Date
5-20-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Terrence O. Hayes, Sr.
Keywords
biblical parenting, child rearing practices, education, faith conversations, modeling, parenting, parenting skills, spiritual disciplines
Disciplines
Practical Theology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Mitchell, Lillian Michelle, "Supporting Parents of Pre-Adolescents: Equipping Parents through Focused Instruction on Biblical Parenting Practices" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8492.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8492
Abstract
This action research project addresses the problem that parents and grandparents of pre-adolescent children at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church do not receive sufficient intentional spiritual support, biblical guidance, and instruction to teach them how to raise their children using parenting skills grounded in a biblical worldview. The purpose of this research was to equip parents and grandparents of pre-adolescent children with biblically based parenting skills using an eight-week group study. The project examined the results of the Bible study group, which focused on Genesis 1:26, Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Proverbs 22:6, Luke 2:46, Ephesians 6:1-4, and Titus 2:1-8. The study implemented an eight-session curriculum that included the study and application of specific Scriptures, group discussion, journaling, personal reflection, affirming children, and parent support. Data collection included a focus group, journal entries, and pre- and post-group study questionnaires to examine participants’ acquisition of knowledge and changes in perspectives or behaviors related to biblical parenting skills. The results revealed that when taught, parents and grandparents make intentional efforts to apply biblical teachings to their parenting, and that parents, grandparents, and children experience spiritual growth and transformation. This project will influence others in the field by offering a reproducible model for providing parents and grandparents with specific biblical instruction and support to help them raise their pre-adolescent children according to the principles and teachings of the Bible. The research implications are relevant and are new directions for ministry contexts to explore.
