Our Evangelism and discipleship of children Lacks follow-up
Your Question:
“How can we create a follow-up process for both the children, and their parents?”
The Issues:
Parents need more help in spiritually leading their children today than ever before. The more we offer, the more they will use it!
Scripture Foundation:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6: 4-9
Short Answer:
Your perspective regarding evangelizing and discipling children should match the “Great Commission” of Jesus in Matthew 28: 19, 20; “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
There are three options for a follow-up process: 1) Printed handout at the time of accepting Jesus. 2) A parent-based program operated by the parent at home. 3) An online child-focused process supervised by the parents. All three of these options are good. Your choice will depend on your church or CM vision.
No matter the age, every person who accepts Jesus needs help growing as a new Christian. The follow-up process is definitely benefitted by a close relationship with a mentor who assists the child in making wise choices, ending bad habits, choosing the right friends, understanding the Bible, and developing a strong relationship with God through prayer. The process itself could extend over several weeks, or be summarized in a simple, printed document that gives an overview of the steps in spiritual growth along with the contact information for a CM team member.
If your choice is to create a parent-based follow-up program, you need to create some parent support training or steps to give the parents confidence. A good resource is available in the APPENDIX. It is entitled “Sun Up To Sun Down Family Devotions.” Here are some topics that should be included in a follow-up program: 1) What a Christian is and isn’t. 2) How to grow as a Christian 3) Making wise choices 4) What to do if you make the wrong choice 5) Telling others about Jesus. For more information, click on the APPENDIX link below.
View other articles in the “Evangelizing And Discipling Children APPENDIX“
