"Family Discipleship" is a book by Matt Chandler that aims to help parents raise their children to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Chandler is the lead pastor of The Village Church in Texas and a noted speaker and author.
The book is organized into three sections. The first section, "Why Family Discipleship Matters," lays out the biblical basis for family discipleship and emphasizes the importance of parents taking an active role in their children's spiritual formation. Chandler argues that parents are the primary spiritual leaders in their children's lives and that they have a God-given responsibility to train their children in the ways of the Lord.
The second section, "What Family Discipleship Looks Like," offers practical guidance on how to implement family discipleship in daily life. Chandler suggests that family discipleship should involve three key elements: intentional time, intentional conversations, and intentional experiences. He offers suggestions for how parents can incorporate these elements into their family life, such as setting aside regular family devotions, engaging in conversations about faith and life, and creating meaningful experiences that reinforce biblical values.
The third section, "How to Make Family Discipleship a Reality," provides tips and resources for overcoming common obstacles to family discipleship, such as busyness, lack of knowledge or confidence, and resistance from children or spouses. Chandler emphasizes the importance of persistence and grace in the process of family discipleship, and encourages parents to seek out support and accountability from other Christian families.
Throughout the book, Chandler stresses the importance of a gospel-centered approach to family discipleship. He emphasizes that the goal of family discipleship is not simply to teach children to behave morally, but to help them understand and embrace the gospel message. He also acknowledges that family discipleship is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and encourages parents to adapt their methods to fit their own family dynamics and needs.
Overall, "Family Discipleship" is a comprehensive and practical guide to raising children in the Christian faith. Chandler's emphasis on the importance of parents as spiritual leaders and his practical suggestions for incorporating family discipleship into daily life make this book a valuable resource for Christian families.
