Family Discipleship: An Overview of Matt Chandler’s Approach
Matt Chandler emphasizes intentionality in guiding families toward Christ, focusing on consistent spiritual practices. His approach centers on equipping parents to actively nurture faith within their homes.
Chandler’s framework prioritizes modeling a genuine relationship with God, alongside teaching Scripture and fostering open communication about faith-based challenges.
He advocates for a holistic discipleship that permeates daily life, moving beyond scheduled activities to embrace every opportunity for spiritual growth and connection.
Understanding the Core Principles
Matt Chandler’s core principles of family discipleship revolve around the concept of the home as the primary arena for faith formation. He stresses that discipleship isn’t merely a program or a series of lessons, but a lifestyle woven into the fabric of everyday family life.
A foundational element is intentionality – deliberately carving out time and space for spiritual conversations, Scripture reading, and prayer. This isn’t about perfection, but consistent effort. Chandler emphasizes the importance of parents modeling a genuine and growing faith themselves, recognizing they are the primary discipleship leaders.
Another key principle is grace. Recognizing that families are imperfect and will face challenges, Chandler advocates for extending grace to one another and approaching discipleship with humility. He encourages parents to focus on cultivating a heart of worship and a love for God’s Word, allowing that to naturally overflow into their interactions with their children. Ultimately, it’s about pointing the family towards Christ, not achieving a checklist of religious activities.
The Biblical Foundation for Family Discipleship
Matt Chandler grounds family discipleship firmly in Scripture, particularly Deuteronomy 6:6-9, which commands parents to diligently teach God’s commands to their children, embedding them in every aspect of life. He highlights this isn’t a suggestion, but a direct mandate from God.
Chandler also points to the example of faithful ancestors in the Bible, like Abraham, who intentionally passed on his faith to his descendants. He emphasizes the Old Testament’s emphasis on communal worship and storytelling as methods of transmitting faith across generations.
Furthermore, the New Testament’s call to follow Christ and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) extends to the family unit. Chandler argues that parents are called to equip their children not just with knowledge, but with a transforming relationship with Jesus. This biblical foundation underscores the sacred responsibility and privilege of raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Matt Chandler’s Perspective on Parental Responsibility
Matt Chandler asserts that parental responsibility in discipleship isn’t merely about ensuring children’s moral behavior, but about fostering a genuine, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He stresses that parents are the primary discipleship makers in their children’s lives, a role not to be delegated.
Chandler challenges the notion of outsourcing faith formation to the church or youth groups, while acknowledging their importance. He believes parents must actively model faith, engage in spiritual conversations, and consistently point their children to God’s Word.
He emphasizes humility, acknowledging parental imperfections, and relying on God’s grace throughout the process. Chandler’s perspective isn’t about achieving perfect parenting, but about faithfully pursuing a covenant relationship with God and intentionally leading their children towards Him.
The “Family Discipleship” PDF Resource
Matt Chandler’s “Family Discipleship” PDF is a practical guide offering tools and strategies for intentional faith formation within the home environment.
It provides a framework for parents to cultivate a spiritually rich atmosphere, fostering a deeper connection with God as a family unit.
Content Breakdown of the PDF
Matt Chandler’s “Family Discipleship” PDF is structured to provide a comprehensive yet accessible roadmap for parents. The resource begins by establishing a Biblical foundation for family discipleship, emphasizing the responsibility of parents to actively nurture their children’s faith.
It then delves into practical strategies for integrating Scripture into daily routines, suggesting specific methods for reading, memorizing, and discussing God’s Word as a family. A significant portion is dedicated to the importance of prayer, offering guidance on how to cultivate a consistent prayer life both individually and collectively.
The PDF also addresses common obstacles, such as resistance from family members and time constraints, providing realistic solutions and encouragement. Furthermore, it includes sections on adapting discipleship practices to different age groups, recognizing the unique needs of children, teenagers, and young adults. Ultimately, the PDF aims to equip families to live out their faith authentically and intentionally.
Key Chapters and Their Focus
Matt Chandler’s “Family Discipleship” PDF features pivotal chapters designed for impactful implementation. “Laying the Foundation” establishes the Biblical mandate for parental discipleship, emphasizing Deuteronomy 6. “Creating a Rhythm” details practical steps for incorporating spiritual practices into daily life, advocating for consistency over grand gestures.
“Scripture as the Core” provides guidance on selecting age-appropriate passages and facilitating meaningful discussions. “The Power of Prayer” explores various prayer methods, encouraging families to pray together and for one another. A crucial chapter, “Addressing Resistance,” offers strategies for navigating disagreements and fostering a receptive environment.
“Discipleship Across Generations” tackles the unique challenges of engaging different age groups, while “Modeling Faithfulness” underscores the importance of parental authenticity. Finally, “Resources and Next Steps” points to further materials and encourages ongoing commitment to family discipleship.
