From Discipline to Discipleship: A Parenting Seminar to Remember

Shaping hearts, not just habits. Parenting with eternity in mind

We first envisioned a parenting seminar. We hoped for a solid turnout and meaningful conversations. We wished for a few lightbulb moments.

Our Parenting Seminar at Green Pastures Tabernacle, Hebron City was a heart-stirring success. Full of real talk, fresh insight, and powerful reminders from Mr. & Mrs. Kimunya (and their daughter Tenashe).

What we got was so much more. An overflow of wisdom, vulnerability, laughter, conviction, and community.

A Family on Mission: Meet the Kimunyas

Our guest speakers, Mr. and Mrs. Kimunya, along with their daughter Tenashe. Set the tone in the most disarming and authentic way.

*Mr. and Mrs. Kimunya (right) with their daughter, Tenashe (left) and friend (Nenoh*)

They arrived after a long journey and a long meeting. But came with hearts wide open. They offered insights not found in textbooks. It was lived experience. Godly insight, and a warm invitation to shift our parenting lens.

Harriet Kimunya reminded us, “This isn’t about perfect parenting. It’s about positioning ourselves in God’s will for the sake of our children.”

Mr. Kimunya added:

“Let’s move beyond parental discipline… to discipleship. The goal isn’t just obedience. It’s spiritual formation.”

Their honesty about the struggles of raising children in a fast-changing world was sobering. Their commitment to anchoring their family in Christ was refreshing.

When Parents Talk, Heaven Listens

After the plenary, we split into two vibrant breakout sessions:
👶 Parents of Younger children (below 12 years)
🧑‍🎓 Parents of Teens (13+ years)

The room buzzed with honest confessions, sharp questions, and shared laughter. What became clear is that parenting in this generation requires courage and community. It is not meant to be done alone.

Some parents came seeking strategy. Others came seeking healing. Many came with questions:

“How do I connect with a child who’s suddenly gone silent?”
“What do I do when my teen sees me as outdated?”
“How do I discipline in love, not anger?”

What We’re Grappling With

From the discussions, some clear themes emerged:

Emotional disconnection: Many parents feel their kids are drifting emotionally. Becoming snobbish or distant.
Technology overload: Locked phones, screen addiction, and social media pressure were top concerns.
Conflicting parenting styles: From single moms feeling alone to couples with clashing discipline philosophies.
Fear of failing: The pressure to “get it right” often leaves parents feeling inadequate or guilty.
Faith in action: A longing to model authentic, Christ-centered lives. Without faking it.

*Rev. Albert and Parents sharing from breakout sessions*

From Pain Points to Prayer Points

As one parent aptly put it, “We didn’t just come to talk about our kids. We came to check our own hearts.”

And that’s exactly what happened.

This seminar reminded us that parenting isn’t just about raising children. It’s about being raised ourselves by the Holy Spirit. We should become the kind of people our children can follow.

We left with renewed conviction:

To submit to God’s authority.
To live what we teach.
To be vulnerable, not perfect.
To trade pride for presence.

*The takeouts were personal and practical*

Where Do We Go From Here?

The planning team gathered rich feedback for future events. Parents requested:

More workshops by age group
Support groups for single parents
Guidance on managing tech and media
Help navigating blended families
More room to share and pray together

And so we’ll continue. One conversation, one gathering, one prayer at a time.

*We closed the seminar, but the conversation continues*

Final Word: From Our House to Yours

As the Kimunyas reminded us, “You don’t parent from perfection. You parent from grace.”

Let’s keep learning together. Laughing together. Growing together. And most of all, discipling the next generation for eternity.

🟩 #ParentingGodsWay #ChristianParenting #DiscipleshipAtHome #GreenPasturesTabernacle #FaithAndFamily

Joseph Ngaara is inspired by people’s life experiences. Do you have an intriguing life story and need to share your triumph or tragedy? Email: j.mungai@hotmail.co.uk

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