The Biblical Call to Discipling as an Uncle or Aunt

An older bald man with a chubby build and a goatee, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, planting seeds in a garden with a 12-year-old girl with long dark brown hair, glasses, a 12-year-old boy with light blonde hair, and a 9-year-old boy with medium blonde hair, under soft sunlight. — Planting seeds of faith together as a family, nurturing love and growth.

Nieces and Nephews: A Gift from God

Nieces and nephews are one of God’s greatest gifts. While they may not be your own children, they are entrusted to you as a unique part of your family for a reason. Like any child, they are a blessing from God, and with that blessing comes a responsibility—a biblical call to guide them in faith. Discipling as an uncle or aunt is more than just being the “fun relative”; it’s an opportunity to plant and water seeds of faith that can grow into a vibrant relationship with Christ.

If you’re new to this series, I encourage you to read the introduction to this journey of discipling as an uncle or aunt here. It lays the foundation for why this calling is so important and how our role in the lives of nieces and nephews reflects Christ’s heart.

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow” (NLT). This verse is a reminder that while we are not responsible for the ultimate growth of faith in our nieces and nephews, we are called to plant and water those seeds. God has entrusted us with this role, and He will bring the increase.

An older bald man with a chubby build and a goatee wearing jeans and a polo shirt sits in a wooden church pew with a 12-year-old girl with long dark brown hair and glasses, a 12-year-old boy with light blonde hair, and a 9-year-old boy with medium blonde hair during a church service. — A family worships together, finding faith and connection in a peaceful church setting.

Biblical Foundation for Discipling as an Uncle or Aunt

Jesus gives us a clear directive in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” This command isn’t limited to pastors or parents; it applies to anyone in a position of influence, including uncles and aunts.

Ephesians 6:4 reinforces this: “Bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord” (NLT). While the verse addresses fathers, it’s a principle that can extend to any family member with influence over a child’s life. Planting and watering the seeds of faith isn’t optional—it’s a calling that God has placed on each of us.

Practical Steps to Plant and Water Seeds of Faith

1. Build a Loving Relationship

Discipling as an uncle or aunt begins with love. Your relationship with your nieces and nephews is the foundation for all spiritual influence. Show up for their games, their birthdays, and their milestones. Be someone they can trust, someone who listens and cares. A loving relationship creates the openness necessary to share your faith.

2. Introduce Faith Naturally

Faith conversations don’t need to be forced. Ask them what they learned in Sunday School or during youth group. Share how God has worked in your life or tell them Bible stories that impacted you. These natural conversations make faith approachable and relatable.

3. Pray With and For Them

Prayer is a powerful way to plant seeds of faith. Pray with them at meals, bedtime, or during challenging times. Let them see you pray for their futures, their decisions, and their walk with God. This shows them the importance of prayer in daily life.

A chubby bald man with a goatee, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, gifting a Bible to a 12-year-old girl with long dark brown hair, brown eyes, and glasses in a cozy living room. — A precious moment of sharing faith through the gift of God’s Word.

4. Equip Them with God’s Word

Gift your nieces and nephews age-appropriate Bibles or devotionals. Include a heartfelt note or highlight your favorite verses. Encourage them to explore God’s Word and discuss what they’re reading together.

A chubby bald man with a goatee, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, stands from the back watching a tall, skinny pastor baptize a 9-year-old boy in a creek. A covered bridge is visible to the right in the serene woodland setting. — Witnessing a sacred moment in a tranquil creekside setting, where faith and nature unite.

How to Disciple Them After Salvation

1. Teach Them to Grow in Their Faith

Help your nieces and nephews develop personal habits like prayer and Bible study. Teach them how to reflect on scripture and apply it to their lives.

2. Engage Them in Christian Community

Encourage them to join youth groups, Bible studies, or church activities. Take them if you have to. Fellowship with other believers their age will help strengthen their faith.

3. Serve Together

Teach them to live out their faith by serving others. Volunteer together at church, in your community, or even at home. This helps them see that following Christ means putting others before themselves.

4. Continue Mentoring

Stay involved in their lives even as they grow older. Encourage them, answer their questions, and let them know they can rely on you as they face challenges in their faith journey.

A chubby bald man with a very short gray goatee drives a pickup truck. In the front passenger seat, a 12-year-old girl with long straight dark brown hair, glasses, and a solid-colored princess-style dress leans back to hand corn dogs to two boys in the backseat, one 12 years old with light blonde hair and the other 9 years old with medium blonde hair, both eating corn dogs. — A joyful family moment on the way to church, sharing corn dogs and smiles.

A Personal Responsibility and Privilege

Discipling as an uncle or aunt is a unique privilege that requires intentionality and love. God has given you the opportunity to plant seeds of faith, water them, and help your nieces and nephews grow into fully devoted followers of Christ. As 1 Corinthians 3:6 reminds us, it’s God who brings the growth, but we are called to faithfully do our part.

Let’s embrace this calling together. Take the time to be a spiritual influence in the lives of the children God has placed in your life.

Call to Action

💡 Stay Connected!

Follow and Like our Facebook Page: Disciple Blueprint
Join Our Monthly Newsletter by completing the form at the bottom of the page. Stay updated on resources, encouragement, and ideas for discipling your family.