This book, written for pastors and church leaders, is the foundational theological book on Lutheran family discipleship. It briefly surveys various approaches to ministering to families in congregations, examining their strengths and struggles. It points to family discipleship as a both-and partnership between the Christian home and the congregation's ministry, echoing the vision Martin Luther expressed in his Small Catechism which situated faith formation in the home while also including his belief that pastors and churches provide support. Readers will be guided by God's Word and insights from research into how the congregation can support homes in handing down the faith to children.
This book is unique in that it describes the family discipleship model in terms of biblical creational wisdom instead of a "proof texting" approach. It also focuses on the means of grace for raising up children in Christ's saving promises, emphasizing baptismal identity instead of moral lessons, good behavior, or a decision to follow 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.
