Because No One Has More Influence Than They Do
Let’s just acknowledge something right up front: parents are the most important spiritual leaders in a child’s life.
And yet, most parents don’t feel equipped for that role.
That’s a problem. But it’s also an opportunity.
If you’re a church leader, you have a chance to step in and change the narrative—not by overwhelming parents with unrealistic expectations, but by equipping them with simple, practical tools that help them lead well at home.
Because here’s the truth: faith isn’t supposed to happen just on Sundays. According to Deuteronomy 6:4–7, it’s meant to be part of everyday life. Faith was always meant to be modeled, talked about, and lived out—in the living room, the kitchen, on the way to practice, and before bedtime.
So let’s help parents take the pressure off perfection and step into intentionality. Here are five tools your church can provide to make that happen.
1. Create a Family Discipleship Kit
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably felt this: I want to help my kids grow spiritually—I just don’t know where to start.
That’s where a simple, clear family discipleship kit comes in. Think of it as a ready-to-use roadmap that makes spiritual leadership at home feel doable.
Here’s what a great kit might include:
- A step-by-step discipleship plan
- Bibles for different age levels
- Devotionals with built-in discussion prompts
- A family prayer journal
You can also include seasonal tools—like reading plans for Advent or Lent—to help families celebrate and grow together through key moments in the church calendar.
And if you want to go the extra mile? Offer a digital version that lives on your website or app, with access to faith-based apps, reading plans, and short video content.
The win here isn’t information—it’s accessibility. Give parents the tools, and you’ll give them confidence.
2. Provide Conversation Prompts and Visual Reminders
Every parent wants meaningful faith conversations with their kids. But life gets loud, and sometimes we just need a reminder.
Here’s where you can help.
Provide weekly conversation starters based on your Sunday teaching. These could go home on a handout or hit inboxes via email. Help parents connect what their kids learned at church to real life at home.
Go a step further with visual reminders like:
- Scripture memory cards for the fridge
- Prayer prompts near the dinner table
- Thoughtful church merch that sparks spiritual moments (yes, even that matters)
This isn’t about adding pressure. It’s about creating rhythm. When faith becomes part of the everyday environment, discipleship starts to feel less like a task and more like a natural part of family life.
3. Offer Educational Parenting Classes and Sermons
Let’s be real: parenting is hard. And for many, spiritual leadership is the most intimidating part.
That’s why churches need to normalize training and encouragement for parents. Not every parent grew up being discipled. Many are building something they never saw modeled.
Offer classes or workshops that give them the tools they need:
- How to talk about faith at different ages
- How to approach tough topics like identity, doubt, or anxiety
- How to lead their kids without being overwhelmed
You can also lead from the stage. A teaching series like Kids These Days: Discipling the Next Generation equips everyparent in your church—even the ones who won’t attend a midweek class.
Want to go further? Pair younger parents with older mentors. Build a culture where no parent has to figure it out alone.
4. Build Family-Oriented Small Groups
Parents don’t just need information—they need community.
That’s where family-focused small groups come in. These groups give parents space to be honest, ask questions, and learn from each other.
Some options to try:
- Parenting groups for support and prayer
- Intergenerational mentorship (young families + experienced parents)
- Family home groups where everyone learns together
Some churches are running family discipleship nights—an evening of worship, teaching, and breakout discussions for both parents and kids. It builds intergenerational connection and shows parents what discipleship can look like.
You don’t have to reinvent everything. Just provide space where parents can belong, grow, and lead better at home.
Need help building that kind of culture? Check out these 10 ways to grow community in your church.
5. Offer Digital Tools for On-Demand Support
Not every parent can make it to a Tuesday night class. But every parent hits a moment where they need help. The question is: will your church be there when it happens?
Create an on-demand parenting resource hub—a section of your website, an app, or even a simple Dropbox folder. Make it easy for parents to access quick, relevant, trustworthy resources.
Here’s what to include:
- Short videos or podcasts (5–10 minutes is perfect)
- Archived classes or workshops
- Curated lists of books, blogs, or parenting podcasts
- Downloadable guides or conversation starters
- Links to digital devotional apps (especially those you recommend or offer discounts for)
This isn’t about keeping up with trends. It’s about removing barriers. Give parents tools that work with their schedule, and they’ll feel more confident and supported—especially in the moments they need it most.
The Bottom Line: Equip, Don’t Overwhelm
Parents don’t need perfection. They need encouragement, clarity, and a few key tools to lead their kids in faith.
If you’re a church leader, that’s your opportunity:
Don’t just tell parents they matter—show them how to lead.
Here’s where to start:
- Build a simple discipleship kit
- Provide weekly conversation prompts
- Offer classes and sermon series on parenting
- Launch parent-focused groups or events
- Create a digital resource hub for on-demand support
Pick one. Start small. Implement it this quarter.
Because when you invest in parents, you’re not just shaping families—you’re shaping the future of the Church.