Preacher Thoughts: Christian Parenting Resources and... Opinions!

Monday, August 22, 2022

Christian Parenting Resources and... Opinions!

I have had the privilege of preaching, writing and collecting what I consider to be wise material on parenting for many years. One of my sabbatical projects has been working on a new parenting class I hope to teach in the fall. It is called something like, Pastor Paul's Parenting Opinions. The reason I am stressing opinions, is that the Bible actually has very little to say about the details of parenting. Wise parents will talk to those who have gone before them and collect (and evaluate) their opinions to chart their own course.

However, that does not mean the Bible has nothing to say about parenting. So, here is some of the material I have been blessed by or preached on or written about over the years. I hope it is useful to you!

4 Things New Parents Need to Know and Seasoned Parents Need to Remember - The Stone Foundation

PART ONE: ARTICLES

Texts of Scripture you need to think hard about in order to be a faithful parent

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/for-parents/parenting-wisdom-101

CHILDHOOD CONVERSION

by Jim Elliff

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/for-parents/childhood-conversion---elliff

WALTER ON THE FAMILY

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/letters-from-walter/walter-on-the-family

“Well, well, well. It's been longer than a Hereford's tail since I wrote last and I am glad to get back to pen and pad. The colder weather makes sitting still a might easier to do, and all that time on the tractor this fall has filled my head with perhaps a couple good things to share with you. Mrs. Walter is all in a wonder that you would want to hear my babbling again, but what's a wife for if not to remind you that you're not half as good as you once thought you were!”

WALTER ON PARENTING LITTLE CHILDREN

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/letters-from-walter/on-parenting-little-children

“Now, the Lord never gives anything that He doesn't include the instructions or resources for - but what I have always found peculiar is just how little he says about parenting. I recall those early days of our first little olive shoot (Ps 128:3), when we wondered when exactly it was we stopped being children and started having them!”

WALTER ON BEING A DAD

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/letters-from-walter/on-being-a-dad

“Thanks for taking the time to read these letters. You've got more patience than a chipmunk stuck at a turtle-crossing!

Well, last time I wrote I tried to make clear that the most important thing for your family is a happy marriage. Husband and wife loving each other and living in unity will create a family bond stronger than duct tape and binder twine.

Today I want to move on to the role the husband plays in the family.”

WALTER ON BEING A MOM

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/letters-from-walter/on-being-a-mom

“Besides climbing up a greased fireman's pole backwards and blindfolded with your arms tied behind your back, there are few things more difficult in life than being a mom.“

AUTHORITY AND SUBMISSION IN THE CHURCH

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/theological-issues/authority-and-submission

WHY KEEP THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER FOR CHURCH?

https://www.gfcto.com/why-keep-the-whole-family-together-for-church

WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM ME? SOME IMPORTANT THOUGHTS FOR CHILDREN

https://www.gfcto.com/articles/for-children/what-does-god-want-from-me

PART TWO: AUDIO SERMONS

Let's Just Parent Like Christians

https://www.gfcto.com/sermons/sermon/2021-10-17/lets-just-parent-like-christians

October 17, 2021 Speaker: Paul Martin Series: Let's Just Act Like Christians

Topic: Expository Preaching Verse: Ephesians 6:4–6:4

1. Do not exasperate your kids