What do you think?
Rate this book
Intentional Parenting: Family Discipleship by Design
There are literally thousands of books available on how to live various aspects of the Christian life. Of these, at least a couple of dozen pertaining to family life and child training are well worth reading. This is not one of those books. This book is designed to help you take those other books, as well as all the sermons, teachings, and exhortations you have received on child training and leadership in the home, and make sense of it all. Pastor Tad Thompson has assembled a biblical approach to effective family discipleship. Let him share it with you in this clear, encouraging, accessible book. This is not another book of tactics and techniques. It is a book of strategy for parents who want to be intentional about discipleship in the home.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 31, 2021
I love the title of this book. Are you intentionally raising your children in a manner that is meaningful and fulfilling God’s purpose? This is a book Christian parents should get and read. I have not heard of the author Tad Thompson before until I read this book and after I finished this book I see that he's a second generation pastor and started ministry when he was 18. He’s written a resource that’s definitely biblically wise.
There are six chapters in this book. The first chapter establish not only the need for this book but the need for children to have their parents disciple them rather than it being outsourced to a youth ministry or the church. Chapter two involves the readers doing a self-reflection of where one is at spiritually; it is appropriately titled "The Mirror." Chapter three looks at what does family disciple involve with the various ways of studying and applying God's Word and the author titled it the Kitchen since it looks at the "ingredients" of family discipleship. Chapter four looks at the context for discipling one's kids and is titled the living room since much of life takes place in the home in the living room. Chapter five looks at the subject of shepherding the child’s heart and chapter six is titled “Times to Engage.”
This was for me a spiritually refreshing read. I read it and took notes. There was many good things from this book. For instance I thought it was good that the author made the point that statistics should show us the importance of child’s spiritual growth is most effective coming from parents than outsourced to the church and youth ministry. Never have we have more youth pastors in the church and a whole industry specializing in youth ministry yet we see more and more fall away from the faith. God’s tried and true way of parents teaching their own kids about God is needed today. I thought it was good the author talked about parenting not just in the home but discipleship involves giving input in four spheres: home, community, church and world. I also thought the book’s discussion of four common wrong goals of parenting and then reminding readers of the Gospel focused purpose for Christian parenting.
If there’s one constructive criticism is I wished it was longer. That stood out to me as he talked about the seven “ingredients” of family discipleship which were Gospel, Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, Spiritual disciplines, Christian living and Biblical Worldview. I wished he could have explained each more. Still I don’t know if this constructive criticism is as being so critical given that few people today want to read long books and there’s a place for parents to read and get the big picture and this book is a gateway resource to further deeper studies.
I recommend this book.
There are six chapters in this book. The first chapter establish not only the need for this book but the need for children to have their parents disciple them rather than it being outsourced to a youth ministry or the church. Chapter two involves the readers doing a self-reflection of where one is at spiritually; it is appropriately titled "The Mirror." Chapter three looks at what does family disciple involve with the various ways of studying and applying God's Word and the author titled it the Kitchen since it looks at the "ingredients" of family discipleship. Chapter four looks at the context for discipling one's kids and is titled the living room since much of life takes place in the home in the living room. Chapter five looks at the subject of shepherding the child’s heart and chapter six is titled “Times to Engage.”
This was for me a spiritually refreshing read. I read it and took notes. There was many good things from this book. For instance I thought it was good that the author made the point that statistics should show us the importance of child’s spiritual growth is most effective coming from parents than outsourced to the church and youth ministry. Never have we have more youth pastors in the church and a whole industry specializing in youth ministry yet we see more and more fall away from the faith. God’s tried and true way of parents teaching their own kids about God is needed today. I thought it was good the author talked about parenting not just in the home but discipleship involves giving input in four spheres: home, community, church and world. I also thought the book’s discussion of four common wrong goals of parenting and then reminding readers of the Gospel focused purpose for Christian parenting.
If there’s one constructive criticism is I wished it was longer. That stood out to me as he talked about the seven “ingredients” of family discipleship which were Gospel, Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, Spiritual disciplines, Christian living and Biblical Worldview. I wished he could have explained each more. Still I don’t know if this constructive criticism is as being so critical given that few people today want to read long books and there’s a place for parents to read and get the big picture and this book is a gateway resource to further deeper studies.
