Building Faith Through Family: Discipling as an Uncle

A cozy lunch setting after church with an older chubby bald man with a goatee, a 12-year-old girl with straight dark hair and glasses, a 12-year-old boy with very light blonde hair, and a small 9-year-old boy with dark blonde hair, all enjoying a meal together. — A warm family lunch after church, filled with good food and meaningful conversations

The Unexpected Calling of Discipling as an Uncle

Becoming an uncle has always been a role I’ve embraced with love and responsibility. However, it wasn’t until the death of my wife, Wendy, in April 2024, that I truly understood the depth of my calling. Her passing opened my eyes to the profound responsibility I had as an uncle. Losing Wendy to pancreatic cancer was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. Through that heartbreak, I realized the profound influence my nieces and nephews could have on my life. I also understood the importance of the role I now had to play. Discipling as an uncle became something I was not only called to do but something that provided meaning and purpose in the midst of my grief.

A middle-aged blonde woman with short blonde hair helping a 12-year-old girl with long straight dark brown hair and glasses, and a younger blonde-haired boy, make crafts in a craft room filled with colorful materials. — A creative and cozy moment in the craft room as a woman helps a girl and a boy with their project.

Wendy’s Legacy of Love

Wendy was always the one to lead the way. She loved our nieces and nephews deeply, starting with simple things like her craft room where they would create together. This bond grew stronger as they started attending church with us. Wendy would always ask them what they had learned in Sunday school, guiding their conversations toward spiritual matters and investing in their faith. It was through her love that they began to understand God’s Word.

But when Wendy passed, I was left to continue what she had started. The presence of my niece and nephews has become a source of strength for me. They have blessed me beyond words. I pray that I’ve been able to be a blessing to them as well.

A youth football game in progress with players on the field and an older, chubby, bald man sitting on the sidelines wearing an orange jersey with the name "SPANKY" and the number "50" on the back. — A fun and energetic youth football game with a dedicated fan in the stands, sporting his “SPANKY” jersey.

The Role of Discipling as an Uncle

This blog series reflects my journey as I step into the role of spiritual guide and mentor. I am learning how to lead my niece and nephews in their faith. It’s about the lessons I’ve learned as I strive to always point them toward Jesus in everything we do. Whether through the simple rituals of life, such as sharing a meal after church, or through fun and relaxed activities like movie nights and sports, I’ve discovered many opportunities to disciple them. These moments allow me to guide them in their faith in countless ways.

Here’s what you can expect in this series:

The Biblical Call to Discipling as an Uncle: Exploring the scriptural foundation for aunts, uncles, and other extended family members as mentors in the faith, drawing from passages like Deuteronomy 6 and Titus 2.
Blessed by Their Presence: Reflecting on how being with my nieces and nephews has enriched my life, deepened my faith, and brought joy.
The Power of Presence in Discipling as an Uncle: How simply being present in their lives has laid a foundation of trust, love, and spiritual growth.
Lunch after Church: A Time for Spiritual Conversations: Discussing how our post-church lunches have become a valuable time for reflection and faith-building discussions.
The Little Things Matter: Emphasizing that everyday moments—like chatting in the car or sharing a laugh—can serve as opportunities to plant seeds of faith.
Finding Common Ground through Sports: How shared interests in sports have opened the door for relationship-building and spiritual mentoring.
Going to the Movies: Using movies as a fun and impactful way to discuss life choices, values, and faith.
A Legacy Left Behind: Honoring my late wife Wendy’s lasting influence and how her love and faith continue to shape our family’s journey.
My Prayer for Them: My prayer for their life, spiritual growth, guidance, and the hope that they will continue to grow in their love for the Lord.

A cozy living room with a big screen TV over the fireplace, bookcases with cabinets on each side, two loveseats, a recliner, and a 12-year-old girl with long brown hair and glasses, a 12-year-old boy with light blonde hair, a 9-year-old boy with blonde hair, and a bald, chubby man sitting on the loveseat watching a movie. — A relaxing family movie night in a cozy living room with a big screen TV and comfortable seating.

A New Chapter of Discipleship

I look forward to the future with my nieces and nephews, filled with gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to mentor and disciple them. I hope this series allows me to share what I’ve learned. My goal is to encourage others to be present and intentional with the children in their lives. Discipleship doesn’t always come from grand gestures; often, it’s in the small moments that the seeds of faith are planted. My goal is to help them grow closer to God. Through this journey, I’ve learned to lean on Him, and I hope to guide them in the same way.

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