The Bible only gives two mandates for discipling the emerging generation:
1. One Generation is responsible for the next (e.g. Psalm 145:4).
We are all responsible for the emerging generation, for discipling and passing on all that God has given to us. Discipleship is a close relational experience with someone who knows them well, who models Godly principles and can lead them to encounter the living God on a day to day, moment by moment basis. There are too many children and young people without Godly role models and disciplers. This tremendous privilege and responsibility cannot be left to a few. To take a nation we must take the next generation and discipleship is the way Jesus told all of us to do it.
2. Parents are responsible for their children (e.g. Deuteronomy 29:29).
We are commanded to pass on a passionate love for God to our own children in the manner of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and out of the abundance of our own love for Him to spill that passion all over our children. It is not the task of the small group or the church to disciple children from Christian families. The vision of God is that every home is intentional in discipling their children in an environment of a passionate and obedient love for God (Malachi 2:15).
I have a dream: that parents raise soldiers and bring them to the body of Christ which forms them into an army to win the lost.
Translated -
I have a dream: that parents make disciples and bring these discipled children to the body of Christ which forms them into a small group to win the lost.
Challenge: Changing the culture of the church to disciple the emerging generation according to the Word of God must start with small group leaders, coaches, Pastors, etc., living this with their families. Children and young people whose parents are in leadership were intended by God to be blessed and privileged by their parents’ role. Discipling them is a priority over the discipleships of others, training them over the training of others. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 needs to be a lifestyle for leaders, too. Ministry was not intended to harm our children, but to be a tremendous opportunity.
Discipling the emerging generation is a Biblical doctrine, its message must be returned to the pulpit, its culture to the church.
Key Thought: Why do we focus on adults discipling each other without being sure they are discipling their own children first? If they are discipling their children, they will multiply obedience to that command, if they are not they will model disobedience.
Key Strategy: Build into the equipping track for all adults the two Biblical principles for discipling the emerging generation and then inspire, release, and equip them to go and make disciples of their peers.
Clearly define the roll of the church/small group and the role of parents. Let this be known and resourced.
Result of obedience to these two commands: The nations will praise Him (Psalm 45:17)