This episode wraps up the “Five Questions” series by focusing on the home sphere, particularly the role of grandparents in the family’s discipleship mission. It challenges the idea that parenting ends at adulthood and explores how biological and spiritual families can form a powerful home team to raise mature disciples of Jesus.
Introduction
In this episode, Blake Whiteman, Jim Blazin, and host Jim Putman dive into the essential role grandparents and extended spiritual families play in discipling the next generation. Whether you're a first-generation Christian or grew up in the faith, this conversation provides encouragement and direction for anyone wondering, “Am I done yet?” when it comes to family and faith. The answer is a resounding “No”—because the mission is ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- The Home Team: A Multi-Generational Mission
- The “home team” concept includes abiding in Christ, the biological family, and the church working together to disciple children.
- Grandparents and spiritual mentors are vital to supporting parents and modeling faith.
- Redemption and New Starts
- Even if you “blew it” earlier in parenting, God allows for new beginnings.
- Repentance, humility, and intentional investment in current relationships can still make an eternal impact.
- Spiritual and Biological Families Working Together
- Blake shared how his spiritual in-laws helped lead him to faith, which influenced his entire biological family.
- When church and home spheres overlap, children grow up deeply rooted in both.
- Intentionality Over Time
- Grandparenting isn’t just about fun—it’s about creating moments that point kids to Jesus.
- From playtime to prayer, being present and purposeful makes a difference.
- When Your Kids Parent Differently
- Approach with grace, not criticism. Encourage, uplift, and model godly behavior.
- Earn influence through support, not control.
- God’s Mission Continues Through You
- The mission to raise mature disciples doesn’t end at age 18.
- As long as we live, we have a role in God’s redemptive plan for families.
Discussion Questions
- What does your “home team” currently look like? Who are you partnering with spiritually and biologically?
- How have you seen spiritual grandparents or mentors impact your family or others?
- If you’re a grandparent, what role do you feel God is calling you to play now?
- How can you support younger parents in your church or community?
- What might need to change in your life so you can be more available or intentional with the next generation?
Action Steps
- Evaluate Your Legacy: Reflect on how you’ve influenced your children or grandchildren spiritually. What changes might God be inviting you to make now?
- Step Into a Support Role: Reach out to a young family in your church. Offer help, encouragement, or just be available.
- Be Present and Purposeful: Make time for meaningful moments—whether it’s building race tracks or going on walks, use them to speak life and faith into younger hearts.
- Join a Group or Serve: Don’t underestimate the impact of being involved in church ministries. Every act of service can change a family’s story.
- Start Where You Are: No matter your past, God can use you today. Apologize if needed, reconcile where you can, and move forward in grace.
Closing Encouragement
You’re not done—because God’s mission isn’t done. Whether you’re a grandparent, spiritual mentor, or part of a church family, your presence and intentionality matter deeply. The enemy wants to divide, distract, and destroy, but God’s design is for families and the church to work together to raise strong, rooted disciples. You have a place on the home team, and your legacy can point generations to Jesus.
Stay faithful, stay connected, and know that your efforts are not in vain. You are building a kingdom legacy—one conversation, prayer, and act of love at a time.
Scripture References
- Ephesians 6:10-18
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9
- Judges 2:10
- Psalm 145:4
- 2 Timothy 1:5
- Proverbs 17:6
