Welcome to Discipleship Cliff
Hi, I’m Bill. I’m a dad of 3 boys, and you’ll usually find me coaching their baseball teams, working out at the gym, or refilling iced coffees with my wife. I serve as the Next Gen Director at our local church, which means I work with kids and students from kindergarten through 12th grade. I have spent more than 20 years in ministry, and I am convinced that God uses parents and the church together to walk kids toward Jesus. I work on the church side of that partnership, and I started Discipleship Cliff to help with the home side.
Below is a short path to follow, and you can take the first step right now.
Step 1: Start with the Basics
Wherever your family is right now, this is the one article I would read first. It will give you a clear picture of what family discipleship is, why it matters, and how to make it happen in your home.
Family Discipleship: A Biblical Guide for Parents
This is the best place to begin. It gives you a biblical foundation for family discipleship and practical ideas to help you get started, wherever you are in the journey. Set aside about 15 minutes for this one.
When You Are Ready For More
Understanding the Gospel: A Parent’s Guide
You cannot pass on what you do not own. This article helps you get a clear, confident grasp of the gospel so you can speak about it naturally with your kids, not just on Sunday morning but in the everyday moments of life.
Building A Realistic Family Bible Study Routine
Most family devotion plans fall apart because life gets in the way. This article helps you build a simple rhythm that actually fits your family, one you can sustain even on the busy weeks.
Bible Study Skills for Parents: Grow Your Faith and Lead Your Family
You do not need all the answers to open the Bible with your kids. This article gives you practical skills to study Scripture with confidence so you can lead your family and keep growing yourself at the same time.
Step 2: Pick your first Bible study
Once you have a feel for what family discipleship looks like, it is time to open your Bible. These free studies are designed for busy families, short, simple, and built around real conversation.
Ready to start? Here is where we recommend beginning:
Shorter Option: 1 Peter 5-Minute Family Devotions
These family devotionals are about 5 minutes each and designed for busy families. Great for younger kids or families just getting their feet wet.
Ephesians Family Bible Study
It is an 8-week study that walks your family through one of the richest letters in the New Testament. It covers identity in Christ, how to love like Jesus, and the armor of God. It is free, built for families, and will give your family a solid foundation in the gospel.
Want to see everything? Browse the full library of Free Bible studies.
Step 3: Make it Memorable
Family discipleship can stay simple and still matter. Some of the moments kids remember longest are the small ones: coloring a Bible verse together, answering a good question around the dinner table, praying before bed, or celebrating God’s faithfulness through the seasons of the year. These resources help you keep your family’s time in God’s Word engaging and enjoyable.
Coloring Pages
Help kids slow down, reflect on Scripture, and remember God’s truth while they create.
Parent-Driven Discussions
Build deeper family conversations with Bible-centered discussion guides for every season of life.
Bible Verse Lists
Explore curated lists of Bible verses to read and memorize together.
Family Prayer
Teach your children how to pray and pray together as a family.
Ready for a guided study?
If you want a guided 8-week study to go deeper as a family, Rooted in Joy walks you through Philippians
Step 4: Stay connected
Every month I send out The Trailhead, a short newsletter for parents who want to disciple their kids and could use a little encouragement along the way. Each edition includes a passage of Scripture, a short reflection, a way to apply it at home, and a recommended resource. When you join, I will send you a set of free Bible coloring pages to get your family started.
It costs nothing, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Take the steps at whatever pace fits your family, starting with Step 1. I’m still learning this alongside you, and I’m glad you’re here.
