Discipleship: Part 2
January 06, 2017 01:03 AM
Filed in: Building Character/Discipleship · Child Training/Equipping · Family Relationship · Ministry
Filed in: Building Character/Discipleship · Child Training/Equipping · Family Relationship · Ministry
Discipleship as it relates to stages of development
The “Grammar” Stage
In Parts 2-4 of our discipleship series we will provide practical and helpful ways to equip you in the faithful discipleship of your children.
Having raised and educated our own eight children we have become believers in the trivium model of the classical approach to learning. We’re in no way endorsing any particular educational style, but we do believe it is spot-on in defining learning as it relates to the ages and developmental stages of children. No worries if you’re unfamiliar with this model. We will break it down very simply and then apply it to family discipleship.
The Trivium Model is divided into 3 stages:
1. The Grammar Stage : Pre-school and early elementary years
In this stage, children have not yet reached maturity in either their physical brain development or their cognitive thinking skills. They are focused on concrete information - “just the facts”. Their minds are tuned in to absorbing simply ‘what is’, even though they may sometimes be interested in ‘why’ or ‘how’. At this stage, their minds are primarily thirsty sponges for the building blocks of knowledge, for the concrete.
2. The Logic Stage : Begins around 5th to 7th grade thru 9th grade (the pre and early teen years)
At this age, they begin thinking more analytically. Analytic thought becomes added to the concrete. They want to know more of the “how” and “why”. They are beginning to test the facts they've previously learned. They are synthesizing information. At this age, boys are transforming into young men: they will begin asserting their authority, becoming overconfident in what they know and attempting to challenge and dominate female authority. Moms, don’t be shocked. Girls will begin to show sporadic, volatile emotions. They will also begin asking deeper, more personal questions. Your kids (especially daughters) will likely ask direct questions about life and your past. Be prepared.
3. The Rhetoric Stage: Ages 14 – 18+
In the rhetoric stage, kids are learning to not only analyze what they know but to defend it and persuade others. They are learning to communicate more articulately. At this point, a teen is preparing to encounter the world as adults - they are being prepared to be launched. They are learning to read critically, analyze thoughtfully, and articulate their beliefs clearly.
In the rhetoric stage, kids are learning to not only analyze what they know but to defend it and persuade others. They are learning to communicate more articulately. At this point, a teen is preparing to encounter the world as adults - they are being prepared to be launched. They are learning to read critically, analyze thoughtfully, and articulate their beliefs clearly.
Below are ways to effectively disciple your child in the Grammar Stage:
1.Focus on learning sequential bible stories - Even at this age, children are not too young to hear these stories read directly from God’s Word. Consider using a “Children’s Bible” only as an occasional supplement to show meaningful pictures and illustrations.
2. Memorize Scripture. There is no better time than during this stage to help your children hide God’s Word in their hearts. They are usually very quick to memorize anything. Use hand motions, games, and songs to help make memorization fun and lasting. Consider creating a sticker chart that will provide a visual, simple yet motivating reward.
3. Memorize the names and order of the 66 books of the bible. There are simple songs available to help with this.
4. Expose them to simple, clear stories of great men and women of the faith.
5. As they begin to learn to read, help them locate books of the bible and scriptures through game drills.
6. Learn hymns and worship songs together.
7. Saturate their hearts with God – pray together for needs of others, talk about God's creation, thank God for His blessings.
8. Buy them their own bible, write their name inside. Have them use this for home bible time and for bringing to church. This is the beginning of elevating God’s Word and helping them take personal ownership of their faith.
9. This is the perfect age to train your child to begin sitting in church with you. Let corporate worship and the preached word become something of high value early on in their lives. Never underestimate the power of the word of God on hearers, even the very young.
10. Pray together and often with your child – this will grow them in this spiritual discipline and will take away the self-conscious aspect many struggle with.
11. Regularly share the gospel with your child. Boldly, evangelize them. Remind them often of their need for a savior. Times of chastening and correction are the perfect opportunity for this. This is the ideal age to begin exposing them to the concept of sin, being lost, separation from God and hell.
12. Let them see you doing acts of service and ministry, and create ways to include them. Here are some simple suggestions:
• Let them help make a meal and deliver it with you to a new mom.
• As you practice hospitality let them be an integral part as you prepare your home and food for your guests.
• Allow them to be helping hands as you clean up after church.
• Give them opportunities to help care for younger siblings.
• Let them come with you as you visit shut-ins and/or residents in nursing homes
• As you practice hospitality let them be an integral part as you prepare your home and food for your guests.
• Allow them to be helping hands as you clean up after church.
• Give them opportunities to help care for younger siblings.
• Let them come with you as you visit shut-ins and/or residents in nursing homes
13. Part of discipleship is preparing your child to be sent out into the world. At this stage however, we tended to be extra cautious in exposing our young children to tempting and more worldly settings as they were not yet strong in their faith to resist its draw. We will address this with each stage.
In Part 3 we will discuss discipleship as your child enters the Logic Stage (5th - 9th grade).
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