The new year is a perfect time for parents to seek the Lord about how He would have you to lead your family.

Since parents have been given the wonderful privilege of being the primary disciple-makers of their children, the Lord desires for them to instruct them when they sit at home, when they go down the road, when they lie down and when they get up — in other words, in the natural rhythm of each day.

As you seek the Lord’s direction in being intentional disciple-makers in your home in the coming year, He may lead you to have regular or more consistent family worship time or to memorize Scripture together as a family. He may prompt you to share the gospel with your neighbors or to sharpen your skills to read your Bible with confidence.

You may be thinking, “These are all disciplines I and my family need to improve or begin implementing in our home, but this is a daunting list.” You’re absolutely right. It can be overwhelming – unless you have a plan.

Thankfully, we have a family discipleship plan for you and your family to consider for the new year. It’s based on resources developed by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Faith at Home ministry that build upon one another throughout the year.

Parents have been given the wonderful privilege of being the primary disciple-makers of their children.

’1-minute Family Devotions’
In January, begin by setting aside 10 minutes, one night a week, to gather everyone together. Lead your family in worship using the “1-minute Family Devotions.” Don’t worry if you miss a night here and there. Get back on track the following week. Also, don’t expect each family worship night to go perfectly. Aim for consistency instead of perfection.

‘Faith Talk Family Devotions’
When March rolls around, continue in your weekly rhythm. Each week, gather your family and use the “Faith Talk Family Devotions” for family worship time. These devotions will spark great Bible-centered conversations that everyone will enjoy.

‘Acts 2:39 Missional Families’ devotional
Beginning in May, take your family deeper into God’s Word and, at the same time, become missionaries in your neighborhood. With the “Acts 2:39 Missional Families” devotional, you will be able to have meaningful discussions about the Bible and discover new ways to minister to and pray for your neighbors. This six-week study will be a welcomed change in disciple-making in your home.

‘Reading Your Bible with Confidence’ training
Once you have established these weekly rhythms over the first six months, make July a new starting point for your family. Go to the “Reading Your Bible with Confidence” course in the N.C. Baptist online classroom portal. This course will help you learn how to sharpen your Bible reading skills as a family. Also, download or purchase the “Reading Your Bible with Confidence” bookmark and, for the next five months, read and study the book of James. Plan to study one chapter each month.

‘Family Advent Devotions’
Then, in December, use the “Family Advent Devotions” to celebrate the Savior’s birth during your family worship time.

This plan will give you confidence as you approach family discipleship in the new year.