Build Lifelong Disciples

Once upon a time, Christian parents asked their children after church, "What did you learn about God?" Today the question is often, "Did you have fun?"

Not too long ago, churches offered Bible training for all ages-wanting to fully equip children to serve Christ. Today, many churches offer high-energy, entertainment-based programs-wanting to keep kids happy and to make recruiting easy. Children rarely use their Bibles.

Read Entire Article >>

Factors in Academic Success

by Mark Fey

Mark Fey has written a fascinating article emphasizing the parents' role in the academic success of their kids. Parents, you may have even more power and responsibility over your children's educational performance than you realize.

Read Entire Article >>

What Does "Discipline" Really Mean?

Discipline is a word that has become synonymous with "punishment" or "correction." Looking at the root of the word, however, we find that discipline refers to the systematic instruction given to a pupil or disciple.

The origin of "discipline," the Latin disciplina, means "instruction," from the root discere- "to learn." The Latin discipulus, meaning "disciple, pupil," derives from the same root.

Webster's Dictionary defines "discipline" as: training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

So, "to discipline" means to instruct a person to follow a particular code of conduct, and the noun, "discipline," refers to methods of modeling character and of teaching self-control and acceptable behavior.

God directs us to teach and train our children that they might know His Word and obey His commands. Discipline and discipleship must go hand in hand.

"And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do." - Exodus 18:20

"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren." - Deuteronomy 4:9

"Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them." - Deuteronomy 6:1

"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20a

Emphasis added. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright (c) 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Free DiscipleLand Clip Art

Fun DiscipleLand clip art is now available in several different formats and sizes! Use these images to promote your children's ministry in various venues.

Select DiscipleLand Clip Art here >>

Kids Need the Correction

(Proverbs 22:15, 29:15-17; Hebrews 12:5-11)

The Situation: Kids protest, "Why are you punishing me?" Children can see only that correction results in a rebuke, spanking, or loss of privileges. They cannot yet appreciate the long-term value of learning an important lesson that molds, strengthens, and perfects their character

The Solution: A seasoned preacher observed, "About the time folks stopped training horses and started driving cars, parents lost their child-raising skills." He knew that both horses and children have individual needs and personalities. Both learn through correction. Both must be led. Children are predisposed to make foolish choices. Correction, though painful at the time, leads to righteous living.

What You Can Do: Encourage your child to view correction as an essential good rather than an unwarranted evil. The Lord identifies Himself as a loving Father who always shows concern for the welfare of His children. God knows what each person truly needs, and He disciplines us accordingly. Never discipline in anger. Always follow up correction with affection and affirmation.

Kidology University Chicago

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Kidology University Chicago, Kidology is hosting a special 4-day training event in the Chicagoland area for Fall 2008. Each year this conference attracts hundreds of parents and teachers, providing a consistent focus on ideas and techniques that you can actually use! There truly isn't another conference of this caliber for the price!

Learn More >>

Product Spotlight—DiscipleLand Vinyl Banners

Promote your DiscipleLand program with this 8' x 5' banner! The banner features high quality art in vibrant colors, plus grommets for easy attachment. Let your church know "DiscipleLand Is Here!"

View the DiscipleLand Banner >>

Revised Levels 5 and 6

Hot off the press... the first quarter of Levels 5-6 of our Core Bible Curriculum is available in a newly revised version. Level 5, Quarter A overviews the Old Testament while Level 6, Quarter A is a great introduction to inductive Bible study. Appropriate for 5-8 graders.

View the revised Core Bible sample lesson for Levels 5 & Level 6 >>

DiscipleLand Training on the Road

We hope to see you at one of these DiscipleLand teacher training events:

To attend one of these events or to schedule a teacher training, contact Dick Crider, DiscipleLand Training Consultant, at 877-416-3742.

To ensure you receive DiscipleDispatch from DiscipleLand, please add dispatch@Discipleland.com to your address book. 

©2008 DiscipleLand. All Rights Reserved.