School kicked back into session this past week. After thinking through education options, Tiff and I became convinced that the classical Christian approach would be worth trying, and for going on three years, Classical Conversations has been making that hope into a reality.

While the task of homeschooling is daunting, we keep ourselves grounded with the reminder that we do not need to be master teachers but only lead learners. Christian education, after all, ought to be an act of discipling our children, which means leading the way and growing together in Christ rather than simply imparting lessons to them from on high.

That notion of being the lead learner ought also to be a great encouragement to parents who aim to obey Ephesians 6:4 by raising their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Parents who have recently converted to Christianity certainly feel weight of leading their children down a path that they do not yet know. Sadly, it is also all too common to find parents who grew up in church yet feel themselves to be wholly unprepared to equip their children in the faith.

The answer to this feeling of inadequacy can often be to simply outsource their children’s biblical formation to the church. While the church does indeed have a significant role in the discipleship of children, there is no wiggling out of Scripture’s clear command for parents (particularly, fathers) to cultivate their own children in the knowledge and ways of God.

So, if you are such a parent who has largely avoided teaching your children the Bible and theology because you feel unfit to do so, take this encouragement to heart: it’s okay to learn the Bible alongside your kids.

You do not need to be a master teacher to disciple your children, only a lead learner. Indeed, an enthusiasm to read and memorize Scripture as you long to know and love God more and more will be far more likely to also instill a similar loving enthusiasm in your children than attempting to look like a saged guru who has already mastered the discipline of theology. You don’t need to have the Bible mastered (in fact, you won’t ever have it mastered; the goal is to have it master you); you only need to lead your children in learning it. Of course, this requires humility and a love of learning.

With that encouragement made, here are a few suggestions for getting started with your children:

• If you are unsure of where to start, you cannot go wrong with reading through the Gospels.  
• Ask your children questions about what you read. The Family Worship Guide is a great resource for this as it has questions on each chapter of the Bible.
• If they ask you a question that you don’t know the answer to, don’t make up an answer. Admit that you don’t know but that you will find out. And remember to take your answer back to them.
• Storybook Bibles can be a great way to familiarize both you and your children with the overall story of the Bible so that you don’t get lost in the weeds when you read the actual Bible. You can find some of my favorites here.
• For having a plan for memorizing verses and catechisms, I love the Truth and Grace Memory Books. Each volume is for a different age range, and if you strive to memorize the contents alongside your child, you will be greatly edified.

Most importantly, if you wait until you feel ready, you will never begin. Start now, make it a priority, and enjoy learning yourself as you teach and guide them in the path of Christ.