Strategic Principles
As we continually view Deuteronomy chapter six as a principle scripture and take heed of the
vital truth of the commandments given in these scriptures alone, we see the call for parental
discipleship. It is imperative that the gospel story continues for the next generation of our
children and so on and so forth.1
As the youth pastor, when I disciple others to be youth leaders, I make three statements;
first, I mention that the best ability is the availability principle when it comes to ministry work.
That statement carries over moreso into the structure of family discipleship (Isa. 6:8). This
principle comes from the direction of several scriptures that command the teaching of our youth
in godly principles and, if we train a child in the way that should go (Pro. 22:6a), the way they
should walk in God according to His will (Jos.22:5), with a possibility that they would not depart
from those godly principles taught.
Secondly, I advocate responsibility; most of our leaders, with the exception of a few, are
parents of youths themselves, and I point them towards the principles that statically come with
biblical responsibilities predicated on teaching our youth within the church and at home. In
addition to Proverbs 22:6, I remind them of God’s warning seen in the first epistle, written by
Paul to Timothy, concerning he who does not provide faith for his relatives, especially those
within his household, is considered to be worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5:8). From there I can
elaborate on the importance of giving our youth the Gospel story and the rewards for doing so
1 Closing Thoughts and Summary. Kaltura. Accessed April 21, 2022.
https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2167581/uiconf_id/39959
791/entry_id/1_6d5egcwg/embed/dynamic.
with diligence according to the word of God “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one:
and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Cor. 3:8[KJV]).
Lastly, but not without other strategic principles that are discussed, I give them the
principle of accountability. Accountability is a common thread that is intertwined with principles
of availability and responsibility, and it must be incorporated with discipleship for youth at home
and in the church.
I let them know that each one of us will one day give an account before God of what was
and was not done on behalf of the Kingdom of God (Rom. 14:12). Therefore, each one of them
must manage their household according to the word of God through discipleship by “making like
kind” and by keeping the children submissive (1 Tim. 3:4) unto the word of God.
Wray and Wray in their publication admitted that as they began to implement some of
their strategic planning principles through suggested scholarly reading, their efforts were not
perfect nor consistent; however, the concept that they used benefited the family as a whole.2
Nonetheless, if the church and the families within it apply biblical strategic principles to
discipleship efforts, just as some plant and others water, God will see growth and note the
improvement from those who apply availability, responsibility, and accountability principles.
2 Wray, Bruce. Charting a Course for Your Family’s Future A Guide to Purposeful Parenting
Bruce Wray and Lynn Wray, Charting a Course for Your Family’s Future: A Guide to Purposeful
Parenting . Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Press , 2014.
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