Resources for Fathers and Families

I've been reading some good blog posts over at Family Ministry Today about family ministry. They have been helpful in my thinking about being the spiritual leader of my household. In the most recent post, Every House a Household of Faith: Family Worship Among the Puritans, the author mentions that with the rise of Bible translations in the common language and other mass produced resources the Puritans took advantage of these resources to lead their homes in Family Worship. I got to thinking about all the resources available to us today. There are so many that it can be overwhelming. I wanted to share some of the resources I've found helpful in my journey to be the "Priest" of my family. Please leave a comment or email me any resources you've found helpful. I am always looking for resources that will draw me and my family closer to God.

I love the Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. I love the fact that each story points to Jesus. I think it also helps children understand that the Bible is one Story. I haven't been reading it much lately with the boys, but I've read it through several times with Nate. I plan to do the same with Cole. There's a version with a CD and I think that would be helpful with pre-readers. I've been wanting to find a way to help Nate develop a quiet time with God's Word. This might work, but I have yet to purchase a version with the CD.

Truth and Grace Memory books(TAG)- This is a book that has memory verses, hymns, and a catechism for children. It's divided up by ages and this one begins with 2-3 year olds. I started this with Nate at age 3. I amazed how much he has learned through this book. He has memorized many verses including the Lord's Prayer. You may be thinking that it is crazy to have a 4 year old memorize a catechism, but we talk about the questions and he understands more than you think. It is laying a foundation for his spiritual future.

Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God- I like this book a lot and I have been using it in our family worship times. It takes a chronological approach through key OT stories. I also use it as a resource when I am preparing for my Sunday school lesson. My church uses a chronological and unified curriculum for pre-k through 6th grade students, so this resource allows me to connect church and home. I have to adapt some stuff due to the ages of my boys. They have not released the NT version, but I will purchase a copy when they do. If you go to the link, there's a video and a good description of the resource.

These are just a few of the resources I am using to lead my family in worshiping God. Resources are never perfect and shouldn't replace the Bible. The most important thing I can say about these resources is they have helped me spend valuable time with my children talking about the most important things in life.