I recommend this book.
June 10, 2019
A quick, but powerful read. I don’t know if I have ever underlined so much in a book before!! It should be required reading for all Christian parents.
March 5, 2019
A precise Biblical and sound charge to all Christian parents, to intentionally seek out every opportunity to disciple our children. To pray for them daily, to learn and know what we believe ourselves so as to teach our children, and model it as best we can, all the while asking God to close the gap in which we fall short. Thompson clearly states that so many families do not take up their role as parents and leave the christian upbringing to the church. And as much as I would have loved a section on how the church and parents should work together to reach our children, that was not the purpose of this book. It is first and foremost, our job as parents to love our children, disciple them, exhort them, encourage them and model for them a life dedicated to Christ. He makes no guarantees to the outcome, but promises that after living through it, we, at the very least, will be all the better for it! The outcome of our children belongs to the Lord.
September 15, 2022
I highly recommend Intentional Parenting: Family Discipleship by Design by Tad Thompson.
5 star read ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Short read of only 105 pages
Our family ministry team recommended it as an introduction for discipling children. And I’m so glad I made an effort to read a little bit each morning. It offers great encouragement and resources. It helps your family make a plan and a great place to start! It is useful to not only parents but grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.
I could of highlighted the entire book.
It would be a great gift for a new parent or “seasoned” parents 💜
5 star read ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Short read of only 105 pages
Our family ministry team recommended it as an introduction for discipling children. And I’m so glad I made an effort to read a little bit each morning. It offers great encouragement and resources. It helps your family make a plan and a great place to start! It is useful to not only parents but grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.
I could of highlighted the entire book.
It would be a great gift for a new parent or “seasoned” parents 💜
January 4, 2019
The first and also the best Christian book I’ve read this year. Intensely practical and solidly biblical, it will spur every parent on towards discipline their children for the kingdom.
Onwards to biblical theology and systematic theology, and most importantly, reaching the heart of our children. Thompson shows us how, whilst we lean solely on the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Onwards to biblical theology and systematic theology, and most importantly, reaching the heart of our children. Thompson shows us how, whilst we lean solely on the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
June 16, 2022
Starts off strong and then fizzles out. Incompletely recommend that you steer clear of the audible version of this book. It is narrated by the author and his slow speech and twang made it difficult for me to care about what ho was saying. The beginning of the book was good but then it fell into right-wing dribble.
January 13, 2020
This book is rich and informative, yet concise, well organized, inspiring, and instructive. Each chapter ends with helpful self evaluation questions and planning prompts to move the content from theory to practice.
#vtReadingChallenge2020
#vtReadingChallenge2020
February 1, 2025
Quick read, topical and applicable, and rooted in the truth of Scripture. Amidst many of the required readings for a Family Discipleship course, this one has stood out as being great value for time. Tad Thompson gets to the point and doesn’t unnecessarily belabor or repeat the same concepts.
December 22, 2018
Todo pai cristão deveria ler. Simples, pratico e direto na instrução e fundamentação do discipulado em família.
January 20, 2019
Excelente! Traz um conteúdo sólido tanto teórico/teológico quanto prático. Livro bem estruturado, claro, objetivo e com bons exemplos. Além disso, é fácil e rápido de se ler. Muito bom mesmo!
March 12, 2019
I like the concept of Cruciform Press, and I have read one or two of them before. This book had some good bits but I didn’t resonate with its structure nor did I resonate with its overall approach.
December 28, 2019
Short, powerful, and extremely practical, this book can quickly set parents on the right direction for making disciples at home. I’ve read lots of parenting books. This one makes a great foundation.
February 23, 2020
It's a small book that challenges parents to take the responsibility of raising your kid seriously. It was encouraging and motivating for me.
August 10, 2020
Good little book on parenting. Let this stir you to intentional parenting.
December 30, 2022
Helpful little book on parenting and family worship. Great reminders as it is easy in the throes of life and parenting to get off track.
