Christ's Promises For Family Discipleship

Discover the definitive guide to Lutheran family discipleship-crafted for pastors and congregational leaders committed to forming lifelong faith.

This book stands as the essential theological foundation for understanding how the church and home work together in nurturing children in the Christian faith. With clarity and insight, it surveys the leading models of congregational family ministry, highlighting both their strengths and their challenges. In doing so, it casts a compelling vision of family discipleship as a true partnership: the Christian home as the primary place of faith formation, supported and strengthened by the ministry of the local congregation. This shared approach echoes the heart of Luther's Small Catechism, where teaching the faith begins in the home but flourishes through pastoral care and congregational support.

Grounded in Scripture and informed by current research, this book equips congregations to confidently walk alongside parents as they pass down the faith to the next generation. Readers will gain practical, theologically rich guidance for helping families root their children deeply in God's promises.

What sets this book apart is its distinctive approach to family discipleship. Rather than relying on isolated proof texts, it frames its model within the rich, biblical vision of God's creational design for family life. It also places the means of grace at the center of raising children in the faith-emphasizing baptismal identity, Christ's saving work, and the promises of God, instead of moralism, behavior strategies, or decision-based faith.

The result is a refreshing, deeply Lutheran, and hopeful vision for forming children who know and trust Jesus.

Rev. Dr. W. Mart Thompson, D.Min. is Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Family discipleship and whole-life catechesis are among his specialties. He presents at workshops and conferences on the vocation of raising children in the faith and is the project manager for the Family Discipleship Initiative at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in partnership with the Concordia Center for the Family.