It Takes a Family: Starting the School Year Strong
You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
My hope for this blog, and for Red Hills Youth as a whole, is to resource parents as you disciple your students in the Lord. As the school year begins, we want to encourage you with practical tools for the journey.
I’ll be honest: my parenting experience is limited to a toddler at home and a newborn on the way. I’m not an expert on raising teens. I write as a fellow parent, learning to apply God’s Word in my own family and leaning on the same Spirit-inspired Scriptures that guide us all.
My prayer is that you won’t feel condemnation where you fall short, but comfort in the embrace of our Savior. God designed discipleship to be shared—by parents, mentors, and the church family. That’s why this blog is called It Takes a Family.
Three Roles in God’s Design
Parents: The First Disciplers
From the start, God entrusted parents with the role of spiritual leadership. Others—pastors, mentors, coaches—play a part, but no one has the influence you do. Scripture is clear:
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Teach God’s commands diligently to your children.
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way they should go.
Ephesians 6:4 – Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
This doesn’t mean perfection; it means presence. In everyday life—meals, car rides, late-night talks—you show what following Jesus looks like.
Mentors: The Reinforcers of Faith
At Red Hills Youth, small group leaders pour into students every week. These mentors offer wisdom, encouragement, and perspective. They don’t replace parents, they echo and reinforce what parents are teaching.
Scripture highlights this multi-generational discipleship:
1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitate me as I imitate Christ.
Titus 2:3–6 – Older believers teaching the younger.
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron.
The Church: The Family of Families
Finally, students need the Church, the body of Christ in all its diversity. Here they see different gifts, passions, and stories woven together. This multi-generational community shapes a resilient faith.
Hebrews 10:24–25 – Don’t neglect meeting together.
Acts 2:42–47 – The early church devoted to teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
Romans 12:4–5 – Many members, one body in Christ.
Three Practical Ways to Start the Year Strong
Pray for Your Students
One of the greatest gifts you can give is prayer. When we pray, we entrust students to the God who loves them more than we ever could. Don’t just pray for them, pray with them. Ask often how you can pray, even if they brush it off. Over time, those questions and prayers leave a lasting mark.
Philippians 4:6–7 – Pray about everything.
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – Pray without ceasing.
James 5:16 – The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Stay Centered in Scripture
Let students see how God’s Word shapes your life. Keep a Bible open—at breakfast, during family devotions, or in your own quiet time. Scripture is our life source, not the noise of culture.
Psalm 119:105 – God’s Word is a lamp to our feet.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 – All Scripture is God-breathed and equips us.
Joshua 1:8 – Meditate on it day and night.
Even in busy seasons, consistency matters more than length. Students notice when Scripture is steady in your life, and they’ll be more likely to turn to it themselves.
Remember the Gospel (and Have Fun with It!)
A habit I love teaching is to “gospel ourselves.” The gospel isn’t just a ticket to heaven, it’s our daily need for Jesus. In weakness, He is strong. In pride, He reminds us it’s His work, not ours. In anxiety, we rest knowing He calls us His own.
Romans 1:16 – The gospel is the power of God for salvation.
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 – Christ died, was buried, and rose again.
John 10:10 – Jesus came to give abundant life.
As you disciple students, share why you need the gospel too. Celebrate with them, grieve with them, and always point them back to Jesus.
You’re Not Alone
Parents, you don’t have to do this alone. Discipleship was never meant to be a solo task. It takes parents, mentors, and the whole church family walking together. You don’t need to be perfect, just faithful.
Start with simple rhythms: pray, open Scripture, remember the gospel. As you seek the Lord, our prayer is that your students will learn to do the same.