠 Discipleship Begins at Home
Before there were churches, seminaries, or youth groups, there was the family. In God’s original design, the home was always meant to be a discipleship center—a place where children are taught to love, obey, and walk with the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 says:
“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, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Discipleship is not limited to Bible study time. It is a lifestyle. From sunrise to bedtime, in everyday moments, God calls parents to disciple their children by modeling, teaching, correcting, and walking in His truth together.
📖 What Is Discipleship? (Biblically Defined)
To be a disciple is to be a follower of Jesus—one who learns from Him, imitates Him, and grows to become like Him (Luke 6:40). Discipleship, then, is the process of training someone in the way of Christ.
Jesus demonstrated this so clearly. He lived life with His disciples, teaching them through:
- Parables and Scripture
- Personal example
- Loving correction
- Intimate prayer
- Service and sacrifice
He didn’t just inform their minds—He transformed their hearts. Likewise, as parents, we are called not just to pass on Christian facts, but to form Christian lives.
Luke 9:23 says:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Teaching our children to be disciples involves daily surrender, intentional time, and pointing them again and again to the beauty of Christ.
🌱 Why the Home Is the First Mission Field
The local church is vital, but it cannot replace the daily influence of parents in shaping a child’s faith. The home is where our children:
- Learn to pray
- Witness authentic repentance
- Ask tough questions
- See how faith responds to trials
- Discover their purpose in God’s plan
Ephesians 6:4 gives us this charge:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Homeschooling parents especially have a precious opportunity: hours of daily influence to pour truth into their children’s hearts—not only through academics but through biblical worldview, godly character, and real-life application.
🎯 Christian Parenting vs. Discipleship
Many Christian parents aim to raise well-behaved, respectful kids who go to church. That’s a good start—but discipleship goes deeper.
- Christian parenting might focus on morality.
- Discipleship focuses on heart transformation.
- Christian parenting may emphasize rules.
- Discipleship emphasizes relationship with Jesus.
We’re not just raising children to avoid sin—we’re raising them to love righteousness, to seek God’s will, and to live for His glory.
Philippians 2:5 reminds us:
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
That’s the goal of discipleship—Christlikeness.
📅 Everyday Moments Are Discipleship Moments
One of the most beautiful truths is that discipleship doesn’t always happen in “scheduled” times. God uses ordinary moments to shape eternal souls.
Try these simple daily discipleship practices:
- Pray together before meals and before bed
- Listen to worship music while driving
- Use conflicts as a springboard for gospel truths
- Discuss how God is working in the day’s events
- Share your personal faith journey honestly
Discipleship is about being present and intentional—living your faith with your child, not just preaching at them.
✝️ Jesus: The Ultimate Discipler
Let us never forget—Jesus is our model. As He walked with His disciples, He showed patience when they were slow to learn, compassion when they failed, and unwavering commitment to their growth.
John 1:14 says:
“The Word became flesh… full of grace and truth.”
That’s how we disciple our children: with grace and truth. Not harshly, not permissively—but faithfully, as Christ has done for us.
When we mess up (and we will), let our children see us repent. When we succeed, let us give God the glory.
🌍 Disciples Who Make Disciples
Discipleship is not just about this generation—it’s about the next.
Paul told Timothy:
“What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)
When we disciple our children, we are raising disciple-makers—future parents, pastors, missionaries, workers, and friends who will carry the gospel forward. It begins with faithfulness today.
Timothy’s faith came from his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). That legacy began at home.
🏡 Final Encouragement: You Are Already Called
Discipleship can feel daunting—but you are not alone. God equips whom He calls. His Spirit will guide you, strengthen you, and fill in the gaps where you feel weak.
Psalm 127:1 declares:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
You are not the builder—God is. Your role is to be a faithful servant in the work He is doing in your child’s heart.
Take heart. Start small. Be consistent. Trust God with the results. You are sowing seeds that will one day bear fruit for eternity.
🙏 Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for entrusting us with these little disciples. Help us to walk in wisdom, grace, and truth as we raise them in Your ways. May our homes be places where Jesus is known, loved, and followed. Give us strength and joy in this high calling, and may our children grow to love and serve You all their days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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