Thanks for visiting this page. Below are testimonials of parents who are striving to disciple like Jesus. We are looking for more Testimonials of how discipling like Jesus is making an impact on family life! If you have a testimonial you would like to submit, go to the Contact Us page. Also, check out the Self Assessment page to generate some more ideas.

"We would be happy to pray for you as you contemplate your decision to disciple like Jesus. Let us know;  click here.

"Just finished reading Disciple Like Jesus For Parents, highly recommend it." Stanley

"Disciple Like Jesus For Parents opened my eyes to the real meaning behind "discipling". The book showed how Jesus discipled by leading, showing, and explaining. 80% of our children leave the church after they graduate. We send our kids out to be taught and forget that the real teaching and guiding should be done by us, the parents. We should disciple them exactly the way Jesus did. We have to open our eyes to our children and see what they are being taught and who is coming in contact with them. We shouldn't allow anything against our beliefs to influence them. They shouldn't go find their beliefs on their own. They should be taught the true Word of God and that is our responsibility." Jill

"Just want to share something with you.... thank Father and you for your's praying and help, because when i see my 9 years old son how cry for our's neigbhour's unsaved souls, i know i'm really bless...how you write once - when we teach them like Jesus, they can turn world allround. I add - first must their hearts been turn allround in Jesus...so thank you, love you and Father bless you a lot!!!" Durda

"LOVE the blog, finally ordered the book.... wish all my friends would,too. Thanks for a great resource for parents and grandparents!" Sheila

"Disciple Like Jesus is such a blessing to me and my family! May the Lord continue to richly bless you and your ministry!" Kim

"I am a widow of a 17 year old daughter and 15 year old son. I admit that I did not raise my chldren in Christ and I am paying for it now. I took a Christian Parenting course last year but, I found that I still needed support pass what I learned. Disciple Like Jesus is a God send! I found your page on facebook and became a fan. I read your articles and share them with others. By sharing them, my friends comment and I don't feel like I am alone with challenging moments in parenting. We encourage one another and sometimes we post additional scriptures to support the topic of your article. I appreciate and love that your work is about the parent's responsibility to disciple to their children. It's hard work, but the advice you give is grounded in the word and it works! I find that I am a stronger Christian mother even when I say, "No" or have to be firm. My 17 year old daughter gave her life to Christ and now I am guiding my son." Tonya

"Alan Melton and Paul Dean hit a homerun with their book and supporting materials under the title Disciple Like Jesus. Parents will find many ideas for spiritual formation in the home in this book and I highly recommend Disciple Like Jesus." Tom

"Just like feeding your child a meal once a week is far from enough for even basic survival, going to church or Sunday school once a week is not nearly enough spiritual food to grow a healthy faith. Instead, parents/grandparents must surround their kids with opportunities to grow and mature spiritually. Though this may sound like a daunting task, the Disciple Like Jesus books provide several ways to learn how to do this. While not every idea provided will work for every household, if you want to take your family new levels of faith you will definitely find both help and inspiration through the DLJ ministry and its resources." Cheryl

"I am a serious Christian who longed for disciple my children like Jesus. I read your book and was so encouraged and strengthened. This is the best book I have read these years.I am a Chinese who moved to Oregon for 12 years, I am currently a homeschooling mom of 2 children. I am so hoping more non-English speaking people can read this book to spend more time to disciple their kids. I am interested in helping you translate this book into Chinese. Chinese is my native language." Tina

"When we found Disciple Like Jesus and began prayer our family was to say the least, a train wreck. We are a Christian family who is teaching our children the values of living a Godly life, but we were still in major crisis. This is where the book Disciple Like Jesus For Parents came in. Although we were doing the best we could, this book gave clear, concise ways that when incorporated into daily life, made a huge difference. Thank you!!" Jim & Anna

"Get your highlighter ready. Disciple Like Jesus For Parents is an easy-to-read, enjoyable, truth-filled book. I hope to pass this book on to many parents, whether they homeschool or not, because this book urges us on in discipling our children right where we are at. Then God will progress us as we grasp the vision for our family and children. I love this book!" April

"I have been following your post for quite a while and I am looking forward to getting this out to my church. Alan, as a pastor I feel like you have the proper approach...follow the Jesus method. Send a copy...I will be happy to encourage the church to get one as well." Phil

