How to Parent Like Jesus
“Parenting is discipleship… everything else falls under the headship of leading our kids to love and follow Jesus.” – Barrett Johnson, author of Disciple Them Like Jesus
A parent’s greatest responsibility, more so than their son’s future job or their daughter’s SAT scores, is to lead their child to love and follow Jesus. In part two of a special series of TalkItUp episodes titled Raising Faithful Kids, author and INFO for Families founder Barrett Johnson stresses why this critical mission for families of faith is more important than ever.
The influence of smartphones and social media, he argues, has accelerated faith disengagement, starting as early as age 13.
“That pull away from faith is not happening at 18 or 19 anymore. It’s beginning to happen at 13 and 14.”
Barrett explains that “parenting is discipleship,” and emphasizes the importance of being intentional during the 18-20 years we have with our children. He encourages parents to follow Jesus’ example of discipleship as they raise their children: model + relationships + opportunities.
Just like Jesus demonstrated how to pray to his followers, moms and dad can make a lasting impact on their kids by modeling their faith for their children because kids are naturally observing and learning through their behavior already.
“If I’m saying to my kids, study the Bible like I do, pray like I pray, it forces me to be the right kind of person,” he adds. It also shows your kids you really do believe what you say you value.
Parents should also prioritize relational connections with their children as well. Drawing from Malachi 4:6, he reminds parents that a strong relationship with their children opens the door to effective teaching and discipleship.
“Unless you have the hearts of your kids, you’re not going to be able to teach, lead, or guide them,” Barrett warns. “If they don’t like you, they won’t listen to you.”
The real test of spiritual leadership is when the disciple is able to apply what the teacher taught. We see this when Jesus gives His disciples the Great Commission. Likewise, Barrett concludes, parents should give their children opportunities to apply biblical truths to their lives.
One standout tip he shares is to create a weekly family night centered around a Bible verse. Together, parents and children can reflect on questions like, “What does this scripture mean? So what? Now what?” This approach not only teaches biblical truths but also helps children see how faith applies to everyday life.
He also encourages parents to engage their children in acts of service, such as preparing meals for those in need or joining a mission trip together.
To hear more of Barrett’s insights, listen to the episode below or on your favorite podcast platform!