Parenting goes beyond meeting the physical needs of our children—such as feeding, schooling, and clothing them. As Christian parents, we are called to a higher standard: leading our children in the ways of the Lord. This responsibility cannot be delegated to the church, schools, or others. It is our personal calling. Below, I outline key responsibilities of godly parents, backed by my personal experiences and biblical truths.
1. Leading Your Children to the Lord
Your primary responsibility is to ensure your children have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Don’t wait for church altar calls: Introducing your children to Christ should begin at home. Pray for their hearts to be open, discern teachable moments, and lead them to say the salvation prayer when they are ready.
- Use creative tools: For example, I used the Wordless Book with my young children to explain salvation in simple terms.
2. Leading Them to Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit
As parents, it’s also your responsibility to lead your children into the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- Prepare them at home: Teach them who the Holy Spirit is and what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Pray for them and lay hands on them to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Personal experience: We taught our children about the Holy Spirit and prayed for them to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. They received Him, with the evidence of praying in tongues. When they were prayed for again at a children’s programme we attended, they also received boldness to pray out loud. Seeing other children pray in tongues also inspired and encouraged them.
3. Discipling Your Children
Discipleship is a continuous journey of teaching and nurturing your children in the faith.
- Don’t delegate this to the church: While churches provide excellent support, the primary responsibility lies with you. Your children spend more time with you than in church, and you have the greatest influence over their spiritual growth.
- Create a discipleship plan: Just as churches create curriculums for children’s ministries, you need a spiritual growth plan for your family. Ask yourself: What should my child know at age 3, 5, 10, or 15? Plan to teach them doctrinal truths like salvation, the gifts and fruits of the Spirit, prayer, intercession, evangelism, and more.
- Utilize resources: Many resources are available, from books to online curriculums. Start with a plan, and then seek the right tools to achieve your goals.
4. Teaching Your Children to Have a Personal Relationship with God
Faith is best learned through modelling.
- Be intentional: Let your children see you pray, study the Bible, and live out your faith. It’s not enough to tell them; they need to witness it firsthand.
- Create “window moments”: These are intentional times when your children see you engage with God, such as praying during family devotions or sharing how God answered a prayer.
5. Mentoring Your Children
Parents should be their children’s first mentors.
- Be their guide: While other mentors can add value, your guidance should set the foundation. Teach them life skills, faith practices, and decision-making.
- Plan for external mentorship: Part of your role is to identify and pray for godly mentors who can support your children in specific areas.
6. Praying for Your Children
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools in parenting.
- Pray consistently: Cover every area of their lives in prayer, from their spiritual growth to their future marriages, careers, and even grandchildren.
- Pray with Scripture: My book, 365 Days of Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, is a resource to help parents pray strategically for their children’s immediate and future needs.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Parenting is a high calling, but you are not alone. God, who entrusted you with your children, has also equipped you for this journey. Draw strength from Him, and remember that His grace is sufficient.