Your ministry indeed is a very great help in the Family, particularly parenting roles! The book I have received from you is exactly what I was looking for, especially now that I am trying to raise up an 8yo grandson, whose parents have been separated, & whose custody I & my husband are in charge of. May your Ministry be forever blessed as it has been serving a lot of families, parents in particular, & may you continue to let our Lord Jesus' shine upon you, your lives, your family & your wonderful Ministry, as well! I am Forever grateful for all your spiritual help & guide! Much Thanks!!! Alice

"This is a great book! Your blog inspires me. Thank you!" Shelley

"I just found your great web site today, it's just what I was looking for. I'm married, have two daughters age 12 and 7. After serving in youth ministry for over five years here in Argentina, I'm convinced that more than "fancy and entertaining" programs, what we really need is strong lifestyle discipleship starting at home. I'm worried we're losing kids (leaving church) and expect youth leaders and pastors to do what we as parents have been called to do." God bless, Jon

"I am a stay at home mom and homeschooler. We love reading your facebook ideas on how to make disciples out of our children." Laura

"Our kids are the future!!!!!!!" Joe

"I have read and written a review of Disciple Like Jesus For Parents. The book touched me and made me think again how I can really disciple my children." Michelle

"We need to teach our children to build their lives on the only solid foundation, Jesus Christ." Becky

"I'm passionate about giving our kids the best foundations for life and I think this book will help me." Dave

"I just want to let you know that Disciple Like Jesus has been a blessing in my life. In looking for more information to help bring my family closer to God through discipleship I discovered your blog. One of the first articles I read was "What DID Jesus Do?" The information on Jesus' Training Approach and the World's Training Approach put my parenting in perspective. I thought... this is it, this is what I want for my family... not the ways of the world but the ways of Jesus. I copied the article and placed it in my bible to reference frequently. Just last week I got my first copy of your book and poured through it. My husband and I are now going to read it together. My children (girls 11 & 13) are benefiting from the New Year's resolution I took on... living with all my might (for Jesus). Your blog/book is wonderful encouragement!" Tiffany

"As a mother of grown children and a grandmother of three grandchildren, I think that Disciple Like Jesus For Parents belongs in the hands of every parent, grandparent and everyone who deals with children on a daily basis. It covers everything you need to teach them about Jesus and yourself as well. This book actually should have been written ages ago, because too many generations have been lost because of the lack of discipleship. What interested me the most is; "Not what would Jesus do, but what DID Jesus do?" Very easy reading and understandable book. Congratulations to the writers for following God's directions for a very good handbook, if I can call it so, for every parent and everyone who deals with children or are in a counselling ministry like myself. Reach them today and they won't be astray tomorrow!" Analize

"The book Disciple Like Jesus For Parents really has simple steps to offer, but let me just say, the steps are simple, it's up to us as parents to stay disciplined. This has been a very encouraging book." Karen

"I would absolutely love an autographed copy of the book. It's an awesome book! I have a 4 yr. old and a 5 month old. The book is a real blessing!" Shawn

"I really love the book. I'm hoping to get word of the Study Guide being released. I am the principal of a Christian school and would like to use it in our parent's group." Jacquie

"Thank you a lot. As we all do I need help from my Father but I need prayers and from my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. At my home me and my husband have a little home church, group. We meet together and learn to disciple exactly like Jesus. As I read from your page, I see that Holy Spirit is leading you strong, and I see that this is from Him, from His heart. We have 4 boys- Petar- 12, Emanuel-9, David- 4, and Jakov- 3. And I see this need, that they first must be taught from us, and then our neighbour and then next. I see that they receive God's Word and want to go ahead, and want that they are strong Jesus disciples. I made decisions(on your website). So, please pray for us...thank you. God bless you in Jesus name!" Durda

"I have bought the book Disciple Like Jesus For Parents and it has encouraged me a lot. Thank you for sharing this precious word with parents. I wish all kinds of blessing from God to your life and family. Thank you so much indeed." Ramon

"Your Self-Assessment for parents is a very useful tool. My husband and I can see where we are heading in the right direction and where we need to make some changes; thanks." Christin

