In this episode of the “Christians Beyond the Classroom” series, Dean sits down with Andy Koesters, pastor to churches and families at FamiliesAlive and missional director for New River Presbytery, to discuss discipling the next generation. Andy shares the heart behind his book Let the Children Come, which he wrote primarily for elders and church leaders to equip them with a biblical vision for next-generation discipleship.
The discussion highlights practical ways churches can unleash believers into discipleship through common interests rather than traditional program volunteering, the importance of elders truly shepherding and knowing their flock, and how parents can create environments where children feel safe to express doubts and questions from the earliest age. Andy challenges listeners to become students of what it means to be a discipler like Jesus—sharing the gospel and their own selves with affectionate desire for those around them.
Resources:
Families Alive: https://familiesalive.org/
Andy’s book Let the Children Come: https://familiesalive.org/product/let-the-children-come/
DIY Biblical Parenting podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
EPC Church Health: https://epconnect.org/cpch/churchhealth/