Practical Exercises and Application
Matt Chandler’s PDF isn’t merely theoretical; it’s packed with actionable exercises. Families are prompted to create a “Family Worship Plan,” outlining specific times for Scripture reading and prayer; A “Conversation Starter” guide offers questions to spark meaningful discussions about faith, values, and daily life challenges.
The resource includes a “Memorization Challenge,” encouraging families to learn key verses together. “Service Project Ideas” inspire practical expressions of faith through community involvement. A “Gratitude Journal” exercise fosters thankfulness and intentionality.
Chandler advocates for “Dinner Table Theology,” using mealtimes as opportunities for spiritual conversations. The PDF also provides templates for creating personalized family mission statements and outlines a method for regularly assessing progress and adjusting the discipleship rhythm. These tools aim to move families from intention to consistent application.
Implementing Family Discipleship
Chandler’s PDF stresses establishing consistent routines—daily Scripture reading, prayer, and intentional conversations. Prioritize creating a rhythm that fits your family’s unique context and schedule.
Flexibility and grace are key to sustained implementation.
Creating a Discipleship Rhythm
Matt Chandler’s approach, detailed in his resources, doesn’t advocate for a rigid, overwhelming schedule, but rather a sustainable rhythm of discipleship woven into the fabric of family life. This begins with identifying existing routines – mealtimes, bedtime, car rides – and intentionally incorporating spiritual practices within them.
He encourages families to start small, perhaps with a daily Bible reading and brief discussion, or a nightly prayer time. Consistency is paramount; even short, regular moments are more impactful than sporadic, lengthy sessions. The goal isn’t to add another item to an already busy schedule, but to redeem existing time for spiritual formation.
Chandler emphasizes the importance of parental modeling. Children learn more from what parents do than what they say. Therefore, parents must prioritize their own spiritual disciplines to authentically lead their families. This rhythm should also include opportunities for service and outreach, demonstrating faith in action.
Ultimately, the rhythm should be tailored to the family’s specific needs and stage of life, allowing for flexibility and adaptation as circumstances change.
Integrating Scripture into Daily Life
Matt Chandler stresses that Scripture isn’t confined to designated “quiet times,” but should actively shape the family’s worldview and interactions. He advocates for moving beyond simply reading the Bible to applying its truths to everyday situations.
This integration can take many forms: discussing biblical principles during conflicts, pointing out God’s character in nature, or using Scripture to frame conversations about current events. Chandler encourages parents to ask questions that prompt children to think critically about how the Bible applies to their lives.
Memorization of key verses is also highlighted as a valuable practice, providing a readily available resource for navigating challenges and cultivating a biblical mindset. Furthermore, he suggests connecting Scripture to family traditions and celebrations, reinforcing its relevance and importance.
The aim is to cultivate a “Scripture-saturated” environment where God’s Word naturally informs thoughts, words, and actions, fostering a deeper and more authentic faith.
The Role of Prayer in Family Discipleship
Matt Chandler views prayer as the essential engine driving family discipleship, emphasizing it’s not merely a ritual but a vital conversation with God. He encourages families to move beyond requests to cultivate a posture of adoration, confession, and thanksgiving.
Chandler advocates for intentional prayer with and for each family member, modeling vulnerability and dependence on God. This includes praying specifically about individual struggles, joys, and spiritual growth. He suggests incorporating prayer into daily routines – mealtimes, bedtime, or even during car rides.
Furthermore, he stresses the importance of teaching children to pray authentically, encouraging them to express their thoughts and feelings to God. Family prayer times should be safe spaces for honesty and openness, fostering a deeper connection with God and with one another.
Ultimately, consistent prayer cultivates a family culture centered on God’s presence and guidance.
Addressing Common Challenges
Chandler acknowledges resistance, time constraints, and varying age groups as hurdles. He advocates grace, flexibility, and tailoring discipleship to each family member’s needs.
Dealing with Resistance from Family Members
Matt Chandler directly addresses the likelihood of encountering resistance when implementing family discipleship. He emphasizes that this isn’t necessarily a rejection of faith, but often stems from a variety of factors – differing spiritual maturity levels, personal struggles, or simply a natural inclination towards independence, especially in teenagers.
Chandler advises parents to respond with patience and grace, avoiding forceful tactics or guilt trips. Instead, he suggests modeling consistent faith themselves, becoming a living example of the joy and peace found in a relationship with Christ. He encourages creating a safe space for open dialogue, where family members can express doubts and questions without judgment.
