Project – The Role of Christian Parenting in Promoting Godliness and Spiritual Discipline Among Children in Five Primary Schools in Surulere

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Christian parenting is widely recognized as a foundational institution for the moral, spiritual, and social development of children. Within the Christian faith, parents are regarded as primary agents of spiritual formation, responsible for nurturing children in the knowledge of God, moral discipline, and righteous living. In Nigerian society, especially in urban centers such as Surulere, Lagos State, parenting has increasingly become a critical area of concern due to the rising levels of moral decline among children and adolescents.

The Bible emphasizes the responsibility of parents in shaping the spiritual direction of their children. Passages such as Proverbs 22:6, which states “Train up a child in the way he should go,” and Ephesians 6:4, which instructs fathers not to provoke their children but to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, highlight the central role of parenting in spiritual formation. These biblical injunctions form the basis of Christian parenting practices, particularly within Pentecostal denominations and mainstream churches in Nigeria.

In contemporary Christian homes, prayer, Bible study, worship, and moral instruction are often used as tools for instilling godliness and spiritual discipline in children. Spiritual discipline refers to consistent practices that help children develop obedience to God, self-control, reverence, and moral consciousness. Christian parenting also involves modeling Christ-like behaviour, correcting misconduct in love, and ensuring that children are exposed to spiritually enriching environments both at home and in church.

In Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, children are exposed to multiple social influences including digital media, peer pressure, and urban lifestyle trends that often conflict with Christian values. This has made the role of Christian parenting even more important in guiding children toward godliness. Studies have shown that parenting style significantly influences children’s moral reasoning, behaviour, and religious commitment (Okpaleke, 2019; Adewale, 2023) .

In Surulere, a densely populated urban area with diverse socio-economic and cultural influences, Christian parents face the challenge of balancing modern societal realities with biblical parenting standards. While many families engage in church activities and religious training, there is still concern about whether these practices effectively translate into genuine spiritual discipline and godly behaviour among children.

Furthermore, research indicates that effective Christian parenting is not only about religious instruction but also about consistent modelling, emotional bonding, and disciplined guidance (Istifanus et al., 2026) . When these elements are lacking, children may grow up with religious exposure but without internalized moral values.

This study therefore seeks to examine the role Christian parenting plays in promoting godliness and spiritual discipline among children in selected primary schools in Surulere, Lagos State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the strong emphasis placed on Christian parenting in churches and Christian homes, there is growing concern that many children in urban areas still exhibit weak moral behaviour and limited spiritual discipline.

In Surulere, Lagos State, many Christian parents attend church regularly, participate in family devotion, and encourage their children to pray and engage in religious activities. However, there are increasing reports of children displaying behaviours such as disobedience, dishonesty, disrespect for authority, lack of prayer commitment, and poor moral judgment. This raises questions about the effectiveness of Christian parenting in shaping children’s behaviour.

Additionally, modern societal influences such as social media, peer groups, and school environments often compete with Christian teachings received at home. In many cases, children may be exposed to religious instruction but fail to internalize it due to inconsistent parenting practices, lack of parental involvement, or overly authoritarian approaches that do not encourage genuine spiritual growth.

Studies have also shown that while Christian parenting is expected to foster discipline and moral development, its effectiveness depends on the quality of parental engagement, communication, and modelling of Christian values (Okpaleke, 2019; Layefa et al., 2026) .

The problem, therefore, is that despite the presence of Christian parenting practices in Surulere primary schools’ family backgrounds, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that such parenting consistently promotes godliness and spiritual discipline among children. This study is designed to investigate this gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the role of Christian parenting in promoting godliness and spiritual discipline among children in selected primary schools in Surulere, Lagos State.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Examine the extent of Christian parenting practices in Surulere households.
2. Assess the influence of Christian parenting on children’s godliness.
3. Determine the effect of Christian parenting on children’s spiritual discipline.
4. Identify factors affecting the effectiveness of Christian parenting in moral development.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What Christian parenting practices are commonly used in Surulere households?
2. How does Christian parenting influence children’s godliness?
3. What is the relationship between Christian parenting and children’s spiritual discipline?
4. What factors affect the effectiveness of Christian parenting in shaping children’s moral behaviour?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀ (Null Hypothesis):
There is no significant relationship between Christian parenting and the promotion of godliness and spiritual discipline among children in primary schools in Surulere, Lagos State.

H₁ (Alternative Hypothesis):
There is a significant relationship between Christian parenting and the promotion of godliness and spiritual discipline among children in primary schools in Surulere, Lagos State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to parents, teachers, church leaders, and educational policymakers. Christian parents will better understand their role in shaping children’s moral lives. Church leaders will gain insight into improving family-based spiritual training. Teachers will understand how home environments influence pupils’ behaviour. The study will also contribute to academic literature on Christian education and moral development in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on Christian parenting and its influence on godliness and spiritual discipline among children in selected primary schools in Surulere, Lagos State. It is limited to Christian families and children in primary school level.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Christian Parenting: The practice of raising children according to biblical principles and Christian values.
• Godliness: Living a life that reflects obedience, reverence, and devotion to God.
• Spiritual Discipline: Regular religious practices such as prayer, Bible reading, and moral obedience.
• Children: Pupils in primary schools within Surulere, Lagos State.
• Primary Schools: Basic educational institutions for children typically aged 5–12 years.

Project – The Role of Christian Parenting in Promoting Godliness and Spiritual Discipline Among Children in Five Primary Schools in Surulere