For years I worked in churches and spent an enormous amount of time strategizing and executing the ministry’s vision for discipleship. Teams of us would think hard and deep about our vision, where God wanted to take us, and how He wanted to take us there. Our time and energy was invested into many lengthy meetings, plans, ideas, events, and programs just to hopefully move toward our vision and fulfill God’s command to make disciples and teach them to obey everything He’s commanded.

So why, after all that time, did I never think to put the same energy toward doing the same for my family? I know how critical it is for a church community to have a vision and direction, so why not my family, too?

A while ago my boss at Epipheo said this,

“If you do not cast a vision for your family, your children will be captivated by a lesser one.”

And it’s so true!

In one sense, casting a vision for my family sounds easy: “Oh, my vision is for my kids to grow up to be fully-devoted followers of Christ.” But what does that even mean? And is that really a clear vision or something I just hope will happen?

Don’t get me wrong: I haven’t completely ignored spiritually with my kids. I mean, I read Bible stories with them, we pray together, thank God for things, stuff like that. But if I’m really honest with myself, it’s mostly because I want my kids grow up to avoid poor choices and the consequences that sinful behaviors can bring. It really hasn’t been about them growing up to make uncomfortable, life-changing choices for the Kingdom nor full dependency on Christ.

The question I ask below isn’t one that I can fully answer right now, but I’m working on it. My wife and I are dreaming, “Lord, what is your specific vision for our family? And how do we disciple our kids specifically to fulfill that?”

QUESTION: What’s your vision for your family? Do you have a discipleship plan for them based on it?