"What a valuable work you are doing! Thank you for your offering." Vicki

"I am a pastor who is beginning to turn my church this direction. I read your ebook and thought it was masterful." Chris

"I almost lost my son to a kidnapper when he was 1 and he was right beside me. The kidnapper crept up, took him quietly, put him in her buggy and began walking away when I heard, " That's my mom". I turned in time to see her and she ran, leaving my son, the jewel of my heart, in the buggy. I was stunned. That was 29 years ago when you didn't even hear of such things. I never let my son spend the night with anyone! His whole childhood, I was super overprotective. He even tells me he appreciated that. He is now a happily married man of God. I pray that all the parents out there really, really appreciate their children and keep a watchful eye out. I"m so grateful to have my only son still in my life. Thank you Lord God for Your faithfulness!" Jo

"Thanks Alan, This is great. I am going to use it with the men coming to my clinics." Michael

"I like your website Disciple Like Jesus...its been helpful for me with my children. I'll tell others about your ministry...thank you for having the ministry and for the friend accept. Though I'm on the left end of the spectrum for many things, I get that Jesus is the only way. My children have both accepted Christ already but I know it doesn't end there... there's so much more to ensuring that they grow up to be daily Christ followers and I like tools such as the self assessment and Jesus training approach to keep me on track.  Blessings, " Susan

"Thank you for the support that comes with the book. It's quite inspiring." Mark

"I think the problem is that we don't teach them much about God at an early age and they end up falling into traps or bondage of sin." Beryl

"This past week, I had been praying that God would reward my belief in Him that he can help me parent my children in a way that was pleasing to him. Imagine my surprise when I looked at TCT late last night and decided (or was it gently urged?) to watch this show, even though I had no idea what the episode was about. It wasn't until about 3/4 of the way into the show that I realized it was no accident that I was watching this show.

In recent weeks at bible study we've been studying about believing God....not believing IN God, but rather believing He can do the things He says He can do. He can help me with parenting my children. You both are the vessel to help me with this. I'm excited about parenting and discipling my children in a way that is biblical and will be pleasing to God and will bring God glory.

In doing this, not only will my children benefit, but the children I teach in Sunday School and even the children I teach while subbing at school will benefit.  Thanks again!"  Kristin

"I just finished your book Disciple Like Jesus For Parents and wanted to say what an incredible job you and Paul did. This book is a must for all families, especially those just thinking about or just starting a new family. I put this into the category of a book that is to be studied...not just read!" Ed

"I have a couple more chapters to go in Disciple Like Jesus For Parents. Wow! Here are things happening since starting the book:

1. My son and I are doing bible study several times a week. We are battling paradigm shifts with our time, however we have started. The goal is several times a day, throughout the day.

2.We've enrolled him in a co-op christian based home school. He seems less distracted and anxious than last year. His confidence has skyrocketed.

3. I have been placed as Interim Youth Administrator for about 150 youth. Discipleship opportunities are popping up everywhere. We have started the first Youth Community Group in our back yard shed. Right now, we have about 8-10 every week- they are kind of the core of the youth group.

I thank the Lord for you and your willingness to share the message the Lord has given you. I also thank the Lord for your encouragement over the past several months."  In Christ's name, Nelson

"Great article...Having very young kids, I was always hung up on them doing well in school and getting a good education, but I realize that developing their faith and relationship with God is the most important thing we can do for them." Mike

"As parents we should set the example for our children to finish the race. God gave them to us to look after and to teach them His way. Once the foundation is set in their hearts they will learn to run the race. Sadly though many parents do not find this important in a childs life." Sandra

Thanks for a TOTALLY wonderful seminar! We must work together again! Cindy

"This is awesome! I'm not a parent (yet, Lord willing) but it's encouraging to see this list and think of how many of these were done by my parents in my life!!! Praise God for disciple-making parents!" Cameron

"As a parent, doing all those things listed above is paramount! Kids will reflect all your own sins back at you and the typical response is to hate them for it. Oh how sad it is that there are so many dysfunctional families in the world today. Follow Jesus Christ and He will guide you to being a better parent.

