Raising Revival-Fueled Families
Parenting principles from the revivalists …
In the 18th century, two mighty spiritual movements shook both sides of the Atlantic: the Great Awakening in America and the Evangelical Revival in Britain. Spearheaded by men like George Whitefield, John and Charles Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and William Tennent, these revivals were not only concerned with individual salvation and church renewal but with the reformation of the home. The revivalists believed that lasting spiritual awakening depended on families being governed by biblical truth, fueled by fervent faith, and led by godly parents. Their legacy offers timeless counsel for Christian parents today.
The Family as a “Little Church”
Revivalists saw the Christian household as a sacred institution and spiritual stronghold. American preacher and philosopher Jonathan Edwards, in sermon after sermon, repeatedly declared that “every Christian family ought to be as it were a little church, consecrated to Christ, and wholly influenced and governed by His rules.” In this vision, parents are not mere caretakers; they’re pastors of the home, charged with instructing, disciplining, and modelling a life submitted to Christ.
Anglican evangelist and one of the founders of Methodism, George Whitefield, echoed this same theme when he proclaimed, “Every house should be a little church.” For him, the home was the most natural and necessary place for the gospel to take root. “Parents,” he warned, “are not only to provide for the bodies of their children, but also for their souls.” This sacred duty calls for more than church attendance; it demands intentional, daily cultivation of family faith.
This may be the most essential of parenting principles from the revivalists: We should see our homes not merely as living spaces but as sanctuaries where Christ is honoured, His Word is taught, and His presence is sought daily. Like the revivalists, we must embrace our God-given role as spiritual shepherds of our families, faithfully nurturing our children’s souls in the rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and Christlike example.
Instruct Early, Earnestly, and Every Day
English cleric, theologian and the principal leader of Methodism, John Wesley, was tireless in urging parents to instruct their children in the things of God. “You should particularly endeavour to instruct your children early, plainly, frequently, and patiently,” he wrote. Wesley warned that waiting too long could harden a child’s heart and miss key moments of receptivity. “Whenever a child begins to speak, you may be assured reason begins to work. I know no cause that a parent should not just then begin to speak of the best things.”
But instruction without clarity accomplishes little. Wesley advised speaking in the simplest terms, using everyday life as a platform for biblical truth. He illustrated this with a conversation about the sun – its brightness, warmth, and Creator – guiding the child toward the God who “loves to do you good.”
Such efforts, however, must be empowered by prayer. “While you are speaking,” Wesley said, “you should be continually lifting up your heart to God.” For it is the Spirit, not just the parent, who opens the heart.
Daily Worship, Lifelong Impact
The revivalists insisted that no spiritual revival would last if the home remained spiritually dead. John Wesley lamented that the failure of many godly parents to teach and lead at home would bring an end to the very revivals they rejoiced in. “If family religion be neglected,” he asked, “will not the present revival of religion in a short time die away?”
To prevent this, family worship wasn’t considered optional—it was essential. Whitefield referred to daily prayer, Scripture reading, and psalm-singing as a “daily sacrifice.” Edwards, too, insisted on “constant attendance on family worship” as an essential means of grace. He was convinced that if parents were faithful in this duty, “multitudes of souls might be saved by their means.”
For today’s parents, this means scheduling daily time for family devotions. Read the Bible together. Pray for one another. Sing the praises of God. These acts, repeated in the ordinary rhythm of life, shape extraordinary faith in the next generation.
Spiritual Formation Begins with the Parent
Revivalist parenting was not child-centred, but Christ-centred, and parent-led. Edwards repeatedly emphasized that “the due regulation of families is in some respects of much greater importance than the regulation of the congregation.” Why? Because faithful parents have more daily influence than any preacher ever will.
Whitefield likewise called fathers to imitate Abraham, “who commanded his children and his household after him.” The father, he said, “is the head of the family, and therefore accountable for its spiritual condition.” That leadership must not be harsh, but loving and firm, leading by example and prayer.
Wesley added a warning: “He that spareth his rod, hateth his son.” Biblical discipline – done with patience, never anger – was considered a loving act, not a cruel one. Correction was a form of care that helped children understand the seriousness of sin and the sweetness of Christ.
Preparing Children for This World, and the Next
One of the revivalists’ most sobering insights is their concern with how parents prepare children for life. Too often, they warned, Christian parents focus only on temporal success. Wesley lamented, “Even pious parents … consider only how he may get the most money, not how he may get the most holiness!”
Instead, Wesley and Edwards urged parents to help children discern a life of vocation that allows them to serve God with joy and integrity. Education, occupation, and even marriage were to be guided by the question, “What will make this child most likely to love and serve God?” Wesley minced no words: to place a child in an irreligious school, job, or marriage was “little better than sending them to the devil.”
Today’s Christian parents would do well to evaluate extracurricular activities, career aspirations, and relational pursuits through the lens of eternity. It’s far better for your child to be holy than successful in the world.
Persevering Faithfulness
Revivalist parenting was not a quick-fix formula. It was a long obedience in the same direction. Edwards reminded his congregation that “family education and order are some of the chief means of grace.” Wesley added that if the fruit does not appear immediately, “the seed which has long remained in the ground may, at length, spring up into a plentiful harvest.”
So, remain biblically faithful in your parenting. If your children are wayward, do not despair. Persevere in prayer, keep teaching, and walk humbly with God. Your labour is not in vain.
Reviving the Church by Reforming the Home
The 18th-century revivalists burned with holy passion, not just for conversions in crowded fields, but for holiness in humble homes. They believed, rightly, that spiritual revival must take root in the family if it’s to endure in the church. Their words are as relevant now as they were then.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15. That’s more than a plaque on the wall; it’s a commitment written on the hearts of parents who raise their children to love Christ above all.
Let’s heed the revivalists’ call. Let’s lead our homes as “little churches.” Let’s raise our children to walk in truth. And let’s believe that what God begins in our homes, He can use to shape the world.
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Summary
Parenting Principles from the Revivalists: The 18th-century revivalists, such as Whitefield, Wesley, and Edwards, believed that true spiritual revival began in the home, where parents acted as pastors of “little churches” committed to daily worship, biblical instruction, and godly discipline. They urged early, earnest teaching of Scripture, empowered by prayer and lived out through consistent parental example. For them, success wasn’t measured by worldly achievement, but by a child’s holiness and lifelong service to Christ. Their legacy challenges today’s Christian parents to lead with purpose, persevere in faith, and raise children whose hearts are shaped by eternity.
FAQ 1. What did the revivalists believe about Christian parenting and the home?
The 18th-century revivalists, such as Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, believed the home was a “little church,” where parents served as spiritual leaders responsible for their children’s discipleship. They emphasized that true revival in society depends on faithful, Christ-centred families who regularly practice prayer, Scripture reading, and godly instruction at home (Joshua 24:15).
FAQ 2. Why is family worship important in raising revival-fueled families?
Family worship was seen by revivalists like John Wesley as essential, not optional. Daily Bible reading, prayer, and worship in the home were viewed as key “means of grace” that shape children’s hearts over time. These rhythms help establish a spiritual foundation, ensuring that faith is lived out consistently rather than being limited to church attendance.
FAQ 3. How can parents apply revivalist parenting principles today?
Parents can apply revivalist principles by intentionally leading their homes spiritually through praying with their children, teaching Scripture regularly, modelling Christlike character, and prioritizing holiness over worldly success. Like the revivalists taught, parenting should focus on long-term spiritual formation, helping children grow into lifelong followers of Jesus rather than simply achieving external success.
© Scripture Union, 2026
