As a father of seven children, passionately committed to making disciples right from my own home, I find Dr. Matt Friedeman’s book “The New Discipleship In The Home” not just timely but essential. I was first introduced to it in a seminar class taught by the author. It was impactful, excellent material, so I re-read it with my wife, and we began to try to implement the principles.

Friedeman, a seasoned pastor with over 30 years of ministry experience and a father to six children, brings an authentic, hands-on approach to discipling within the familial setting which resonates deeply with me.

American culture is struggling on so many levels. In this culture, the call to bring discipleship back into the home feels increasingly urgent.

The hard truth is this: The culture and the school are definitely planning to disciple your children for you… but into something other than a follower of Christ.

Even the church (by itself) isn’t enough. It’s going to take our own efforts as well. Friedeman masterfully underscores the importance of this task, making a compelling case for the home as the primary ground where faith and character are sown and nurtured. His practical insights and personal anecdotes, drawn from both his rich pastoral experience and his own family life, provide a roadmap that is both inspiring and attainable.

Dr. Friedeman begins by setting a foundational view of the home as not merely a retreat from the world but as the first and most impactful arena of spiritual development. He emphasizes that discipleship at home isn’t about perfect parenting but intentional parenting—making deliberate choices each day to guide our children toward Christ. This perspective challenges and encourages me as I navigate the joys and trials of raising a large family, striving to be intentional in how we cultivate faith and character in our children.

Structure and content overview

The book is structured around practical strategies and profound truths, tailored to equip parents to take up the mantle of making disciples in their homes. One of the most striking aspects of Friedeman’s approach is his encouragement of Scripture memory and the everyday life aspects of discipleship. His scriptural insights are not just theological. They are intensely practical, making disciple-making practical for modern families.

Each chapter of the book serves as a standalone workshop on different aspects of home-based discipleship, ranging from establishing daily rituals that foster spiritual growth, to handling the digital age’s impact on family dynamics. Friedeman doesn’t shy away from tough topics like discipline and technology, addressing them with wisdom and balance, acknowledging the complexities while providing clear, biblical guidance.

What sets this book apart is its unwavering commitment to the notion that discipleship starts with the heart—both the heart of the parent and the heart of the child. Friedeman’s call to parents to model Christ-like behavior is both a challenge and an encouragement. His reminder that our children do not just need our teachings but our transparent, authentic examples speaks directly to my own experiences as a father striving to reflect Christ’s love and discipline to my children.

The Appendices: A practical gold mine of resources

The practical appendices, including discipleship tools and resources, enhance the book’s utility, making it a valuable handbook for any parent serious about their calling to disciple their children. These resources are not just theoretical but tested in the crucible of real family life, offering proven strategies for fostering faith that lasts.

What it inspired in my home: Dinner table devotions for families

One of the greatest things about the book is the practicality of how to do family devotional time. Dr. Friedeman focuses strongly on family Bible time at the dinner table. I created resources that help with that, and you can find out more about how to do family devotions at the dinner table here.

Get the free audiobook

I loved the book so much, I reached out to Dr. Friedeman, and asked if I could produce an audiobook of the content. He graciously gave me permission! So I created it, and you can download it for free right here:

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “The New Discipleship in Home” by Dr. Matt Friedeman is a vital resource for parents who, like myself, yearn to cultivate a home where discipleship is woven into the very fabric of family life. Friedeman’s empathetic tone, combined with his depth of knowledge, experience, and practical advice, makes this book more than just a read—it’s an invitation to transform our homes into the most fundamental ground for discipleship. It is a journey I am eager to continue in my own home, inspired by Friedeman’s example and fortified by his insights. This book is more than recommended; it is a resource I will return to repeatedly as I walk the path of discipling my own kids.