"I had a horrible upbringing and hated my father for it. I blamed him for programming me to yell and discipline my own kids with scare tactics. My Wife was ready to leave me for the hostility I brought into our house. Therapists did not help me nor medication. I could not change to save my life... until I started reading what Jesus has said and how He led his Disciples. Now I have been armed with a program that works! I try to respond to my children in a manor that is pleasing to all. Reading Matthew 26 verse 14 was the key to change my heart and mind. I believe that in order to multiply the gifts given to you, that work and His Word are the way. I'm no lazy slave. Seeing your own fruit flourish and grow is so rewarding. I now feel that anything is possible with God and I do not fear possible outcomes. My trust is with Him. (The love and respect for my own parents has also returned)."  Billy

"This is good stuff, I can't wait to disciple my children." Esosa

"Because of parents quest for material [wealth] acquisition , many parents do not have time again for their children." Lawrence

"Thanks for seeking me out through Twitter. I'm enjoying reading through the website and blog and really looking forward to the book! I have two baby boys and want to do all I can to raise them to love the Lord as my husband and I do!" Melissa

"Wow, wow, wow. I thank you for sharing this article. It is so so true. I know that God will always be God and what He has planned will eventually come to pass. We are witnessing are part of the end times. I am so glad to see your article and hope that many will allow God to process this message in their hearts and allow it to speak and cause change in each of our lives and how we define our relationship with God. Thanks." Joe

I've just read the ENTIRE article. Your ministry is such a challenge to me, Alan. My husband and I have a 2 year old and an 8 month old. And now is the time that we must prayerfully decide what type of parents to be. I'm grateful for the work God has given you to do. It is truly a blessing. I pray that your ministry really "corners the market" in this area because I believe it is revolutionary and no one talks about this. Even home school parents may find themselves unintentional in this effort. Please keep up the great work. Thanks again." Meeke

"I love what you are doing with Disciple Like Jesus. This has been a hot topic with us for some time, as we feel that the responsibility of discipling children should be in the hands of parents and grandparents, not left to the Christian schools and church. We also believe that the church as a whole is lacking in true discipleship." Rod

"This is a great ministry tool to reach our children. I have four children and I am constantly trying to teach them what true Christianity is. I have been in leadership all of their lives and they have, unfortunately, seen much of the "bad" side of Christianity. I am constantly trying to focus their attention on the way that is right for them to follow. Blessings on you and your ministry." Denae

"My pre-teen son and I have already discussed many topics about biblical manhood. As my son has taken on more responsibility in the house, including his first job (selling newspaper subscriptions door-to-door), we have had many opportunities to explore the impact of living a Godly, manly life pursuing personal holiness. These times have blessed me as much, if not more, as they have him." M Chapman

"Hi Isaac, I just wanted to thank you for referring me to Disciple like Jesus. My husband just got back home and I have made suggestions on some things that we should do as a family, but I have to be careful about my role because I always tend to lead. I am really praying for the Lord to help me submit to my husband, no matter whether I feel he is a "good" leader or not. I am really dealing with my heart issues regarding him. So, to have something like the resources on this website help me to share with him and then let him make the decisions he needs to for our family. It's not just my ideas or suggestions and that helps. So, just wanted to say thanks! Plus, we all need to be challenged to rise to the next level, sometimes it is easier to stay to ourselves and not reach out. I know that the Lord has called me (us) to disciple others. I pray that the Lord will continually increase my wisdom and understanding in my role and duties as a mom and wife and leader among women in my community. My daughter has turned out to be an amazing young lady and prayerfully she will continue in the fear of the Lord. Now my role has changed with her and I am so thankful that our relationship has been such, that she still turns to me for guidance and I in turn point her to Christ. I am humbled by his never ending love for me and that he chose me, amazing, isn't it?" Anonymous Mother

"As a father of four, I strive to have my children follow after my example, leading them to follow Jesus. One of the ways we do this in our family is by practicing family worship. During our times of evening family worship, we read and examine scripture together, pray together and sing hymns and songs together. This is also the time that we discuss why we believe what we believe and why it is so important. Our children have come to really enjoy this time together, from the youngest to the oldest." Matt

"I know that you are on to something and I have seen this in my own family and in so many Christians at church and other places. It breaks my heart to see so many fathers leave the spiritual life up to the church and their wives. It's no wonder their sons are so disinterested in the church and their faith - it's what they've seen modeled. We have to turn this around. I may not be able to do it at large - but I can disciple like Jesus did in my own home. Thanks for the opportunity to think about this." Chris

