⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 4 min read
Discipling Children Biblically: Five Gospel-Centered Commitments for Parents
Author: Dave JenkinsShow Summary: Raising children is one of the greatest responsibilities—and one of the greatest joys—God entrusts to parents. In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins answers a vital question for every Christian home: how parents can disciple their children biblically. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:6–7, this episode explains why discipleship is not accidental or outsourced, but intentional, joyful, and grounded in the Word of God. You’ll learn five gospel-centered commitments that help parents lead with love and truth—not fear or legalism—as they point their children to Christ day by day.Audio Player
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Key Scripture
- Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
Episode Highlights
- Why parents are God’s primary disciples of their children.
- How biblical discipleship is woven into everyday life, not only “structured moments.”
- The difference between gospel-centered parenting and fear-driven or legalistic parenting.
- Five practical commitments that shape a Christ-centered home.
- Encouragement for parents who feel discouraged or don’t see immediate fruit.
Five Gospel-Centered Commitments for Discipling Children
1) Teach God’s Word Consistently
Discipling children begins with teaching them Scripture in the rhythm of everyday life. The goal is not long lessons, but consistent exposure to God’s truth.- Read a passage at breakfast or bedtime.
- Discuss a verse during car rides.
- Ask what they learned at church and connect it to Scripture.
- Memorize simple verses together.
- Explain biblical truth naturally as situations arise.
2) Model Christlike Character
Children learn far more from what they see than from what they hear. Biblical discipleship means modeling repentance, humility, integrity, kindness, and trust in Christ—especially in trials.- Practice repentance and ask forgiveness when you sin.
- Demonstrate humility and teachability.
- Show integrity and consistency between your words and life.
- Model gratitude, kindness, and obedience to Christ.
3) Pray Faithfully With and For Your Children
Prayer teaches dependence on God and anchors the family in His presence. Parents disciple by praying with their children, for their children, and over their struggles.- Pray daily in simple, sincere ways.
- Invite your children to pray in their own words.
- Pray over fears, temptations, conflicts, and needs.
- Thank God together and ask Him for help in everyday situations.
4) Worship Together
Worshiping together includes faithful church attendance and cultivating a home that rejoices in God. Families who worship together lay a foundation that strengthens children for life.- Prioritize gathering with the local church.
- Sing together in the home (even if it’s simple).
- Serve together as a family.
- Encourage note-taking and discuss the sermon afterward.
5) Shape the Home Around the Gospel
The gospel is not only a message—it creates a culture. A gospel-shaped home is marked by grace, loving correction, forgiveness, and hope grounded in Scripture.- Offer grace when children fail.
- Correct firmly and lovingly, not harshly.
- Practice forgiveness quickly and consistently.
- Talk often about Christ’s love and the hope of the gospel.
- Set a tone of peace rather than pressure.
Takeaways for Parents
- You are not discipling your children alone—Christ is with you.
- The Spirit empowers you, and God’s Word guides you.
- You may not see immediate results, but God is always at work.
- Ordinary faithfulness is one of God’s primary means of producing lasting fruit.
Call to Action
If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing to Contending for the Word Q&A and sharing it with another parent who needs biblical clarity and hope.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