Furthermore, Chandler highlights the importance of understanding the root of the resistance. Is it a theological question? A practical challenge? Or simply a feeling of being overwhelmed? Addressing the underlying issue, rather than simply demanding compliance, is crucial. He suggests starting small, focusing on shared experiences like reading Scripture together or praying as a family, rather than attempting a complete overhaul of routines.
Time Constraints and Practicality
Matt Chandler acknowledges the significant challenge of time constraints faced by modern families. He doesn’t advocate for adding more to already-busy schedules, but rather for intentionally weaving discipleship into existing routines. The PDF resource stresses that family discipleship isn’t about elaborate programs, but consistent, small moments.
Chandler suggests utilizing “margin moments” – car rides, mealtimes, bedtime – as opportunities for conversation about faith, prayer, or simply expressing gratitude. He emphasizes the power of short, focused Scripture readings and discussions, rather than lengthy devotional sessions. The goal is to make faith a natural part of family life, not an additional obligation.
He also encourages parents to be realistic about their capacity. It’s better to consistently implement a few simple practices than to attempt a comprehensive plan that quickly becomes unsustainable. Prioritizing quality over quantity is key, focusing on genuine connection and intentionality over checking off boxes on a discipleship checklist.
Navigating Different Age Groups
Matt Chandler’s approach, detailed in the PDF resource, recognizes that family discipleship looks different at each developmental stage. He stresses adapting methods to suit the cognitive and emotional capabilities of children and teenagers. For younger children, this means utilizing stories, songs, and playful activities to introduce biblical truths.
With older children and teenagers, Chandler advocates for more in-depth conversations about faith, addressing their questions and doubts with honesty and grace. He encourages parents to create a safe space for open dialogue, avoiding judgment and fostering critical thinking. The PDF highlights the importance of modeling vulnerability and authenticity, acknowledging personal struggles with faith.
Chandler also emphasizes the value of individual discipleship, recognizing that each family member is on a unique spiritual journey. Tailoring activities and conversations to individual needs and interests will maximize engagement and foster a deeper, more personal faith.
Resources and Further Study
Matt Chandler’s sermons and articles offer deeper insights. Explore The Village Church website for related content and consider books on intentional family faith-building.
Numerous online platforms and communities support family discipleship, providing encouragement and practical tools for spiritual growth within the home.
Additional Materials by Matt Chandler
Matt Chandler consistently addresses discipleship principles across various platforms. Beyond the core “Family Discipleship” PDF, his sermons frequently touch upon the vital role of parents in spiritually nurturing their children. Many of these sermons are available as podcasts through The Village Church’s website and popular podcasting services, offering accessible and engaging content.
Furthermore, Chandler’s writings, including articles and blog posts, often expand on themes present in the PDF, providing practical application and deeper theological understanding. His book, “Clearly Defined,” while not solely focused on family discipleship, lays a foundational understanding of biblical authority, crucial for guiding families in faith. Exploring his teachings on biblical literacy and gospel-centered living will significantly enrich one’s approach to family discipleship.
Consider also resources from The Village Church’s family ministry, which often feature talks and materials aligned with Chandler’s vision for intentional family faith formation. These supplementary resources offer diverse perspectives and practical strategies for implementing discipleship within the home.
Complementary Resources on Family Discipleship
While Matt Chandler’s work provides a strong foundation, numerous resources complement his approach to family discipleship. Paul David Tripp’s “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” offers profound insights into addressing the heart issues that often hinder spiritual growth in children. Tedd Tripp’s “Instructing a Child” provides practical, biblical guidance on discipline and training.
Sally Lloyd-Jones’ “The Jesus Storybook Bible” is invaluable for engaging younger children with Scripture through captivating narratives. For older children and teens, resources from organizations like Focus on the Family and Youth for Christ offer age-appropriate discipleship materials.
Additionally, exploring books on gospel-centered parenting, such as “Give Them Grace” by Paul Tripp, can deepen understanding. Websites like Rooted Ministry offer curated resources and practical ideas for implementing family discipleship rhythms. These resources, used alongside Chandler’s teachings, create a well-rounded approach.
Online Communities and Support Groups
Engaging with online communities can significantly bolster your family discipleship journey, particularly when utilizing resources like Matt Chandler’s PDF. The Village Church’s website often hosts forums or links to related discussions, providing a space for questions and shared experiences. Facebook groups dedicated to gospel-centered parenting and family discipleship offer peer support and encouragement.
Rooted Ministry’s online platform fosters connection among families implementing their discipleship framework. Several podcasts, such as “The Art of Parenting” and “Focus on Parenting,” feature interviews and discussions relevant to intentional family faith formation.
These digital spaces allow for the exchange of practical tips, accountability, and prayer support. Searching hashtags like #familydiscipleship or #gospelparenting on social media can uncover valuable content and connect you with like-minded individuals. Remember to discern wisely and prioritize communities grounded in biblical truth.