1. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP BY JOEL R. BREIDENBAUGH, PHD

2. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP In light of the numerous problems in the last days, Paul reminded Timothy (and us) in 2 Timothy 3 to continue in the Scriptures, learned best through the family (parents, grandparents), because the sacred writings are the only means to make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus

3. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP Contemporary Priorities in the Family:SportsTV showsSchoolingExtracurricularSocial mediaVideo gamesFamily timeExerciseMovies

4. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP Alarming Statistics on Family Matters in the US Marriage: The Bad News 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce or permanent separation 60% of second marriages end in divorce (divorce.usu.edu) The Good News! 72-88% of marriages remain intact for couples who attend worship regularly (Family Life, FRC)

5. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP Parenting: The Bad News While is it impossible to find studies on what % of families with children in the home have regular family devotions, almost everyone agrees it is less than 10%

6. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP The Good News! Results of families which did devotions: Parenting was positively impacted by those who led their families in devotions (Evaluating the Impact of Family Devotions) Children grew in learning & Bible knowledge by 37.5%

7. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP  In terms of their spiritual life and growth, family devotions have a much larger impact than Christian school, or any church activities, including catechism, Sunday school, gems, or worship. So if you are concerned about your children, and if you love them, you will not neglect family devotions with your children, especially at young ages. By the time they are twelve or fourteen, they will quite likely have their own personal devotions daily, provided the family has modelled and encouraged them.

8. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP For Resources to Help with Family Matters, see handout

9. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP Family Devotions— How to Cure Family Problems  Family devotions not only helps alleviate family problems, but it also becomes a major channel for making disciples!

10. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP Set aside time As a couple With your children The younger the children, the shorter the time Consider meal times or just before bedtime Preschoolers: 5-15 minutes Elementary: 10-20 minutes Middle-High School: 20-30+ minutes

11. REVITALIZATION THROUGH FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP Aids to Family Devotions See handout Usually simply reading the Bible, rather than all kinds of devotional books, is the best.