Raising Bold Children for Christ in Today’s World

The world can feel unsettled and full of conflict, can’t it? Even within the Church, we see disagreement and challenges, and news of tragic events and persecutions can bring grief and uncertainty. But they can also bring times of strengthened conviction to live lives that honor God and bring Him glory! They remind us how important it is to be intentional about homeschooling and discipling our children. More than ever, our kids need to be firmly rooted in Scripture, bold in their faith, and prepared to stand for truth with courage and grace.

If we want to prepare our children to be bold for Christ, we must start with the basics and build intentionally. Here are four things we need to focus on:

1) Ground them in Scripture.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Make God’s Word the daily foundation for your family. The Bible is the source of truth for every subject, every choice, and every issue of life. Our kids NEED to understand this and practice practical biblical thinking regularly so that they won’t be easily swayed by false ideas.

So, prioritize reading God’s Word together. Help them memorize Scripture and build personal study habits, too! When they are anchored in God’s Word they’ll remain secure in Him.

2) Teach them to reason from biblical principles.

“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7 )

 Instead of simply handing them answers, equip them with the habit of asking, “What does God’s Word say about this?”and then teach them how to search it out. When we are reasoning from biblical principles, we are using the truth of God’s Word to interpret life and events. Discuss issues, decisions, and current events through the lens of Scripture so that they learn to anchor every conclusion in eternal truth.

3) Help them see the bigger picture.

“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Daniel 2:21)

History is His story. America’s blessings came by God’s providence, and the events of today are unfolding under His sovereign hand. Our kids need to know this so they won’t lose heart when the world feels unstable. Remind them often: God rules over nations and over history. He is their rock and their foundation.

4) Model courage and conviction.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)

Our kids learn from our actions just as much as our instruction. Let them see you stand firm in truth, apply Scripture to everyday choices, and trust God even when it goes against the culture. When they watch you living with courage and conviction, they’ll understand what it looks like to walk faithfully as a disciple of Christ.

And take action together! Look for ways you can help share the gospel, support important ministries, learn skills helpful for evangelism and apologetics, and more. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling convicted more than ever before to get out and DO for God’s glory. If you have small children in tow, that could be sending letters of encouragement or faithful prayer for missionaries and pastors. Do what you can in your season of life! As they get older, find ways to get even more involved and serve Christ together.

Keep the main thing the main thing.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)

When our kids are rooted in Christ and His Word, they grow in wisdom and discernment. They’ll be equipped to stand firm in truth and to speak hope into a culture that desperately needs Christ. This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional discipleship at home!

So don’t grow weary, parents! Keep reading God’s Word together, keep talking about the issues of the day in light of Scripture, and keep pointing your kids back to Christ. It is the most important work you can do right now.

Resources to Help

If you are looking for some resources to help you in this effort, I’ve created a list of some that I appreciate. I hope they are a blessing to you as well!

Biblical Literacy

Help Your Kids to Learn and Love the Bible – If you are just getting started teaching your kids the Bible or are looking for encouragement and ideas in that effort, this is a must-read book! .
Bible Road Trip – For homeschool and family discipleship, this curriculum takes you through the bible in 3 years.
Sound Words for Kids: Lessons in Theology – Looking for answers to common questions of the Christian faith? This curriculum helps you do just that.

Reasoning from Biblical Principles

PEERS Worldview Test – A helpful tool to assess and strengthen a biblical worldview.
Pillars: A Study in Foundations of Civilizations – “While PEERS will reveal areas that may need ‘rethinking,’ PILLARS is a course providing scripture-based instruction on the PEERS categories.” My teens and I did this study and we learned a lot!
The Mighty Works of God – This is a Principle Approach resource teaching American history.
AMO Program – Provides units for literature and Bible that use scripted, principle-based lessons. Designed for classrooms but easily adapted to homeschool. We’ve used the Genesis set and some literature studies and they’re really good!
The Biblical Classical Homeschool Experience – I spent last year going through this membership course. While it was challenging, it was an incredibly fruitful journey and taught me a lot about how to teach my children using biblical principles!

Understanding History, Current Events, and Our Role

American Civics by Michael Farris – (Use code PROVERBIAL20 to get 20% off!) A rich course designed to foster a deep understanding of American democracy, civic responsibility, and the power of active participation.
Generations Curriculum – Excellent history and worldview training. All of their resources are great, but these are the ones that particularly come to mind:
- American Faith: 27 Sketches from Winthrop to Wilkerson – This is a great family read-aloud or a curriculum for middle or lower high school.
- America in God’s Providence – Excellent high school curriculum! You can do it in one year or two.
- Children’s Providential History series – This goes through grades 1-6. We use it all together as a read-aloud and my younger kids do notebooking with it.
World Watch – A fantastic 10-minute daily Christian news program for kids and families. It’s a great way to start those conversations!
Compass Classroom History curriculum – For your high schoolers, this curriculum is well done and uses primary sources.
Teach your kids about Socialism and Communism – Such an important topic to read and highly relevant to what we’re seeing in modern America these days. Nicki gives info for a lesson you can do with your own kids or co-op.
Worldview Academy – This could go in a few different categories here. Worldview Academy is a 1-week summer program with various locations in the US where the kids to intensive worldview and leadership training under Bill Jack and his team. 3 of my kids have gone (some multiple years) and it’s been a huge part of their faith journey, especially concerning apologetics and worldview in modern issues. (If there’s not one near you, check out Summit Ministries, which holds similar events.)

Stories of Courage and Conviction

History for Patriots from Character Concepts – We especially love Portraits of Integrity and the What a Character series! (Scroll to the bottom to find that.)
Missionary Biographies – A BIG list of resources for teaching missionary stories, including free notebooking pages to use with them.

More Great Resources to Consider

Turning Point USA Free Digital Downloads – Engaging, patriotic, and truth-filled educational resources. (Be sure to enter your email in the “Contact” field!)
Hillsdale College free online courses – You’ll find many wonderful free courses through Hillsdale on these topics. Great for enrichment or high school credit!
Patriot Academy with Rick Green – Courses, events, and more.
WallBuilders Resources with David Barton – providential view of American history.

I will keep adding to this list as I find more. I pray they encourage you as you raise up the next generation of bold, faithful, Christ-centered leaders! Let’s not lose heart, but continue steadfastly in the work of discipling our children for His glory.

Standing with you,
~ Tauna