Getting Your Kids Through Church Without Them Ending Up Hating God

by Rob Parsons

It is every Christian parent's fear: what if my child falls away because of something I did, or said, or was? Rob is extremely reassuring. His pragmatic, candid approach provides both parenting advice and guidance for parents about their own spiritual development. Rob identifies five traits which can quench faith in your child: busyness, cynicism, hypocrisy, judgementalism and over-familiarity (your children never know when they should take off their shoes). He teaches that disappointment is an inevitable part of growing up. There will come a time when they are disappointed with Christians, the Church, themselves and even God. We should teach our children how to love God even when things fall apart. Do not hide your children from the world: instead, help them to discriminate. Above all, provide them with a vision or what they can be and can achieve. Peter became a fisher of men.

Genres: Christian

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2011

About the author

Rob Parsons OBE is an international speaker on family issues and the author of many best-sellers including The Heart of Success and The 60-Minute Father. Over half a million people have attended his live seminars.

He is the founding chairman of Care for the Family.

Reviews

[Diana X. Moga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parson’s book is a quick and practical read. Over the course of fewer than 200 pages, he manages to cover virtually all the major aspects of raising kids as believers in broad brush strokes. The title, while on-the-nose, delivers on what the book purports to do. Follow the wisdom outlined in this book, and you up your chances in getting your kids through church without them ending up hating God.

[Gael Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

About to be ordained in the CofE, and this is a true Rob Parsons balm for my mama heart. I can hear his Welsh lilt as I read 😂

The age gap between us shows quite hugely in some of his chosen examples and his attitude to piercings and tattoos etc (of which I have both!) but his encouraging, gentle, hilarious, and challenging storytelling is exactly what I needed.

Ultimately, it was hugely permission-giving. I love the quote from his conversation with R. T. Kendall, when he asked him what one thing he would change if he could turn the clock back. His answer, “I would put my children before the church. It would make me a better father - and a better minister.”

Also this cracker from Spurgeon re: Matthew 5, ‘…the lamp should be seen by “all that are in the house”, and so should the Christian’s graces. Household piety is the best of piety. If our light is not seen in the house, depend upon it we have none… Lord, let me be zealous to spread abroad the light I have received from thee, even throughout the world! But at least let me shine in my own home.’

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I always want to keep on my shelf.
It's been invaluable to me as a parent and as a children's minister. Easy to read yet rich in wisdom. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to fulfil the title.

[Margaret Pritchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good for its audience, but not really relevant to my church. While we face some of the same problems, the culture of the CoE is very different from the churches he's writing for. However, there were some good ideas that I will be able to transfer into my work and, in general, I think he's got the right idea.

[Derek Winterburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a short book of helpful wisdom. Written for Christian parents concerned for their children's faith (present and future) Parsons lays out some valuable principles and pitfalls to avoid. It is a book full of illustrations from either his own family or from others he has counselled. Well worth the time taken to read it.

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having heard Rob Parsons speak on a couple of occasions, this book is written as he speaks. It's written with the compassion of a father, the wisdom of a scholar and the insight of a professor. It's one of those books that or matters not how old you are or indeed if you are a parent or not, there will be something in this book that strikes a chord within your heart. Highly recommended.