5 Signs of a Functional Family: Parents Who Teach and Train

Over the past few weeks we have been looking at signs of a functional family. We've looked at An Attitude of Service, Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife and Husbands Who Are Loving Leaders. These are all signs of functional families, however there is yet another—parents who are teaching and training their children.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

In order to clearly understand the full scope of this directive, there must be an understanding of the words nurture and admonition. The ancient Greeks used to say that nurture and admonition were the two wheels on which the chariot of child-rearing rolled. While it would be ludicrous to attempt to drive a chariot with only one wheel in operation, it is equally as futile to attempt to rear children without both nurture and admonition. ​

The word nurture is from the Greek word paideia which carries with it the meaning of training through disciplinary correction and chastening. Admonition is from the word nouthesia which has a meaning of warning, calling attention to, or rebuke. 

Nurture and Admonition

It is evident that there are two different elements to the successful training of children—nurture and admonition.

​The Bible is clear that there is a time when the rod of correction should be used in the training of a child. The Bible is equally clear that there should be much attention given to training children through verbal communication of biblical facts, principles and morals. Godly parents must guard against going to either extreme. To put the emphasis on one aspect over another is to risk provoking children to wrath. Deuteronomy 6:7 says,

you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Every opportunity to teach children should be taken, look for the teachable moments.

To have a functional family, parents must be willing to put forth the effort to both teach and train their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

What parts of teaching and training do you find most challenging?

Reprinted with permission | Pastor Jeremy Sweatt | Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, CT

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Come and Gather: Family Time with God

Introducing Come and Gather: Family Time with God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Gather is a lovely, 35-page, daily devotional centered around families enjoying time together with God and each other.

​This 27-day devotional is divided into 3 parts: 

Part One: Days 1-5, is written specifically with husbands and wives in mind. In this part of Gather, husbands and wives will explore 5 Signs of a Functional Family.

5 Signs of a Functional Family includes:

1. An Attitude of Service
2. Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife
3. Husbands Who Are Loving Leaders
4. Parents Who Teach and Train
5. Children Who Honor and Obey

Part Two: Days 6-20, is written with the whole family in mind. It's A Walk Through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation we will discuss subjects like God's mercy and protection, being humble, dealing with difficulties, having a teachable spirit, dependence on God, and much more.

Part Three: Days 21-27, is a Men of God Character Study. We'll learn character traits that every Christin should strive to demonstrate in their life straight from characters in God's Word. 

At the end of Gather, you'll find a place for your family to record specific prayer requests. I love being specific with my prayer request and seeing God answer in specific ways. Recording the answers, as well as the requests, is a great way to help your children see God working in your lives.

grab your copy of come and gather over in our little Etsy shop

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Five Signs of a Functional Family is an older book, however, the principles for strong, functional families, that Chapman uses from God's Word have not changed and because of that I find this book still very relevant today. Plus, you can pick up a hardback copy on Amazon for less than $3.00!

"Strong, functional families do exist today. But if you want to establish healthy patterns in your own family, you'll need to learn how to recognize and apply the qualities they share. Gary Chapman introduces them in Five Signs of a Functional Family." —goodreads

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