Did you know that Paul was a youth pastor?
Don’t believe me? Take a look at Ephesians 6:1–4:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Paul may not have an Xbox and a copy of Rock Band, but he’s certainly doing the most basic job of a youth pastor: teaching “children” the Bible.
In fact, a closer look at “Paul the Youth Pastor” reveals several important principles we might apply in our churches as we seek to pastor children, youth, and families.
PARENTS, ESPECIALLY FATHERS, ARE THE PRIMARY SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF THEIR CHILDREN.
Compare verses 1 and 4:
Verse 1—Children, obey your parents. Verse 4—Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
The primary, though not exclusive, sphere for discipling young people is the home. God holds parents responsible for training
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