He quickly responded with (and I am paraphrasing), "You have hit the nail on the head." He also stated, "Our research shows that the students who do remain in church are the ones whose parents have played a significant role in their discipleship."
This obviously came as no shock to me. This is the message that I have had the privilege of proclaiming along with others like Steve Wright, Blake Hickman, Chris Swann, Dr. Wes Black, Dr. Richard Ross, Dr. Randy Stinson, etc. There was a real reason, however, that I wanted Dr. Rainer to share that answer from the floor of the conference in front of many pastors and student pastors. That reason is that this message for the most part, is not being taught in our seminaries. It is not being taught by our state denominational leaders. It has not been placed before the majority of our pastors and student pastors as a clarion call to reform the current ailing culture of family and church.
Being at this conference helped me to realize more than ever that, in the trenches, we are shooting at the enemy with cap guns. And the sad thing about it is that the experts who should be equipping our front line soldiers are the ones handing out the cap guns. The only weapon that can sufficiently address this crisis is the truth that is stated as principle in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and is reinforced as doctrine in Ephesians 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Ephesians 6:4
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