“Our goal with Tell the Next Generation is to assist congregations in equipping families to teach the faith in the home. Parents are the primary influence in the lives of their children. The Scriptures and the Small Catechism teach that the role of teaching the faith to children is primarily the responsibility of parents. Parents play a crucial role in helping young people remain connected to the church.”   

      — Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan, president, Missouri District

“Discipleship in the Home” is the Critical Target 2 for the 2025–28 Missouri District Strategic Plan. It is a call to action for congregations to make a cultural shift and, with “Bold Hope,” encourage and equip “Faith at Home” in every household so disciples of Jesus:  

• Live their baptismal faith as children of God, loved and saved by Jesus. 
• Read and reflect on the Bible and the Small Catechism. 
• Serve, forgive, and share Christ’s love daily at home and in the world.  

Psalm 78:5-7, ESV 

“He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”