Parenthood is an incredibly high calling. We cannot assume the faith of our children just because they're a part of a believing family. Yet for many parents, teaching our kids about Jesus and his gospel can be daunting. So we wanted to share resources we've found helpful and gospel-centered for helping to teach our kids about Jesus, the Bible, theology, and the gospel, especially in a time where we are the sole teachers due to social distancing and our Kid’s Ministry being on a break (at least physically).
In order to teach our kids about Jesus, we need to know and love him ourself! So we need to be in the Word, hearing our pastors' preaching, and in Christian community that points us to Jesus. For our family, having these resources scattered throughout the main rooms in our house makes it really easy to both spontaneously and intentionally talk about Jesus throughout the day. Don't be intimidated by the length of this list, I intentionally made it extensive because different resources will fit with different families, children, ages, etc. Just start with a few resources that will work for the life-stage of your family. A great first step is an age-appropriate Bible for your kids. With all that being said, here are some resources we love!
Storybook Bibles
The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski (This is the Bible our Kid’s Ministry uses and it goes with all the resources Maren has been sending to us the past couple weeks.)
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy
The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm
The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
The Action Bible by Doug Mauss
She Reads Truth currently has a kid’s study on Matthew called “Kids Read Matthew. Download for FREE.
The Garden of Eden from The Biggest Story.
Kids Books
The Ology by Marty Machowski - teaches theology (who God is and how we relate to him)
Tales that Tell the Truth [book series] by The Book Company (all are great, our favorites are:)
The Garden, The Curtain, and the Cross by Alison Mitchell
Goodbye to Goodbyes by Lauren Chandler
The Storm that Stopped by Alison Mitchell
God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell
Jesus and the Lions’ Den by Alison Mitchell
Good News for Little Hearts [book series] by New Growth Press
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Love Made: A Story of God’s Overflowing, Creative Heart by Quina Aragon
Bible Infographics for Kids: Giants, Ninja Skills, a Talking Donkey, and What’s the Deal with the Tabernacle? (there’s also a sequel)
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd Jones
Adult Books on Parenting
Give them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick
Show them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower
Gospel-powered Parenting by William P Farley
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
Audio
The Ology - songs that teach theology. It goes along with the book with the same title.
Seeds Family Worship - for scripture memory
The Jesus Storybook Bible Audio
The Biggest Story Audio
The Rizers - for scripture memory
DVD/Media
Buck Denver asks…What’s In the Bible? - these are so fun! They are by Phil Vischer who also made Veggie Tales. They have the same silliness and memorable songs as Veggie Tales but they are really gospel-centered. The series goes through the whole Bible and shows how each part of the Bible fits into the overarching storyline of scripture and also how each part points to Jesus.
Theo
Owlegories
The Biggest Story (animated)
Apps
Bible App for Kids by Life.Church - It's free! It's a kids Bible app that reads the story to the kids with interactive, animated pictures. It's the kid version of the youversion adult Bible app.
Podcasts
Risen Motherhood - They have a blog, a podcast, a website, and they post on social media. They have been really encouraging to me because they point to the good news of Jesus in the midst of mothering. Their website lists a even more resources on this topic and motherhood in general.
Jesus is Better: Bible Stories with Gospel Joy - This podcast is working its way through the Old Testament by teaching through passages and explaining how Jesus is the better Moses, Joshua, Judge, King, etc.
God’s Big Story: this podcast for kids (made by The Villiage Church God) is a new show where they teach the Bible, sing the Bible, and talk about it means.
Hopefully these resources give help and support to those who're looking for it, especially for parents of elementary age children and younger. On top of actual resources, your care and parenting are priceless. Demonstrate an importance of gathering regularly with the church in big and small ways (and even virtual ways). Be present, ask your children questions, and help them see the gospel demonstrated in real life (creation, relationship, family, etc.). Pray with your kids, repent in front of them when you're wrong, remind them of their identities in Christ and need for him, and share with them what you are learning.
“There is nothing more important to consistent, faithful, patient, loving, and effective parenting than to understand what God has given you in the grace of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
― Paul David Tripp, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family
AMY PETERSON/GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
*This blog was originally posted a few years ago. It’s been updated and we’re reposting it again now that families are at home and asking for help in teaching and leading their kids, especially during this time of being stuck at home and not having the weekly physical blessing that is our Kid’s Ministry at Hiawatha Church.