Discipleship Fail

Discipleship... has anyone else noticed that this is a big buzz word around churches lately.  There appears to be a renewed effort to return to biblical discipleship in the local church, and for that I say BRAVO!  For too long churches have been satisfied with seeing someone get saved and baptized while hoping that they will get plugged into the church in some way or another.  Not surprisingly, the local church is now reaping what it has sown.  Shallow believers, with spotty attendance, and a low commitment level. The answer... Discipleship.  How can we expect anything else out of a new believer if no one ever comes beside them and helps them grow in their new found faith?  However, with all that being said, is it possible that "we," meaning the local church are caught in the middle of a discipleship fail?  Let me explain.

Lets say that you are a committed church member, in your mid-30's, married, with 2 elementary age children.  You are currently meeting with 2 adults who are younger and new in the faith.  You consistently text them, meet with them on a weekly basis, and devote a good amount of time pouring into their lives.  Now, let me ask you this question... "Who's discipling your kids?"  Please hear what I'm not asking.  I'm not asking: who feeds them; who bathes them and tucks them into bed at night; or who tells them they are loved dearly.  I'm not even asking if you're a good parent or not.  The question is: "Who is discipling your kids?"  You see, my fear is that while we are busy discipling others, we are forgetting to disciple the one's whom God gave us to disciple in the first place... our children.  Because of this, many adults are caught in the middle of a discipleship fail. 

I'm not suggesting that you stop discipling people outside the walls of your home.  In fact, I strongly encourage you to actively be pouring into other's lives.  I am suggesting that if you are currently discipling someone while neglecting doing the same thing for your children, you are in the wrong and you need a course adjustment pronto.  I know that discipling your children is harder, and can be more frustrating.  However, God has placed them under your care so that you can do just that.  

For many of you parents, the problem is that you were never discipled by your parents and you have no clue where to start.  Allow me to offer a couple of quick suggestions:

1. PRAY TOGETHER AS A FAMILY.  This means more than just before meals.  Show your kids that praying is a very important aspect of a believer's life.  Pray for their future spouse, protection, and most importantly, their salvation.
2. READ GOD'S WORD TOGETHER.  Every night before laying down your kids to bed, take a few moments and read through God's word.  I might suggest purchasing the "Jesus Storybook Bible."  It is a great resource that every parent should have.
3. POINT YOUR KIDS TOWARDS JESUS DURING TIMES OF DISCIPLINE.  I'm not saying that you should Jesus Juke your kids, but it's important for them to know that we should be obedient to Jesus in everything, including obeying mom and dad.  They also need to know that mom and dad are being obedient to Jesus in disciplining them.
4. TALK ABOUT WHAT EVERYONE LEARNED DURING LUNCH ON SUNDAY'S.  Be intentional with your lunch time after church on Sunday.  Talk to your kids about what they learned and MORE IMPORTANTLY, how it applies to their life.
5. Lastly, MAKE JESUS AS COMMON OF TOPIC AROUND THE HOUSE AS ANYTHING ELSE.  Most people feel super awkward when talking about Jesus in public.  The reason is that they are not use to Jesus being apart of our every day vernacular.  Change this mind-set by making Jesus an important component of everyday conversation at home.

Discipleship is too important not to do.  Find someone to disciple and pour into their life.  Just don't neglect doing the same thing at home, otherwise you too will be caught in the middle of a discipleship fail.  Hope this helps!