A book I’d love to recommend to parents of teens is “10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (And Answer) About Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin. This book does a fantastic job of handling some of the biggest questions our students are currently facing in our modern context. I’ve used it multiple times in the past when working through specific issues and questions that teens have brought up. It would be a great book for parents to pick up and read with their student.

— Kristof Katzbeck

It can be a challenge to help elementary-age children learn and enjoy reading God’s word!
“Read, Think, Pray, Do” is a sweet introduction to the grand adventure of reading and engaging with Scripture. The illustrations are wonderful and the book is short but wonderfully makes the point that our Bibles are an amazing gift for a lifetime adventure in knowing God.

— Donna Leupp

This is a fun resource to recommend, not only because it is a great children’s book (and I love children’s literature), but because it is written by one of our own! Madison Darling takes a look at an oft-overlooked story in the context of God’s people inheriting the Promised Land. A story of what God means when he says “everyone.” With a “persistent widow” type faith, Madison does a beautiful job of encouraging us to not give up, because he who promised is faithful. And sometimes we have to remind one another of that.

Christ is All,
Pastor Jay

Daughters of the Promise by Madison Darling is available on Amazon.

I have found myself turning many times to the story of the Prodigal Son as both a comfort and reminder of God’s grace and mercy to me. The Prodigal God from Timothy Keller explains the parable in a way that we often miss, and in a way that goes above and beyond to share the Gospel. This book has meant a lot to me personally and has made a lasting impact in how I understand God’s mercy towards me. It is for this reason that I can whole heartedly recommend this book for anyone who wants to both know God more and know how God views us more. If you pick this book up, I pray it meets you exactly where you need it and blesses you.

— Kristof Katzbeck

At the very end of the Gospel of Matthew, the risen Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

But how do apprentices of Jesus make more apprentices of Jesus?

In Walk with Me: Simple Principles for Everyday Disciplemaking, author Bill Mowry offers a biblical, practical, and down-to-earth guide for banding together to make more disciples. He presents a simple, relational approach that goes beyond mere information or programs, reaching below the surface to the heart. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow in their own walk with Jesus and help others do the same.

— Jeff Clochesy

Ask anyone how they are doing, and most times it won’t take too long for them to say, “Busy.” Living hurried lives is so normal that it has reached levels of cultural pandemic. We are increasingly overloaded, overwhelmed, and unrested.

But that isn’t the life we are called to live in Jesus.

Is it possible to live unhurried lives in such a rushed world? Do the ancient practices of the faith still matter? John Mark Comer addresses these topics in his book, “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.” He says that not only is it possible, but essential if we want to experience the abundant life that Jesus offers. And the tools to live in the modern world are older than you think.

This has been one of my favorite books and has radically changed the way I think of work and rest.

— Jay Williams

As we seek to grow as apprentices of Jesus, how do we respond to the sadness, suffering, or disappointment that we or others experience in our lives?

Lament.

God has given us lament as a way of honestly interacting with Him through challenging times. Learning how to prayerfully lament is vital for all of us as we seek to faithfully follow Jesus through the dark valleys of life. Mark Vroegop’s book, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, is a helpful guide for learning how to lament. He provides practical guidance alongside profound insights into how God works through seasons of lament to draw us into deeper intimacy with Him. We have copies available in our church library. I highly recommend it!

I also preached a sermon on the topic that you can rewatch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgpxtP4zbgk

— Jeff Clochesy

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!” –Psalm 119:10-12

Looking for a great devotional to accompany your time in God’s word? I have two recommendations for you, one for anyone, and another for our students.

First, is a devotional that I have been using to go through the Psalms; In The Lord I Take Refuge from Dane Ortlund. Each day is a Psalm, accompanied by a few encouraging words from the author of Gentle and Lowly. The Psalms are not only great for enhancing our view of God, but they also serve as a guide for our prayer life. Time spent meditating and praying the Psalms is time invested in the Kingdom.

Next, one of my all-time favorite devotionals has a teen edition! When New Morning Mercies from Paul David Tripp came out 10 years ago, it became an invaluable companion to my morning devotional time. Imagine my surprise when they released a Teen edition last year? For the parents out there looking for a great devotional for their teen, I would highly recommend checking out New Morning Mercies for Teens from Paul David Tripp.

— Kristof Katzbeck

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NIV

Heading into summer transitions? It’s time for a plan! This verse encourages us to focus, not on elaborate special event type planning, but the day-to-day intentionality of modeling and speaking life with our children. I love this quote from “How to Teach Kids Theology”: “Our culture leads us to believe that if something isn’t novel, then it isn’t impactful. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! The ordinary, not the exceptional, is what shapes us the most.”

Yup, consistency over time is the ticket!

What summer rhythms can you intentionally use to point your kids to our awesome God and His creation?

Try “habit stacking”, choosing a thing that you do consistently and add a God-centered practice on top, like reviewing your memory verse as a family when you thank God for your dinner.

If you’re looking for some practical direction, check out “Family Discipleship” by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin. Maybe take a little time today to ponder and pray for direction in what that looks like for your family.

— Donna Leupp