June 15, 2023
An absolutely outstanding book!
April 27, 2025
Hard hitting truths that we need to hear. Great reminders of what to do and why!
June 21, 2025
Very good book with multiple practical ideas and advice for the reader.
January 2, 2016
Little strikes godly terror in the hearts of believing parents more than when they consider the concept of how to faithfully disciple their children. We all know that we are to raise our children in the fear and instruction of the Lord. We all know that we must be wise and disciplined as we try to carry out this task. Yet, when all is said and done, we still need help, and we know that too.
In Intentional Parenting, Tad Thompson, a second-generation pastor, presents helpful, simple, and logical advice for parents who want to raise their children as disciples. As one of the early offerings from Cruciform Press, this work is a fine demonstration of the new publisher’s plan to put forth short, sweet, and scripturally sound books. The book is easy-to-read, engaging, and simply solid theologically.
Thompson addresses the discipleship of the family by looking at several different metaphorical rooms in our homes. So, for example, he points out that our kitchens (symbolic of our source of spiritual food) must have pantries stocked with sound, biblical doctrine. Thompson then offers parents some very clear yet invaluable categories of theological truth that every parent should have settled, stocking their spiritual shelves so-to-speak. Similarly, Thompson uses the living rooms of our homes to symbolize different spheres of day-to-day life in which we formally and informally teach our children to follow Christ.
I’ve read many parenting books. Very few are as biblically solid throughout as this one. Thompson clearly presents theological concepts in an accurate and readable way. Whether he is writing about God’s sovereignty or the atonement, Thompson speaks with clarity and accuracy. While I am sure that there are things that I would say differently in my own presentation, I cannot recall a point where Thompson made me cringe with his words, and that is saying something.
I also will laud Thompson’s powerful reminders to parents that we have a serious job to do. He calls us to family devotions, but not in any sort of cookie-cutter approach. He calls us to live our faith before our children. Thompson argues that our children will love Jesus like they see us loving Jesus. If our religion is forced, legalistic, and empty, that will be magnified in our kids. If our love for Jesus is genuine and our worship of the Savior vibrant, such will often be the case with our children as well.
I could say much more, but it simply is not necessary. Thompson has written a good book. This would be a very helpful resource for a small group Bible study or just for a few men or women who want to read the book together and grow stronger in how they raise their kids. No, this is not a guide on how to determine a kid’s allowance or an argument on spanking vs. timeout. Instead, this work is a call for parents to live as Christians with their kids to help them to love the Savior too. The questions at the end of each chapter spur thought and discussion. Simply put, I would recommend that you, if you are a parent, take a look at Intentional Parenting to see if it might be helpful to you or someone you know.
** Disclosure: Cruciform Press sent me a free PDF copy of this book for review purposes. The publisher asked only for an honest and thoughtful review, and did not influence the content of this review in any way.
In Intentional Parenting, Tad Thompson, a second-generation pastor, presents helpful, simple, and logical advice for parents who want to raise their children as disciples. As one of the early offerings from Cruciform Press, this work is a fine demonstration of the new publisher’s plan to put forth short, sweet, and scripturally sound books. The book is easy-to-read, engaging, and simply solid theologically.
Thompson addresses the discipleship of the family by looking at several different metaphorical rooms in our homes. So, for example, he points out that our kitchens (symbolic of our source of spiritual food) must have pantries stocked with sound, biblical doctrine. Thompson then offers parents some very clear yet invaluable categories of theological truth that every parent should have settled, stocking their spiritual shelves so-to-speak. Similarly, Thompson uses the living rooms of our homes to symbolize different spheres of day-to-day life in which we formally and informally teach our children to follow Christ.
I’ve read many parenting books. Very few are as biblically solid throughout as this one. Thompson clearly presents theological concepts in an accurate and readable way. Whether he is writing about God’s sovereignty or the atonement, Thompson speaks with clarity and accuracy. While I am sure that there are things that I would say differently in my own presentation, I cannot recall a point where Thompson made me cringe with his words, and that is saying something.
