Newborn

Dedicate them to God

PARENT EMPHASIS

• Embrace your role as the primary disciplers
• Pray, give a blessing

God has given this child to you. In addition to loving, feeding, and caring for his or her physical needs, God commands you to teach this little one "the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." This is the normal means He uses to lead children to "set their hope in God" (Psalm 78:4, 7).

Beginning with this stage of your child's development, you as parents should be modeling a life of faith and acquainting your children with the living God. It's comforting to know that God may be pleased to work through you to save your child. But it's also daunting—there are things you must do to cooperate with His plan. Thankfully this is a task He will equip you for as you look to Him for help (James 1:5). 

Your extended family, church, and teachers can help you disciple your child, but they are only supplemental to your primary role. Use this season to orient your mind, heart, priorities, and schedule toward this God-given purpose. It’s never too early to begin. Sing hymns and worship songs, speak about God to them, pray for them, and express your reliance on God. It may not seem like you can do much right now, but you are laying the foundation for years to come.

We want to help you do this in the strength that God supplies.

DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES

• Praying for the Next Generation by Sally Michael
• Dedicated to the Lord by David Michael
• A Father’s Guide to Blessing His Children by David Michael
• Mothers: Disciplers of the Next Generation by Sally Michael

MORE DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES

• The Disciple-Making Parent by Chapp Bettis
• Gospel-Powered Parenting by William Farley
• Duties of Parents by J.C. Ryle

TOWARD SALVATION

Pray the Holy Spirit will work  in your child's heart even now as they hear your scriptural blessings and prepare them to receive Jesus Christ.