Session 1 - The Foundation of Parenting

In this session, Dr. John Street opens with a reflection on J.C. Ryle’s quote about the home being a place where the foundations of character are laid. The core idea is that while we cannot guarantee the outcome of our parenting, we are still responsible before God for faithfully raising our children.

Dr. Street emphasizes that we live in a rapidly changing world where children face moral and societal issues, such as shifting views on gender identity, at a much younger age. Parents must stay grounded in biblical principles, especially when facing cultural pressures.

Key verses include Proverbs 22:6, often misunderstood as a promise. Dr. Street clarifies that this verse is a warning—if we allow children to follow their own way, they will continue in it. Parents must intervene in their children’s lives and guide them toward Christ, even while recognizing that ultimate control over a child’s heart lies with God.