Her Faith Thrives

Walking through the rhythms of discipleship as a stay at home mom has been a big adjustment for me. Before I got married, I met regularly with other women in bible studies and one-on-one meetings in coffee shops  both to be discipled and to disciple others. I loved it!  Getting married and then becoming a stay at home mom left me feeling a little cut off  from this rhythm of discipleship as I had known it. 

Over the last month, my family has been thinking more deeply about discipleship.  We listened to a sermon preached at our church  that challenged us to consider how we were obeying Jesus’ final command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:11-20). This got us talking about what discipleship looks like in our home.

I believe it is possible for godly wives and mothers to maintain discipleship rhythms outside the home. In my specific context, however, juggling my new responsibilities added a layer of challenge I had not previously encountered. So considering discipleship in the context of our home was good, hard, and life-giving.  Here are four ways I am learning to think about and embrace discipleship as a stay at home mom:

Recognizing my husband’s spiritual leadership as a form of discipleship

I realize this may be obvious to some of you but this was new for me.  When my husband first talked to me about his intentional efforts to disciple me, I was taken aback!  I was aware and thankful for his intentional effort to encourage me in biblical truth, talk through difficult topics, and lead our family spiritually. I was simply not aware that all those efforts were a form of discipleship!

Gaining a deeper understanding of my husband’s leadership has helped me respond to his discipleship efforts more purposefully. I recognize that God has given him this responsibility and also given me the responsibility to respond promptly and joyfully to this generous provision through my husband (Ephesians 5:22-27).

Recognizing the opportunities for discipleship within my family

There are a number of ways discipleship within families can play out but one I want to highlight is the opportunity to learn from wise older women. I was challenged to think about this purposefully through the guest blog post: The Motion of Sweet Change by Mysty Pfeffer.

Both my mother and my mother in law are wonderful godly women with a passion for helping younger women walk with God.  I am blessed to be in a continual relationship with both these women.  They both share their lives with me in ways that no other wise, older woman has at this point and I am so blessed by it.  I am learning to seek out their counsel more.  I am also learning to be observant and ask questions seeking to learn as much as I can from them.  

Recognizing avenues for discipleship within my home

I have found that as I look for the discipleship opportunities God has embedded in my stay at home mom life, He has helped me connect biblical truth to everyday life in various contexts. Phone conversations, practical hospitality, writing, and parenting all offer numerous avenues for discipleship. A resource that challenged me to continue thinking creatively in this area was the guest blog post: This is something you can do by Brianna Pradia. 

Recognizing the tension between discipleship & fulfilling your responsibilities

This continues to be a tough balance. The bible encourages women to seek out other women (older and younger) in their walk with God  (Titus 2:3-5). This will look different in different seasons. In my current season (stay at home mom with a pre toddler), I have found myself balancing this command with the responsibility to be the primary influence in my daughter’s life through motherhood (Proverbs 22:6). Lately, I have found this kind of fellowship and discipleship opportunity in connecting with godly moms during play dates.  There are other ways and I am still praying and trying different things.  

No matter our season the word of God does not change. As his disciples, Jesus commanded us to learn from him and help others do the same.  This is a challenging command which is impossible to follow outside of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Whether you are navigating discipleship in the context of your home (like me) or you are facing different challenges, your effort to obey this command matters.  Will you join me in prayerfully considering your next right step in this direction?

Reflection Questions

• What is your current context of spiritual growth and investment in others?
• Are you intentionally seeking out godly mentors in this season?
• How can you be more intentional about passing on the truth you are learning in this season?

What is one way you are growing in discipleship?

Let us know in the comments so we can all learn from one another!

For further encouragement

Were you encouraged by this blog post? I would love to connect with you on our special Her Faith Thrives Newsletter which goes out every other month. In each newsletter, I share a short reflection about how I’m growing in my faith during this season of life. Plus, I’ll be sending you some fantastic resources to inspire and guide you on your own faith journey. When you subscribe, you will receive my all-time favorite tool for making your Daily Quiet Time truly meaningful. It’s called “From Routine to Reverence: 3 Simple Steps to a Deeper Daily Quiet Time.” I can’t wait to hear how it helps you deepen your time in God’s Word.