Kids & Parents: Is It Possible to Raise Godly Kids in the 901 Today?
- Boundless Team
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Raising children who love Jesus in Memphis is entirely possible when we prioritize intentional discipleship, local church community, and a home-first faith. By combining biblical training, consistent love, and godly discipline, parents in the 901 can lead their children to follow Christ despite modern cultural pressures.
If you’ve spent any time driving down Walnut Grove or walking through Shelby Farms, you know that Memphis is a city with a big heart, but it also faces big challenges. From the relentless pace of digital culture to the shifting moral landscape of the Mid-South, parents in the 901 often ask the same question: "Is it actually possible to raise kids who stay faithful to God in a world that feels like it’s moving in the opposite direction?"
The answer is a resounding yes. It’s not just possible; it’s a beautiful calling that God has equipped you to fulfill. Whether you live in Cordova, Bartlett, Germantown, or right in the heart of the city, your home can be a greenhouse for spiritual growth.
The 901 Reality: Understanding the Landscape
Raising kids in 2026 means navigating a "digital-first" world where social media, streaming content, and peer pressure are available 24/7. In Memphis, we also deal with local urban pressures and a culture that sometimes values performance over character.
A recent look at modern parenting reveals that children today face higher rates of anxiety and identity confusion than previous generations. When we add the specific context of Shelby County, where family stability can vary wildly from one neighborhood to the next, the need for a solid biblical foundation becomes even more urgent.
But here is the good news: Light shines brightest in the dark. In the Assemblies of God tradition, we believe that the Holy Spirit is actively working to empower families. We aren't just trying to raise "nice kids"; we are discipling future leaders who will change the 901 for the Kingdom of God.
The Three Pillars of Godly Parenting
To raise children who are anchored in Christ, we focus on three biblical pillars: Training, Love, and Discipline.
1. Training: Shaping the Heart
Training isn't just about telling your kids what to do; it’s about showing them who God is. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells us to talk about God’s commands when we sit at home, when we walk along the road, and when we lie down. In Memphis terms, that means talking about Jesus while you're stuck in traffic on I-40 or while you're waiting in line for BBQ.
Discipleship Definition: The lifelong process of learning to follow Jesus, obeying His teachings, and being transformed into His likeness.
2. Love: The Foundation of Security
Children need to know they are loved unconditionally, by you and by God. Love provides the emotional "soil" where faith can take root. At First Assembly Memphis, we see this love modeled every week in our FA Kids ministry, where every child is treated as a priceless treasure.
3. Discipline: The Guardrails of Life
Biblical discipline is never about anger; it’s about restoration. It’s helping a child understand that God’s boundaries are for our protection and joy. When we discipline with grace, we model the heart of a Heavenly Father who corrects those He loves.
Sanctification Definition: The work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life to set them apart for God, making them more like Christ in character and conduct.
Practical Steps for Memphis Families
How do we take these big ideas and make them work on a Tuesday afternoon in Shelby County? Here are five practical ways to build a godly home:
Topic | Action Step | Goal |
Daily Rhythms | Pray together before school and bed. | Make prayer a natural first response. |
Digital Boundaries | Keep phones out of bedrooms at night. | Protect their minds and sleep. |
Community | Join a Life Group at FA Memphis. | Surround your family with godly friends. |
Service | Volunteer together at a local outreach. | Show them faith in action. |
The Word | Read a Bible story or verse every morning. | Build a biblical worldview. |
Leveraging Local and Global Community
No parent is an island. You weren't meant to do this alone. At First Assembly Memphis, we believe the church is a partner to the home. We offer resources like our Wednesday Family Dinner to help take the stress off your schedule so you can focus on connection.
If you find yourself outside the Memphis area or your schedule makes physical attendance difficult, Boundless Online Church serves as a digital bridge. You can stay connected to a community that cares about your family’s spiritual health, no matter where you are.
Facing Culture with Courage
Our kids are going to hear messages from the world that contradict the Bible. Instead of hiding from culture, we train our kids to filter it. Use movie nights or song lyrics as conversation starters. Ask them, "How does this match up with what Jesus said?"
Repentance Definition: A change of mind and heart that leads to a change in direction, turning away from sin and turning toward God.
By teaching our kids to think biblically, we prepare them to be "salt and light" in their schools and social circles. We want them to be the ones who stand up for the bullied, who speak the truth with kindness, and who live with a peace that the world can't explain.
Takeaways for the 901 Parent
Be the Model: Your kids are watching how you handle stress, how you treat your spouse, and how you prioritize your time with God.
Prioritize Presence: In a city of "busy," choose to be present. Ten minutes of focused, phone-free time with your child is worth more than a room full of toys.
Connect with the Church: Whether it's First Assembly Memphis or another healthy local church, get your kids into a community of believers.
Speak Blessings: Use your words to affirm who God made them to be. Tell them they are chosen, loved, and called for a purpose.
One Step at a Time
Raising godly kids isn't about being a perfect parent; it’s about pointing them to a perfect Savior. Some days will feel like a win, and some days will feel like you’re barely holding it together. In those moments, remember that God’s grace is sufficient for you and for your children.
The 901 is a mission field, and your family is the front line. Let's raise a generation that knows the Word of God, feels the love of the Church, and walks in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome your family in person this Sunday. From our FA Kids church to our adult Life Groups, there is a place for everyone to belong: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join our global online community for worship and discipleship: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
Comments