The Quiet Revolution: “Discipling families to transform a nation”

By the time you read this article, Canada will have elected a new Prime Minister. As we stand at this critical moment for our nation, we need to realize that politicians and policies won’t save our nation. Perhaps you are disheartened by the outcome. Yet no matter who holds political office, our assignment as followers of Christ remains unchanged. We are called to pray for those in authority and to disciple our families. The apostle Paul reminds us, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

The apostle Paul lived in a pluralistic culture, a world filled with competing religions, philosophies, and moral confusion. Yet through the power of the gospel, cities and entire regions were transformed as Paul made disciples who lived out the kingdom of God in every area of life.

Today, we find ourselves in a post-Christian culture, where biblical values are not only ignored but often opposed. Just as in Paul’s time, the answer is not political conquest or cultural compromise, it is discipling a nation one life, one family, one generation at a time. The Great Commission is still God’s strategy for true and lasting transformation. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations…”. We are called to pray, not to panic that our political party may or may not have gotten into power. We are called to trust God and bring transformation to our families and communities. We are not to retreat away from society and cave into conspiracy theories. We are challenged by this passage of scripture to live peaceful, godly lives, not by seizing power, but by advancing what I call “The Quiet Revolution.”

How do we transform a nation? Not by forcing our values and beliefs on other people. Not by using fear to control and manipulate others. But by discipling our families, one heart at a time, to walk in a biblical worldview and kingdom values. As Mother’s Day approaches, we are reminded that mothers, grandmothers, fathers, and grandfathers are God’s frontline leaders in shaping the next generation. Proverbs teaches that we are to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)  This is not optional. It is a kingdom assignment, a call to build a legacy of faith that will outlast political cycles and cultural storms.

In this spirit, my wife (affectionately known as Granny) and I have the immense privilege of caring for two of our younger grandchildren; Jude (17 months) and Juniper (3 years old) when their mom, who is a nurse, is at work. Granny teaches simple Bible lessons into Juniper’s day, while Jude snuggles close, surrounded by books and songs about Jesus and Christian values. Seeds of truth are being planted, seeds that will bear fruit for generations. I also have the joy of discipling our two older grandsons on a regular basis. I send them Bible verses, short explanations, and blessings through text messages. When we’re together, we engage in real conversations about life, decisions, manhood, and what it means to follow God’s will for their lives.

Jesus commanded, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations…Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). This is the Great Commission starting at home where must teach them by our example, train them in the ways of the Kingdom and bless their identity, destiny and purpose in life.

In my doctoral research, I discovered something alarming.  85 percent of Christian parents did not realize that discipling their children was part of their God-given assignment. We must do better for our families, for the Church, and for the future of our nation. What are some practical ways we can disciple our families with a kingdom worldview?

• Teach the Biblical Roles of Mothers and Fathers
  • Mothers are life-givers, nurturers of faith, and pillars of wisdom in the home (Proverbs 31, Titus 2).
  • Fathers are called to lead spiritually, protect, and model the Father-Heart of God to their families (Ephesians 6:4, Malachi 4:6).

• Instill the Truth of God’s Design for Two Genders
  • God created humanity male and female, equal in value, distinct in role and design (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 19:4).
  • We celebrate and affirm God’s good design, teaching our children to honour their identity and the unique beauty of biblical manhood and womanhood.

• Normalize Daily Scripture Engagement
  • Read a short passage together at breakfast, before bed, or while driving. Ask simple questions: “What does this show us about God and how we should live?”

• Model Kingdom Living:
  • Let them see you forgive quickly, serve selflessly, love boldly, and trust Jesus through every trial.

• Create Rites of Passage:
  • Mark spiritual milestones (like a 13th birthday or graduation) with a blessing ceremony, affirming their identity, gender, and calling before God.

• Protect Family Culture:
  • Regularly evaluate: Are we being more shaped by the culture around us, or by the Kingdom within us? Adjust accordingly.

This is the real revolution. This is how a nation will be changed family by family, heart by heart, generation after generation. If you would like free resources to equip you in discipling your family, visit familydreaminstitute.ca.
We are here to serve you and help you build a multigenerational legacy of faith.