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Mothers as Everyday Apologists: Discipling the Next Generation in Truth
By Angela Mitchell
Why should mothers take on the role of apologists? Many well meaning individuals teach the misguided notion that mothers should confine themselves to only the cooking and cleaning while neglecting the vital call to study and teach their children theology and engage in apologetics. This perspective falls short of the Titus 2 mandate, which instructs women to “teach what is good” by imparting the Scriptures to their children(and other women). God’s Word is what is good!
If you’re a homeschool mom, you possess a remarkable influence over your children—spending roughly 42 more hours each week with them than most caregivers. This is an invaluable opportunity to initiate meaningful conversations during everyday tasks at home. Forty-two hours is a significant time to discuss essential truths with your children. And even if you’re not a homeschool mom, you still have abundant God-given opportunities to teach your children the Word of God; make every moment count.
If you aren’t engaging your kids in theological conversations, you are neglecting a critical part of your role. Meeting physical needs is important, but that should also involve pointing them to Christ. Your spirit of service at home must be complemented by meaningful dialogue and prayer, as outlined in the Biblical model for parents in Deuteronomy 6. It’s never too late to start reading the Bible with your children, to foster conversations that deepen your family’s understanding of the faith, and to raise bold contenders for the truth. You can do this as you walk the dog, change a diaper, bake some bread, and drive down the road. Pray aloud, read Scripture with joy, and make time for being in the Word, letting your little ones hear what passages you’re meditating on throughout the day. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help as you embrace this journey, and remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect or formal—especially with small children.
This doesn’t have to be complicated. The more familiar your children are with the truth of God’s Word, the better they will understand when they encounter error. We cannot over-familiarize them with the Word.
Mothers should be apologists not because they want to amaze fellow believers with their knowledge, debate with atheists online, or even instruct other adults in the church. Mothers should want to be apologists because little eyes are watching them, little hands wrap their arms around them, little ears are listening to them, little feet are following them, and little hearts are being stewarded by them. Your children are around you the most, and you have the greatest influence in their lives in this season, so you should plan to use the time wisely to saturate them in the Scriptures.
Giving a defense for the faith and understanding what you believe is important. However, your understanding of the Christian faith isn’t just for you, it’s for the precious souls who call you mom, it’s for the generations that come after you. Your home is your mission field.
Raising apologists isn’t about sharpening minds to debate well with others (although this is a byproduct of well-trained kids); it is simply to help them grow in their love for Christ and knowledge of their faith and to be able to stand when confronted with lies from the enemy. It is also not solely about them; it is for their evangelistic efforts with others. Keep in mind that apologetics isn’t evangelism; sharing the gospel is evangelism, but apologetics play an important role. Let’s train our children to love others well by seasoning their speech with salt in the midst of giving a defense for the faith.
Mothers should be apologists, out of love for Christ first, love for our children, and to be able to give a defense in a world that desperately needs the Truth.
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