"I support this ministry! Families need to prioritize and get back to the family basics. It is our role as parents to disciple our children and help disciple new converts. Yet we must not place our families on the back burner in order to do so." Sister Lisa

"Hey thanks for the article, I am preaching tomorrow on making disciples, it is very helpful! Blessings" Pastor Ron

"Awesome! Luke 6.40 in action! I'm excited to be a part of people wanting to be and minister like the Master, Jesus the Christ. Blessing on you all as you Make Disciples." Chuck

"Thank you so much for the update and the link to the site! I will share with our church!" God Bless, Pastor Daniel

"Because I am with my children all day, everyday, I have the opportunity to remind them of things we are learning in church and during our family worship time throughout each day. I can show them how these teachings are practical in our everyday lives and not just a separate piece of life. That the Bible and our relationship with Christ is a part of every minute of every day. These things have been valuable when it comes to problem solving in our relationships as well as simply observing God's goodness." Sherri

"Thank you for starting this ministry. I pray that God uses it and multiplies it as he did the loaves and fish!! I am a bi-vocational pastor and am looking for new ways to combat the falling away of church membership!! Pray with me brother!! God bless you!" Pastor Mark

"Great article Was Jesus Wrong About Making Disciples? Tremendous perspective that us parents need to remember. We have to stop delegating our children to the world, thinking that we're being good parents by putting them in the hands of the 'experts'. God gives us parents the tools and will give us the spiritual guidance to train our children in the way they should go. We just need to be willing to invest the time and effort needed to make God a big deal in our homes." Deb

"Discipleship is so extremely important. Thank you for the article about children. I printed it and made copies to put in our bulletins this Sunday. Your brother in Christ!" Pastor Steve

"To duplicate ourselves most effectively, we build deep relationships on a very real and genuine level. Evangelism is great, but many churches have turned it into a quest that often leaves the non-believer feeling like we are vampires out for blood: to "save their souls.." No! We care about *people;* not just their eternal well being.. We care about their every day lives in addition to their spiritual walk. How ironic that in learning ministry some lose the ability to be true friends.. and some move beyond this handicap to regain that God-sanctioned ability. May your work in His strength be blessed." Matthew

"Thanks for the encouragement, brother It is hard work and we want it no other way!! Makes it a joy and worthwhile. Prayers and blessings to thee and thine, sir!! Have an anointed week as He illumines thy path." Bernard

"I agree with your article. I am saddened to look at the group that I grew up with in the church and so few of them have made the choice to follow God. We have lost that shekinah glory that brings conviction and makes a life of holiness beautiful. My prayer is that God will help me to not only be faithful to my children and wife but help me that like Paul "lest that by any means, when I have preached to others I myself should be a castaway." Nathan

"Amen! Thank you for this message brother. I'm looking forward to the new thing or things that God has for me. I gave up everything I have to Him including myself. I know He is working within me and preparing the way for me. Blessings, Bay

"Thank you for posting this. It is an incredible testimony to how we should serve to be like Christ- whether it is to our child, our parents, or just to others in our community (Jeruselem, Judea, and to the ends of the earth) God bless you for creating this site." Jan

"All of those questions in the self assessment are straight to the heart of the matter. Of the 16 questions there, we are involved in all of them to our kids benefit, in one form or another....to wit - they have Bible study each day. Then we go to a Bible church and only miss if we are out of town or one is sick...AND they are taught about different religions and why Christ is the REAL Savior of the world. They have grown up in Apologetics. etc etc...However, I am not satisfied there...I started my own "youth group" with our three kids and my wife and I....we talk issues, watch teaching dvds etc...I want to make disciples of them before I die....to carry it on INTO their coming generations." Bernard

"Just took a moment to look at the site...must say, the video is POWERFUL and definitely challenges me as a father of four sons." Rick

"Good article. What has been missing in my opinion is that we are not living the life that Jesus lead. We must do this first and then do what he did. Christianity with Christ is discipleship." Ron

