Episode 98: How to Disciple Your Kids with Confidence and Joy—with Christie Thomas
If we could use one word to describe Christian parents right now it would probably be “overwhelmed.” Parents feel overwhelmed by their busy schedules, concern of how culture will influence their kids, insecurity in their own ability to teach their kids about Jesus, or even the pressure to get everything right.
Our guest is bringing a word of encouragement and hope to us as moms and dads. Christie Thomas is a mom and best-selling author with expertise in Children’s Ministry and Family Discipleship. Her latest book is Little Habits, Big Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus. Christie is here to set us free from overwhelm with wisdom and advice to help us disciple our kids with confidence and joy.
In this episode, Christie shares with us:
- How to use the bit-by-bit approach
- Tips for engaging different ages with Scripture
- The power of prayer at bedtime
- And much more!
We hope this episode gives you confidence as you disciple your children!
Links:
- [BOOK] Little Habits, Big Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus
- [BOOK] My First Devotional: Meaningful Time with God for Little Ones
- [BOOK] God Speaks Science: What Neurons, Giant Squid, and Supernovae Reveal About Our Creator
- Parenting for Faith
- Episode 42: How a Mom Can Connect with Her Son and Build a Foundation of Faith in His Life–with Christie Thomas
- Connect with Christie on her website, Instagram, or Facebook
Our Takeaways:
1) Discipleship happens through relationship. The first place our kids will get discipleship is at home through their relationship with us. They notice what we do, what we say, and our daily habits. One of the best ways to instill a strong faith in your children is to have one yourself. When our kids see us apologize after we blow up, pray over them at night, or ask God for help during a particularly hard day, that is when they see what it is like to have a relationship with God.
2) It’s alright to not have all the answers. As parents, it can be scary to say “I don’t know” to our children. We may have the idea that we have to have it all figured out. But it is completely fine to let your kids know that you don’t know the answer. Instead of being afraid of not knowing everything, show your kids that you also have curiosity and would like to learn alongside them with the resources around you.
3) Engage in play and imagination. Our children learn best through play! You can help Scripture come alive for them by asking engaging questions like: What do you think it smelled like when Jonah was in the fish? How do you think the lame man jumped up from his mat after being healed? Let’s practice it now! Get creative as you help the Bible come alive for your kids.
Meet Our Guest
Christie Thomas is a mom, family discipleship coach, and best-selling author with expertise in Children’s Ministry and Family Discipleship. She deeply believes that every Christian parent can confidently nurture a deep faith in their children through little habits that add up over time! Christie’s latest book is Little Habits, Big Faith: How Simple Practices Help Your Family Grow in Jesus. She lives with her husband and three boys in Alberta, Canada.
