It may be dangerous to speak of one ministry that may be greater than all others.  But, a careful study of the Bible would cause one to see the great attention that is given to childrearing.  At least in the mind of the Writer, it may rise above all others.  Failure in parenting has great consequences for the children involved, but also for the family, for the church and for the nation in general.  At the present time, research data indicate that more than eighty per cent of college age youth, particularly those on secular college campuses, no longer hold to basic truths:  (1) that there are absolutes; (2) that there are clear definitions of right and wrong; and (3) that there is personal accountability beyond mankind.  It is difficult to believe that a major segment of the American population has been lost to these truths, but the facts seem to suggest that is true.  Data further show that no more than twenty-five per cent of American families meet the pattern for families set in the Bible.  These major changes have re-shaped the structure of the typical family and they have had a catastrophic impact on shaping the thinking of children as they enter adulthood.  It is children who suffer and the nation is seeing the consequence of these changes in the way youth are looking at life.   

Consider these generalizations that may be drawn from a study of the Bible regarding the childrearing practices of parents:

The Bible clearly teaches that parents are assigned the primary responsibility for the spiritual training of children.  Moreover, fathers are singled out for special responsibility.  Deuteronomy 6 is the primary passage establishing this principle, but consider the words of Psalm 78:5-6a, “For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers that they should make them known to their children:  That the generation to come may know them…”  Parents are given this responsibility – the responsibility for the spiritual education of their children and fathers are singled out for their role in spiritual education.  Personal satisfaction can be great when this task, assigned by God, is done according to the Word of God.

The Bible clearly teaches that spiritual training should be started while children are young.  It is never too early to begin.  Some studies present evidence that children begin to learn even before exiting the womb of the mother.  The principle of early intervention is affirmed by scripture, particularly in Proverbs 13:24 where Solomon says that discipline should begin early in the life of a child.  The word “betimes” is used in this verse, meaning “an early start” before undesirable behaviors are established.     A trained educator knows that personality traits and behavior patterns are established early in the life of a child, by ages five or six.  One can see that the early years with both father and mother are critical to a child’s education.  

The Bible clearly teaches that the heart of spiritual education is learning to love, to obey and to serve God.  Again the primary responsibility rests with the parents.  Paul reminded Timothy of his early training (II Tim. 4:15-17) and reminded him of the place of the inspired Word of God in this kind of spiritual training.  Children must be taught the importance of a “daily walk” with Jesus Christ and the importance of a daily worship experience.  This daily walk with God, in the Word of God, will produce wisdom and discernment in making decisions about life.

The Bible clearly teaches that the truth claims made by a child will be modeled after those of his/her parents or teacher.  The crucial role of the parent, and even the teacher, in shaping the truth claims made by a child is well established.  In the words of the Lord Himself, one can see this – “…but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master.”  (Luke 6:40b)  Truth claims form the basis of the worldview held by any individual.  And one’s worldview will shape the decisions that are made about life – the choice of a mate, the choice of a vocation, the choice of a church.  These are affirmations found in the Word of God.  

Conclusion:  God has given to parents the task of educating and evangelizing their own children.  And, that task is not easily accomplished in the complex lifestyles and distractions of this new century.  But God has also allowed for assistance in this task, especially involving the ministries of the local church, working in tandem with parents, to prepare the next generation.  The church-sponsored Christian school has proved to be invaluable in this process.  

One is often asked this question:  Is there anything we can take to heaven with us?  Often the answer is NO.  But, what about our children?  Is there any greater blessing or is there any greater service to God than educating your children to receive the Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?  Is there any greater ministry than that to your own children?  I think not!