Discipleship at Home

Just before Christ ascended into heaven, he instructed his disciples to “go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching . . .” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV). The Great Commission is for all believers to follow, especially in their homes, so we proclaimed the good news and lived authentically as a beacon of light for all those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Living the Christian life

I recall an Easter season in our home about 17 years ago. My husband had begun his coursework toward ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. Our boys were about 10 and 12 years old and involved in many activities. In addition to teaching full-time, I had the privilege of transporting the boys to practices, games, church, and other activities daily, so they spent many hours riding with us in the car. I was actively participating in our church’s Easter cantata, and the practice music was playing in the car as we traveled. Frequently, I peeked into the backseat to see my boys singing along or making fun of the music, depending upon their moods, and they knew the songs better than I did.

Easter Sunday arrived, so everyone was awake early. My husband was working for the fire department and readied himself while the boys and I put on our Sunday bests to go to church. After reminding them to be on their best behavior for both morning services, I joined the choir for practice. At the service, the music pastor introduced the choir with a little speech about the song and its title. I heard my older son shout out, “I knew they would sing that one!” Everyone who heard him chuckled, and as we sang “Resurrection Day.” I saw both my boys singing along with the choir, which blessed me.

An all-or-nothing decision

When my husband and I accepted the Lord into our lives, it was an all-or-nothing decision, and our boys were integral in that process. Even when we experienced hardship on many fronts, it was imperative for us to stick together with the Lord leading us. After asking my older son about his perspective of growing up in a home that transitioned from worldly living to holy living, he recalled the following:

“I remember dad sitting us down and telling us that he had a calling to preach, and we were to be all in as a family. We went to a church where they knew about our former ungodly lives, and we were going to let God be the One to bring us through everything. He told us that church people would need forgiveness and grace, too, and that these people may hurt our feelings or offend us at some point.”

Presently, my husband and older son are ordained elders in the Church of the Nazarene. I will interview for ordination this year, and our family considers it a priority to follow Jesus! Glory to his name!

Rev. Lindsay Parson lives in Nevada, Texas. She and her husband pastor together at the Lone Star Cowboy Church in Nevada, Texas. She has been a science teacher in both the public and private sector. She will be ordained this year. You may contact Lindsay at lsccpastorlindsay@gmail.com.