Disciple Like Jesus

The Difference Between Parenting and Making Disciples

By AlanMelton

The idea of parenting has created a multi-zillion dollar industry. A Google search reveals that the term “parenting” was first used in 1959. Since then scores of books have been written about techniques and approaches to successfully navigate the choppy waters of raising children. From Dr. Spock to Dr. Phil, these “experts” share their personal approaches to parenting.

Book Review: Disciple Like Jesus For Parents

By AlanMelton

The authors use Christ’s model of personal evangelism and discipleship amongst the peoples and His disciples and convey that model to the parent-child discipleship process. What greater teacher can one have in training up their children than Christ Himself?

A Picture of Parents Making Disciples like Jesus Did

By AlanMelton

Discipleship is not something that should wait or is limited to a few hours per week. It’s not something you should leave to others or even the church. It’s a lifestyle as we’ve said. It’s what God has called you to do with your children, from the moment He gives them to you. And, the good news is that if He’s called you to it, He’s equipped your for it.

Ten Ways to Make Disciples of Straying Children and Grandchildren

By AlanMelton

Many parents and grandparents have children who have strayed from following the Lord. There are different reasons why adult children choose to leave the church. One common reason is that no one ever trained the child’s parents to make disciples of their children.

Four Opportunity Phases of Family Discipleship

By AlanMelton

No matter how old your children may be, seize the opportunities that the Lord provides to make disciples of them! The good news is that the command to make disciples is for our entire lives, and Deuteronomy 6 was given to parents and grandparents. Begin now.

Fear of the Lord: The Fundamental for the Family

By AlanMelton

If someone were to ask me: “what do you think is the most important ingredient to a healthy family,” what would I say in response? I would suppose that my response would be for the family, especially the parent(s) to display a reverent and healthy dose of respect and fear of the almighty God. A child or wife may not remember what was preached last week from the local pastor, but if they see and know that you as a father, or you as a mother truly have a reverent fear of the Lord they’ll take that to heart.

Busyness: The Thief of Family Memories

By AlanMelton

“Seventeen summers” said the busy father, wistfully describing the memory of his oldest child growing up. He continued, “We get seventeen summer vacations, and then our children are gone.” His statement stung me as I thought about my own family experience. Is that all there is with parenting; seventeen family vacations? If scripture teaches that children are a blessing, why am I not enjoying that blessing?

Ten Practical Tips for Dads in Discipling Your Children for Christ

By AlanMelton

We who are dads have some unique challenges with making disciples. Moms have a built in “disciple-maker gene” that is given by God, but we dads tend to be more focused on providing income than on nurturing children.

Top Ten List: How to Help Your Child Permanently Leave the Church

By AlanMelton

Between 75% and 94% of children from Christian homes are leaving the church shortly after they graduate from high school. 99.5% of young adults between the age of 18 and 23 do not have a biblical worldview. What are the top ways that parents can keep this trend going?