Biblical Parenting Resources to Use with your Kids

Most of the readers of this blog go to my church, but, for those that don't, I couldn't resist writing down some great resources from today's sermon. We just wrapped up a 5 part series on parenting at Compass Bible Church. You can always listen to and download the sermons for free by going to http://www.compasschurch.org/ and then clicking on the Focal Point link. The series was called "Passing the Baton." It is well worth a listen!

Today, our Pastor ended with some practical "how-to's" for parents and those with any exposure to kids. First, we are to train our kids to think Biblically. To do this, he underlined the fact that parents HAVE to be teaching the kids constantly at home. Relying on AWANA, Christian school, or church to do all the Bible teaching is not going to do it. This is the point where Pastor Mike went over all the book resources he recommends for different ages. The list was GREAT, and our Amazon and Christianbook.com bill is going to be big in future months! I'll copy it to the bottom of this post.

The second point was to make sure your kids' hearts rely on God. The main way to do this is to make sure you pray constantly in front of your children. They will see that mom and dad rely on God. Pastor Mike stated that he prays with his family EVERY time they get in the car to go somewhere. They go through their Christmas card photo cards they receive each night at dinner and pray for a family or two. They pray for other countries or missionaries abroad during morning prayers. In addition to praying, Pastor Mike said you have to teach your children to give and not rely on money or grow attached to money. His children have a tithing jar next to their piggy bank, and a part of their allowance always must go to God. In addition, he makes the youngest kids, who don't understand money, give away "stuff," and not just stuff they don't want anymore.

Finally, the third point was to require your kids to go to church and to serve at church. Pastor Mike said it is unacceptable to let your kids decide whether or not they go to church. He treats it as he would school. As long as they are under his roof, his kids have no choice. Plus, they are required to serve in a capacity that makes sense for their age. His youngest kids are to reach out and talk to new kids. His older ones help with organized serving opportunities at church. The whole series was amazing. I recommend a listen! Here is the list of books recommended for children (listed by age):

• • • Resources For Toddlers • • •
Taylor, Ken. The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes. Moody Press, 2003.
Walton, John, et al. The Tiny Tots Bible Story Book. Chariot Family Publishers, 1993.
The Candy Cane Press Series: The Story of Adam & Eve; The Story of Noah; etc. (several others in this series)

• • • Resources For Pre-Schoolers • • •
McDowell, Josh and Dottie. The Right Choices Bible. Tyndale Kids, 1998.
Taylor, Ken. Big Thoughts for Little People: ABC’s to Help You Grow. Tyndale House, 1990.
Lewis, Karen. From Arapesh to Zuni: An ABC Book of Bible-less Peoples. Wycliffe Bible Translators, 1986.
The Help Me Be Good Series by Joy Berry: About Disobeying; About Lying; About Whining; etc. (others in this series)

• • • Resources For Elementary Kids • • •
Fabarez, Mike. Bible Survey for Kids: A Simplified Interactive System. Focal Point Ministries, 2009.
Beers, V. Gilbert and Dan Foote. The Step by Step Bible: A Panoramic Journey Through God’s Word. Chariot, 1999.
Schmitt, Betsy. Sticky Situations: 365 Devotions for Kids and Families. Tyndale Kids, 2006.
Ware, Bruce A. Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God. Crossway, 2009.
Spraggett, Daphne, Window on the World: When We Pray God Works. Authentic Press, 2007.
Taylor, Paul S. The Great Dinosaur Mystery and the Bible. Chariot Victor Publishing, 1998.

• • • Resources For Teens • • •
Fabarez, Mike. The Partners Program for Teens (A 33 Chapter Workbook). Focal Point Ministries, 2008.
George, Jim. The Bare Bones Bible Handbook for Teens: Getting to Know Every Book of the Bible. Harvest, 2008.
Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ: Student Edition. Zondervan, 2002.
Little, Paul. Know Why You Believe: A Clear Affirmation of the Reasonableness of the Faith. Victory Books ,1987.
Newman, Robert, et al. What’s Darwin Got to Do With It? A Friendly Conversation about Evolution. InterVarsity, 2000.
Geisler, Norman and William Nix. From God to Us: How We Got Our Bible. Zondervan, 1993.
McDowell, Josh. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Evidence I & II. Thomas Nelson, 1999.
Sire, James W. Chris Chrisman Goes to College: And Faces Relativism, Individualism & Pluralism. InterVarsity, 1993.