"Just yesterday, I listened to this beautiful young lady, which was once a little girl, laugh. And, I watched her smile as we talked. From across a table spread with our favorite food, we giggled back and forth loudly. She said something so hilarious to me. But, then the conversation got serious. My daughter asked me an important question; I responded with careful words. I didn't want to mess this chance up. Time is like the most valuable thing in the world we all have. We could choose to spend it wisely or waste it. I think that's why the Bible tells us to redeem the time. Because, surely, there will come a time when we're out of time. All chances will be gone. So, join me in spending time on the most important people, things, projects, and activities. It's O.K. to spend time just don't waste it." Arron

"While schooling at home I have had various opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with each of our children. Being available to them throughout the day has allowed me the privilege of pointing them in the direction of walking "in His steps" through the struggles or just mere curiosities they have in their walk of life. It is so exciting to see God's handiwork as they take those times to instill God's Word more deeply into their hearts and focus on ministering together to the world around them carrying on the discipling of which Jesus Christ commanded. To God be the glory!" Cheryl

"Wow, this video produced not only a heart filled with gratitude for my own parents, but joy filled my heart as I teared up realizing that this is how God cares for each of His children and desires that the attitudes and actions played out by these parents would be mirrored by all parents."  Isaac

"Well God called me to start a clowning ministry back in march of last year,and I have gotten my whole family involved in it. I have 2 girls; one is 11 and the other one is 14. They dress up as clowns and we go do balloon animals and some clowning around for Christ. We get rejected alot and my girls didn't understand why they didn't like us. I told them it wasn't the clown part that they was rejecting, it was Jesus they was rejecting. they are constantly learning as they go clowning with us. It is also bringing them closer to God all the time. Hope you can use any of this I shared with you. God Bless and have a great night.." Nat's the clown

"Hi, I like what I see - your heart for growing believers into fully devoted followers of Christ is obvious. As for discipling our children, spot on with your focus; my wife and I home schooled our children and in the first year God spoke very clearly to us that part of our God-given responsibility was to disciple them both not just "educate" them. It has been an incredible journey with no regrets. Both of our children love and serve God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength! Bless you!" Adam

"I now spend more time with my 8-year old in devotions and with my 14 year old I initiate discussions about Christian living and love for God and prayer for the 3 year old. Parents should not rely on the church alone to disciple their children it begins at home." Rudy

"Just as Jesus walked daily with His disciples, teaching them by word and example, we are able to teach our children in the Lord's ways through daily worship and teaching of God's word. Since our children are with us all day, we are able to train and address strengths and weaknesses as we evaluate the motives of the heart in all activities of the day. Through daily worship and teaching of His word, we are able to instill the value and reverence of God's ways versus the world's ways." Christal

"I really liked what I have read at your website about 'Disciple like Jesus'. We have been doing the same in England. Praise the Lord!" Ramon

"Hi we are in the UK and I just love the stuff you've put together on families. This has been on my heart too for lots of years now. We are only just getting on track with this stuff as a family because of illness so I am excited to discover your stuff."  Trish

"Just finished reading your article in the Father-Led-Home email newsletter entitled Was Jesus Wrong About Making Disciples? Information was valuable with the observations you have made. We home school and a major part of the reason we chose this course was the opportunity to grow the hearts of our children more like Christ. Not only their hearts but at the same time growing ourselves. I am convinced the time we are spending as a family is really nourishing this process. Having said that ... like everyone else my kids aren't "angels" all the time, rather being at home creates opportunities to further work on these "rough" edges. Keep up the great work." Cheers, Marcel

"Wow, I really enjoyed the "Busyness" article...it blessed me much! I applaud you for setting up this ministry and being such an encouragement to others! Especially young (and not so young) couples! You are truly being a light in a very dark world! What you spoke of in the article was part of the reason we decided to homeschool - I couldn't bear to leave the girls at school all day - it grieved me all day to have them there, I missed them so! Now I can't imagine any other way. It's almost as if a veil has been lifted from ours eyes as to the priorities of our time. Thank you for being such an encouragement! It is so good to hear someone else in agreement with our beliefs about making disciples. Not a popular choice in today's culture. But such a rewarding and fullfiling one once the commitment has been made." Blessings, Mary

"So glad I found this site. As a fairly new Christian and father of three, I need all the help I can get to minister to my family. I found you on Twitter from another site I follow. By the Grace of God, my children (8,13,17) all love the Bible because of the changes they see God making in me. They cherish the Bibles I have given them, but getting them to come to service with me is a challenge. Maybe just time will tell, but I think your site is going to help me get them moving in the right direction. Thanks so much and keep up the Great work! God Bless! Scott

