Parental Resource Recommendations

Over the last few months the Lord has been teaching me many things about my role as a husband and father.  Many of us know we are to be the godly, spiritual leader of our homes, but for the last couple of years I have wondered how to fulfill this responsibility biblically and effectively.  I presume others might be in the same boat as me, so I want to take a brief moment to share a couple of resources that have helped me get on track in applying what I know to be my duty.

Divided – this movie is focused on the dangers of youth ministry, but also highlights the crucial importance of the father’s responsibility in raising his children in the Word of God.  While there was a bit of controversy around the film, I found critics to be way out in left field with their arguments (Argument here; Rebuttal here).  This movie introduced me to family integrated worship, and reinforced that it is the father’s role, not a youth pastor’s or any other person, to be the primary instructor of biblical teaching and disciplines.  I highly recommend it and you can still watch it for free at the link.

Gospel-Powered Parenting – Ironically enough, this book was recommended by Tim Challies (argumentor above), so I was quite surprised to see his backlash against Divided.  In any case, Gospel-Powered Parenting is one of the best books I’ve ever read on any subject.  Moreover, chapters 4 and 5 were some of the most solid teaching on the Gospel I’ve seen.  The book is rich in explaining the father’s role in his household, and that successful parenting must be Gospel-centered parenting.  Everything we do must be centered on the Gospel – in the way we love our wives and in the way we love and discipline our children.  I’m not much of a book reviewer, so I’ll just recommend you read this and pick up the book for $5 at the original link.  It may be the best $5 you’ve ever spent.

Family Worship – a dear brother gave this to me a couple of months ago.  It is a very short booklet (66 pages) and proved to be challenging.  Perhaps it’s because I’m new to understanding family worship, but a thing or two seemed to be a bit rigorous.  Nevertheless, the booklet provided me greater understanding of my role as spiritual leader of my home and helped give me structure as I plan family worship in my home.  You can also pick up a copy of this book from Reformation Heritage.

The Big Picture Story Bible – This Bible was actually one of 3 books recommended by William Farley, author of Gospel-Powered Parenting.  My children are 14 months and 2.5 years old, so having lots of pictures and fewer words is age appropriate for them.  My wife and I have read the first two chapters with our children, and we are very pleased with the Genesis account.  The art is wonderful, and the word content is simple and faithful to Scripture.  You can read more about it at Monergism, and they also have two excerpts you can view.  You might also find the reviews at Amazon to be helpful.  5 Stars – highly recommended!

Lastly, I’d like to recommend you check out Vision Forum.  We somehow ended up with a free 2012 catalog from this ministry and were blown away by the God-centered, family-oriented resources they offer.  We plan on using Vision Forum as a primary educational resource.

Well, these are a few things that the Lord has blessed me with in 2011.  I hope you might find them edifying for you and your family.  Please do share  your thoughts and other recommendations in the comment section.