DISCIPLESHIP BEGINS AT HOME

As women in leadership, we are driven by a passion to empower those God has placed in our care. While this calling is vital, it can sometimes overshadow the little ones under our own roof—or the grandchildren and cousins who visit. Scripture clearly shows that family is the primary place for discipleship. We are called to teach our children to trust God and become faithful followers of Christ. But how do we do this?

Discipleship means learning to follow Jesus daily—a lifelong journey woven into the rhythms of our homes.

Consider these scriptures:

“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands… Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7, NLT

“Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”— Deuteronomy 11:19, NLT

“Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.” — Joel 1:3, NLT

As mothers, grandmothers, and disciplers, we hold a sacred responsibility. How do we respond faithfully?

Faith

Trust that, through the Lord’s help, you can fulfill this calling. Pray, fast, and rely on Him to lead you in training your child.

Obedience

Obedience begins with a willing heart. God’s Word guides us, but living it often means choosing His way over convenience. Our children learn obedience through our actions—our words, forgiveness, and responses to hardship. God’s commands are invitations to walk closely with Him, and He blesses obedience. Our hope is our children will trust and obey Him, too.

Action

Discipleship happens through relationships in everyday moments. Don’t underestimate simple prayers before school, shared meals, or family dance parties before bedtime prayers. Whether through prayer, storytelling, Scripture reading, or presence, discipleship demands time, attention, and heart. These intentional moments build a foundation of faith for their lives.

We echo the apostle John’s heart:

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

— 3 John 1:4, KJV

This is our joy—that the next generation would know Him, walk in His ways, and carry His light into the world.

Cathy Guillum and her husband Tom of 47 years make their home in Tennessee, where Cathy serves in the World Missions Department of the Church of God. Cathy and Tom are the proud parents of three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Cathy received her Bachelor of Science from Kent State University in Curriculum Development and taught in the public school district. She is presently active in several ministries within the church, but her greatest passion is to leave a God legacy etched on the hearts of her family.