I also will laud Thompson’s powerful reminders to parents that we have a serious job to do. He calls us to family devotions, but not in any sort of cookie-cutter approach. He calls us to live our faith before our children. Thompson argues that our children will love Jesus like they see us loving Jesus. If our religion is forced, legalistic, and empty, that will be magnified in our kids. If our love for Jesus is genuine and our worship of the Savior vibrant, such will often be the case with our children as well.
I could say much more, but it simply is not necessary. Thompson has written a good book. This would be a very helpful resource for a small group Bible study or just for a few men or women who want to read the book together and grow stronger in how they raise their kids. No, this is not a guide on how to determine a kid’s allowance or an argument on spanking vs. timeout. Instead, this work is a call for parents to live as Christians with their kids to help them to love the Savior too. The questions at the end of each chapter spur thought and discussion. Simply put, I would recommend that you, if you are a parent, take a look at Intentional Parenting to see if it might be helpful to you or someone you know.
** Disclosure: Cruciform Press sent me a free PDF copy of this book for review purposes. The publisher asked only for an honest and thoughtful review, and did not influence the content of this review in any way.
June 11, 2012
I am sometimes wary when I hear the phrase "intentional parenting," because of it's occasional exercised meaning of obsessive parenting, narrate-every-move-parenting, helicopter parenting, or the like. However, the focus of intentional parenting in Intentional Parenting: Family Discipleship by Design is what parenting looks like in the context of intentional family discipleship.
Author Tad Thompson uses the metaphor of various rooms of the house to examine what the framework of intentional discipleship should look like within the Christian family. In the metaphorical room of the kitchen, he looks at 7 components that he considers to be must-have ingredients for Christian family discipleship: The Gospel, The Big Story (Biblical Theology), The Big Truths (Systematic Theology), The Great Commission, Spiritual Disciplines, Christian Living, and Worldview. Under the section on "The Gospel," he also examines the common false gospels of "Personal Improvement," of "Prosperity," and “Pray the Prayer gospel"-- false Gospels which are all too common ways the Gospel is presented to children in som evangelical ministries.
The book is divided into six chapters, and reads like a lengthy sermon on the subject:
Chapters:
1) The Need: Look
2) The Mirror: See
3) The Kitchen: The Ingredients of Family Discipleship
4) The Living Room: Contexts for Teaching and Learning
5) The Bedroom: Speaking to Our Children’s Hearts
6) Time to Engage
I found this book to be both encouraging and convicting as we seek to intentionally disciple our now three children. The author strongly emphasizes that the family/home is the primary realm in which the discipleship of children (of believers) is to take place, viewing parents as the primary agents of discipleship. In the current season of our family's life, we've chosen not to outsource the discipleship of our children (e.g., no preschool, Sunday school, Christian daycare, etc..., and so it is an extremely daunting consideration to think that what our children know of God they have either learned from us or by our side (e.g., sitting in a church service mostly geared toward adults). While it is certainly not a formula for a family's spiritual success, I found the emphasis on the components that should be involved as parents seek to disciple their family to be helpful. Instead of a method, the book does more to lay out a matrix through which to view family discipleship.
December 27, 2012
Intentional Parenting
“The ultimate goal of discipleship is that our children will come to delight in the grace of God and desire to love and obey him. They will develop these attitudes only if they understand what God has done for them (p. 60)”
This brief book starts and ends on the right path, and there is not a ton of fluff or unnecessary examples. Simple truth from scripture, simple imagery to make truth stick, and simple instruction to help initiate and cultivate a family devoted to being disciples of Jesus. Discipleship with the family begins with remembering: “God is the sovereign and holy Creator of the universe. Man has rejected the sovereign and holy rule of God. Jesus is the eternal Son of God who came to rescue sinners. The gospel demands that all people respond in repentance and faith (p. 28).” Discipleship continues with parents living lives that reflect their dependence and joy through what Jesus has done.
