Family Discipleship

Three words you will hear often around West Jackson are Gospel, Community, and Mission. These three realities not only define who we are, they give direction to everything we do. This is not only true for the church, it is also true for our homes. The journey we walk with our children should be marked by helping them understand the Gospel, teaching them to live in Biblical Community, and preparing them to live on Mission.

The Family Discipleship Path exists to partner with you as you guide your child’s faith journey one step at a time. God designed the family as the primary place for children to learn how to walk with Jesus. Because of this, we believe that parents are the most important people in the lives of their children.  It is our desire to encourage you as you lead your family and provide you with helpful resources every step of the way!

West Jackson Family Discipleship Path

Resources for Christian Parents

We have divided the first 18 years of a child’s life into 6 Milestones. Resources are available for each milestone and contain helpful, age-specific information for growth and development. As your child reaches each milestone, we have church events in place as another way for us to come alongside you as you lead and disciple your child.

Milestone 1: Starting the Journey (Birth-PreK)

Starting the Journey

Approx. Birth – PreK

CORE COMPETENCY:

Parents as Primary Disciplers

During the infant and toddler years, children’s skills and emotions develop rapidly. Even in these early years, parents can begin discipleship with their children. “Start a youth out on his way; even when he grows old he will not depart from it,” (Proverbs 22:6 CSB). As you embrace their physical needs, you can also set the stage for future spiritual conversations by helping them make sense of the world as they encounter it for the first time.

YOUR ROLE IS TO Embrace

Your role is to create boundaries, building stability and cultivating self-control.

Be consistent in responding to them and in your discipline during this stage.

From the beginning of this Milestone, you have
approximately 936 WEEKS until graduation.

Download Resources

Milestone 2: Laying Foundations (K-3rd Grades)

Laying Foundations

Approx. K-3rd Grades

CORE COMPETENCY:

Believing the Gospel & Understanding Personal Relationship with God

Your child is beginning to adjust to big changes. But, the stress of change can also be a platform for discovery and growth. This phase is rich with opportunities to point them to the Gospel in the way you answer their questions, listen to their stories, and show up consistently.

YOUR ROLE IS TO Invest

Your role is to engage in relationship on their level to encourage them in their efforts as they grow.

Initiate Gospel conversations often during daily activities during this stage.

From the beginning of this Milestone, you have
approximately 676 WEEKS until graduation.

Download Resources

Milestone 3: Preparing for Adolescence (4th-5th Grades)

Preparing for Adolescence

Approx. 4th-5th Grades

CORE COMPETENCY:

GROWING IN IDENTITY & SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

Your preteen can understand different points of view, empathize with others, and negotiate like a champ. That means one thing: Your influence is shifting. Your kid needs you, but they are beginning to need you in a different way. “Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance,” (Proverbs 11:14 CSB). Help your child identify other trusted voices who will help them grow as they follow Christ.

YOUR ROLE IS TO Support

Your role is to help your child interpret outside influences as they grow more independent.

From the beginning of this Milestone, you have
approximately 468 WEEKS until graduation.

Download Resources

Milestone 4: Building your Identity (6th-8th Grades)

Building your Identity

Approx. 6th-8th Grades

CORE COMPETENCY:

NAVIGATING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND ESTABLISHING BIBLICAL PURITY

In the beginning years of middle school, your student is bombarded with voices telling them who they should be. Middle schoolers are often motivated by acceptance. As parents, we want to not only help them feel accepted, but also to feel secure in their identity. As we affirm that they are made in the Image of God, your student will gain confidence in the midst of change and assurance that they have been called by God to make a Kingdom impact.

YOUR ROLE IS TO Affirm

Your role is to patiently help guide your student by confirming their value, providing stability, and encouraging them frequently.

From the beginning of this Milestone, you have
approximately 364 WEEKS until graduation.

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Milestone 5: Owning Your Faith (9th-11th Grades)

Owning Your Faith

Approx. 9th-11th Grades

CORE COMPETENCY:

LEARNING TO LEAD, USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND PRACTICING SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

As your student enters high school, your relationship with them begins to change. In this phase, your student will probably spend more time away from you than with you. They will experience a significant amount of newfound freedom. That freedom presents an opportunity for you to gauge their spiritual maturity. As they grow, challenge them to use their freedom to glorify God. Direct and guide them to pursue Godly community, grow in their personal relationship with Christ, and develop a servant’s heart.

YOUR ROLE IS TO Empower

Your role is to influence your student to actively serve the Kingdom, exercise Godly wisdom, and to collaborate with them on boundaries to grant freedom and opportunities to prove they are responsible.

From the beginning of this Milestone, you have
approximately 208 WEEKS until graduation.

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Milestone 6: Sending Out on Mission (12th Grade)

Sending Out on Mission

Approx. 12th Grade

CORE COMPETENCY:

MAKING DISCIPLES, DEFENDING YOUR FAITH, SERVING, AND INFLUENCING CULTURE

Graduation is nearing, and your student is preparing to step out on their own. As seniors determine where they are headed next, continue to cast vision and remind them of their purpose in life. In this phase, seek to capitalize on every conversation to remind them their mission is to make disciples. Intentionally point them to being Godly influencers instead of people who are easily influenced. Mobilize them in such a way that they are equipped and sent out like arrows in a quiver (Psalm 127:3-5) since your student ultimately belongs to the Lord.

YOUR ROLE IS TO Support

Your role is to offer support, cast vision, and provide grace as your student comes to understand their purpose as a Christ follower to be missionally focused.

From the beginning of this Milestone, you have
approximately 52 WEEKS until graduation.

Download Resources

Upcoming Events

Parent Summit 2023 - Parenting on Purpose

Parent Summit

March 31 – April 1

Gather with other parents (birth through high school) for a time of encouragement and fellowship featuring guest speaker David Thomas. Together, we will learn about raising emotionally healthy kids and parenting with purpose! David has over 20 years of experience counseling kids and families. He’s written 8 books, and has a podcast called Raising Boys and Girls.

Resources for Christian Grandparents

As Christian grandparents, you possess a unique and powerful position to nurture and guide the spiritual development of your grandchildren, as an additional layer of the Family Discipleship Path. Our Torchbearers Ministry is designed to support grandparents as they disciple their grandchildren. At the link below, you’ll find information about Torchbearers events as well as some of our favorite resources for grandparents.