I was only thinking the other day how we can use our everyday circumstances to give instruction to our children and to look out for the opportunities to do so. My children were watching Prince Caspian on DVD and I was doing the ironing at the same time. It gave me the opportunity to explain to them some of the ways of God using Aslan as an example. Also I was able to teach them how when we try to do things in our own humaness it results in a mess (which is what happens in the film). Children are like sponges they love to soak up anything to do with God and we can share this with them in a relaxed manner in the home, the car, garden etc. " Trish

"Our gracious Lord has provided many invaluable teaching opportunities to disciple my children through our frequent time spent together during the day. Many, many times we have discussed current events happening in our culture, as well as around the world, and used the light of scripture as a lense to determine truth and error." Donna

My first day on this group site. Thank you Jesus! My wife, Izzy, and I took to heart the words that told us to raise a child in the way he should go. Both of our children, Tony (26) and Ginger (22) have been great. They spent some time with the Lakewood Choir. They are both currently working for Apple, Inc. They both are loving kids that quite often will bring home other kids for prayer and counseling. Izzy and I know that we have been God's secret agents over the years. We are looking forward to a great harvest in many areas. Praise God for all He has done, and all that He is going to do. Steve

"Three and half years ago, I heard a message at a conference on 'turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers' (Malachi 4:6), and God convicted my heart on taking a more proactive role in leading and discipling my children. The most significant change was making God's Word the focal point of our lives through consistent personal and family devotions. Since then, my wife and I have seen abundant spiritual fruit in our children. We are so grateful for God's grace and mercy in our lives!" Greg

"I often wonder, in the end, if I will teach my children more or if they will teach me more. They certainly have driven me to better know the Scriptures, if nothing else to answer their many questions. When my son was 4, he asked me, "Dad, if Jesus is God, then, when Jesus was on the cross, was He praying to Himself?"Matthew 18:2-3: "Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.'" A little child; in the Greek, "paidion". Interestingly, the same term used by Herod in chapter 2, for the "little child" he wanted to find and murder. Jesus used a child, possibly two years or younger, to illustrate conversion and belief to his disciples. This week, my three-year-old came to me, saying, "I believe in Jesus! I believe in Jesus!" I stopped her and asked her what she meant. She said, "Him blood takes me to heaven."' Brian

"Discipling like Jesus is a manner of living... generationally, intentionally, spontaneously, encouraging, praying for and pointing others passionately to Jesus for the hallowing of His Name, that God would be honored and glorified. Prayerfully watching daily for opportunities to use the ordinary in our day to transition to Jesus - who He is, what He thinks, what He says, what He would do; while consciously aware of my own great need as a sinner for His redemptive grace moment by moment. Call me crazy, but I intentionally play with my grandchildren on the phone...we live many miles apart. It doesn't always happen, but I love to point them to Jesus in our long distance conversational play, guiding them in simple doctrines of the faith as we take turns singing or playing with baby dolls, or making up stories together. Recently, my six yr old was sharing her play pirate story, a pretend ship - perhaps a rug in her bedroom and a treasure map marked with a crayoned X. 'What is your treasure?' I queried. Transitioning to Jesus, I shared a simple song from my own childhood - 'I have a wonderful treasure, the gift of God without measure, and so we travel together, my Bible and I.' Remember, the Bible is God's story about Jesus. Jesus is my greatest treasure. He is more precious than silver or gold. Is He your treasure too?" Marilyn, grandma

"One of my greatest joys as a father has been to watch my family find places of service alongside of me. For the past five years I have been ministering in a small prison on Sunday nights. At first, participation was limited to sitting in the chapel pew as Dad preached to the inmates. But over time each of the members of my family have found a special place of service. It began with my oldest son playing the invitational hymns, and spread to the next two boys who began greeting the men at the door with a smile and a handshake, (dads, teach your sons to shake hands, firm grip look them in the eye and smile). Soon my daughters had begun to sing special music, prepare baked goods on special occasions, and the whole family, with the help of church friends, serves the men a Thanksgiving meal, on Thanksgiving Day. But the most important part of our ministry to the men in this prison was begun at the request of my wife. She began to handwrite prayer request cards and had the boys hand them out and collect them each service. Through the week my sons and daughters, with my wife's oversight, pray for each man and his request. They also, as often as possible, send a note back to the man indicating they have been praying and include a special verse or passage of scripture that the Lord has given them to fit the circumstances. I have seen so much growth in my sons and daughters as we have modeled serving others before them, and they have joined with us as a ministry team. Not a Sunday goes by that a man does not come up to me to thank me for what my family is doing in the name of the Lord. To God be the glory!" Craig

