Leader Guide
Many of you have heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Whether you are currently raising children, have grown kids, hope to one day be a parent, or simply play a role in a child’s life as a mentor, relative, or friend—this conversation matters. Scripture shows us that children are deeply valued by God, and each of us has an opportunity to influence the next generation. Today we’ll explore what it looks like to put God first in how we shape, guide, and invest in young lives through relationships, discipline, and spiritual leadership.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What's something you got in trouble for as a kid that you can laugh about now? What’s one rule you remember having growing up—and how did you feel about it?
2. Read Ephesians 6:4 (first half); Matthew 19:13-14. What do you think it means to not “provoke your children to anger”? Whether or not you have kids, how can you “delight” in the younger generation around you? When you think about “good parenting” or influence, what qualities come to mind?
Leader: This verse has been and can be used to the extreme, but discipline is not about anger or taking your bad day out on your child. It is about lovingly correcting our child by teaching wisdom, responsibility, and boundaries. It should help them grow and show them the love of Christ. Just like Jesus saw children as a blessing, so should we.
3. Read Ephesians 6:4 (second half); Proverbs 3:12. How have you seen discipline done well—or poorly? What made the difference? Why is it important that discipline is rooted in love and not emotion? What might it look like to tailor discipline or guidance to an individual child or person?
Leader: We were reminded this weekend that we can delight in children and understand and value discipline. Proverbs reminds us that even the Lord corrects those He loves. As humans there is unhealthy and healthy discipline. Unhealthy is centered around us as the parent or mentor; healthy discipline is centered around the needs of the child.
4. Read Deuteronomy 6:5-7. What stands out to you about how faith is meant to be passed on in these verses? In the message we were reminded “faith isn’t inherited, it becomes personal.” Why is that important? What are some simple, practical ways to point your own children, or the next generation, toward Jesus?
Leader: Scripture shows us to be consistent with our children. Daily, intentional, and relational, forming daily habits with them. Read scripture with them, talk about God’s Word, share your faith, ask them questions, and pray with them. Delight, discipline, and disciple.
Action Step: The goal is not perfect kids, but children who know Jesus and walk in truth. What is one intentional step you can take this week to invest in your child, a student, or a younger person in your life?
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10. What role did Eli play in helping Samuel recognize God’s voice? What does this story teach us about helping others grow spiritually? Who helped you grow in your faith—and how can you do that for someone else?
Leader: This is the story of young Samuel learning to hear God’s voice with the guidance of Eli. It’s a powerful picture of spiritual mentorship and discipleship.