How Parenting Has Taught Me About Evangelism
Branden Stathes —
People often ask what it’s like to raise five kids. My answer? It’s loud, messy, and full of surprises. But the thing that amazes me most is how different each child is. Same parents, same home, same food, even the same hand-me-down clothes—yet each one has a completely unique personality and set of needs.
Take just my two oldest boys:
- Cruze (6th grade) is driven and adventurous—always chasing the next big thing.
- Ryland (4th grade) is laid-back and content. He’s happy just to be.
Despite growing up under the same roof, parenting them feels like navigating two very different paths. Parents, can I get an amen?
Right now, Ryland is in a sweet season—curious, motivated, eager to connect. Cruze, on the other hand, is wrestling with frustration and short tempers. My wife and I have tried different approaches, but nothing “fixes” it overnight. And if you’re a parent, you know how painful it is to watch your child struggle when all you want is for them to thrive.
That’s where I’m reminded: if anyone understands guiding children in all kinds of seasons, it’s God. And two truths from Scripture have steadied me this past year.
Two Parenting Truths from Scripture
- Parenting is a process.
In John 4:35–38, Jesus says, “One sows and another reaps.” Parenting, like farming, takes time, patience, and trust.
- The results are up to God.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” We can guide and love, but only God brings transformation.
The Parallel to Evangelism
At Search, we teach these same truths when it comes to sharing your faith.
- Evangelism is a process.
Everyone’s spiritual journey unfolds over time. Sometimes you’re planting seeds, sometimes watering them, and sometimes you get to see a harvest. Some people—like my son Ryland—are eager and open. Others—like Cruze in this season—are harder to reach. Should we be surprised? Every person brings their own personality, history, and season of life.
- The results are up to God.
As parents, we long for growth in our kids, and it can be frustrating when we don’t see it right away. The same is true in evangelism. Our invitation is to relax and trust that God is the one faithfully at work. Yes, He gives us things to do, but He never asks us to force results. Trusting Him frees us from pressure and lets us focus on what matters most: loving people well and leaving the rest to Him.
Parenting reminds me daily that I’m not in control of outcomes—but I am invited to show up with love and patience. Evangelism is the same. Our role is to be present, attentive, and faithful in the small moments, trusting God to do what only He can do. Whether with our kids, our friends, or our neighbors, God’s invitation is simple: plant seeds, water them with care, and rest in the truth that He will bring about the growth in His timing.
Branden Stathes serves with Search in Austin, TX. He loves sports and the outdoors, especially when it involves his wife and five kids. Most of all, Branden has a deep passion to help people experience a vibrant and personal relationship with God.