"Our daughter is 3 1/2 years old. The most important thing for us at this age has been doing nightly prayers before bed time. It gets the whole family in the habit, and it has more than introduced our daughter to Jesus. We have been able to use prayer time to back up what she learns in church and in school." Brandon

"We as parents had never left our children behind on the road of God. Whatever we bought for our spiritual growth, like music, books etc, we bought for them. The Word says; 'Train the child...' I believe that too many parents leave the children behind and leave the spiritual upbringing to the church through Sunday School and do not teach the children themselves. Whenever we prayed for the sick,problems etc we called them to pray for us and hear the testimonies afterwards. We played a lot of Christian music in our homes to create a spiritual atmosphere. We also prayed a lot with them about their problems and our children are spiritual leaders today. My advice is: 'Do not leave your children behind and think they are too young, they are never too young,we even went to their bedrooms at night whilst they were asleep and spoke God's promises over them!" Analize

"After 40 yrs of youth ministry and missions overseas we have developed our own method called: Stop, Look & Listen. We have a family discussion each night and share the results of what we have found in Bible resource materials, cross-refs, etc. Each member can contribute in some way to the passage we are looking at. This is better than Dad waxing eloquent on things he has studied or taught in the past. We will have failed unless we teach our listeners the tools of the trade so that they can make the material their own. Y'all keep up the good work!" Jimmy

"But at 11 yrs old I knew the voice of God and could articulate what God was speaking to my heart. Thank God my mom and friends never stopped praying for me. We need to believe that scripture is true. God is married to the backslider, and if you train up a child in the way that they should go when they get older they will not depart from it. My prayers go out to all the youth that see mom and dad's faith as just a crutch. May these youth be spared the unnecessary years of waste, lost and despair that can come from trying to do things on their own terms in opposition to the divine wisdom of God which is designed to bless them and keep them in His will." Leonard

"I am not a big talker. Unless I have something specific to talk about, I can go for long periods of time without 'breaking the sound barrier.'  Others just have the gift of naturally taking things from everyday life and applying scriptural principles in a spontaneous teaching. This is the way Jesus taught. But I don't naturally have this gift. However, at the Lord's leading, I began to teach my children the bible on a daily basis in 2001. We began in the book of Proverbs because I wanted my children to learn wisdom. I used a study bible to prepare in the mornings during my quiet time. I would simply read and re-read a verse at a time and then read the study notes until I found some principles that I wanted to explain as I taught through Proverbs. Sometimes I would have a testimony of how a Proverb had impacted my life. Other times I would bring a truth that the Lord showed me. Sometimes I would bring a truth that I found in the notes of my study Bible. Many times I would ask my children what they thought the Proverb was saying. Not only were my children learning scripture, but they were also learning grammar as we discussed the meaning of the words. Initially I taught scripture only at home once per day. Then we began to have daily family worship. We would sing hymns selected by each family member, then study God's Word, and then each of us would pray. I asked lots of questions to keep our children engaged. Over time we began to have our family worship in all kinds of places and settings; in our car, at the park, at a chapel, in a hotel room. Since studying the bible has become a regular part of our lives, we find ourselves discussing biblical truths frequently during the day. Now this habit is becoming our life! We naturally discuss the Lord, minister to and pray for others at various times during the day. Recently each child and adult family member has been bringing a scripture and a teaching to the family during our family worship time, and discussions about the Lord are as natural as breathing. We have been blessed by watching the powerful word of God transform all of our lives. And it all began by simply reading the bible aloud. I still have to work at teaching. I still miss the mark some days. I have to be intentional, or I will slide back into my comfort zone of silence. But the Lord has, over these past seven years, equipped me to do better." Alan