Chapter three highlights the macro-level viewpoints of this book. The “ingredients” are broken out in some of the major focuses of discipleship with the family. There is just enough words used to provide clarity in the chapters and yet has left ample amounts unwritten direct you back to Jesus in help to make the teachings stick. Tad Thompson does a brilliant job of emphasizing scripture and bringing it to life within the home. “He (Joshua) knew that households are either devoted to God or devoted to idols, so he called for the absolute and exclusive worship of God. Some of you say that you believe Jesus is Lord, yet you hold onto your idols and serve them with more passion and zeal than you serve Jesus (p. 102).” As Christian parents we must begin to take inventory and ownership with the responsibility God has given to us. “Parents today will generally do whatever it takes to see that their kids are successful in school, sports, drama, and dance. They will spend a great deal of money, time, and effort on these temporal matters. Yet very few take the time to be a strategic coach in the things of God (p. 97).” This book is a must have resource to give helpful and Godly direction for the family.
“The ultimate goal of discipleship is that our children will come to delight in the grace of God and desire to love and obey him. They will develop these attitudes only if they understand what God has done for them (p. 60)”
This brief book starts and ends on the right path, and there is not a ton of fluff or unnecessary examples. Simple truth from scripture, simple imagery to make truth stick, and simple instruction to help initiate and cultivate a family devoted to being disciples of Jesus. Discipleship with the family begins with remembering: “God is the sovereign and holy Creator of the universe. Man has rejected the sovereign and holy rule of God. Jesus is the eternal Son of God who came to rescue sinners. The gospel demands that all people respond in repentance and faith (p. 28).” Discipleship continues with parents living lives that reflect their dependence and joy through what Jesus has done.
Chapter three highlights the macro-level viewpoints of this book. The “ingredients” are broken out in some of the major focuses of discipleship with the family. There is just enough words used to provide clarity in the chapters and yet has left ample amounts unwritten direct you back to Jesus in help to make the teachings stick. Tad Thompson does a brilliant job of emphasizing scripture and bringing it to life within the home. “He (Joshua) knew that households are either devoted to God or devoted to idols, so he called for the absolute and exclusive worship of God. Some of you say that you believe Jesus is Lord, yet you hold onto your idols and serve them with more passion and zeal than you serve Jesus (p. 102).” As Christian parents we must begin to take inventory and ownership with the responsibility God has given to us. “Parents today will generally do whatever it takes to see that their kids are successful in school, sports, drama, and dance. They will spend a great deal of money, time, and effort on these temporal matters. Yet very few take the time to be a strategic coach in the things of God (p. 97).” This book is a must have resource to give helpful and Godly direction for the family.
May 31, 2014
The Overview
The word "intentional" has become so overused as of late that I was a bit skeptical of this book despite trusting the publisher. However, Tad Thompson uses the word in the appropriate context and not to just draw attention to his book. The main point of this book is that discipleship within the family is not another program, but rather a mindset of being intentional with your parenting. It is one of the most theological, yet incredibly practical books on parenting that I have ever read.
The Readability
At 105 pages, this powerful little books is easy to read. It's well laid out and organized so it is not only a short read, but very easy to understand, too. Just a few discussion questions at the end of each chapter help make it easy to use for small groups, husbands and wives, or individual use.
The Highlights
My biggest highlight is that Thompson takes a somewhat daunting task and breaks it down into sections that are easy to grasp and then apply. He is direct, and to the point with the theological foundation, yet wonderfully practical. I am walking away from this book understanding WHY I should be intentional with my parenting as well as knowing HOW to do so. While Intentional Parenting applies grace to the task, it also doesn't water it down to the point that we have no responsibility to stop being lazy and get busy doing what we say we believe. I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the challenge issued by Thompson, but so very refreshed and convicted by it as well.
The Downside
None. Not one. Nothing.
The Recommendation
This book as made it to the top of my list in the "Parenting" category and I'm going to urge every parent I know - and don't know! - to read this book. If you are wondering how you should teach your kids, what discipling your children looks like, and how to apply gospel grace to your parenting, this is your book to read. Enjoy!
The word "intentional" has become so overused as of late that I was a bit skeptical of this book despite trusting the publisher. However, Tad Thompson uses the word in the appropriate context and not to just draw attention to his book. The main point of this book is that discipleship within the family is not another program, but rather a mindset of being intentional with your parenting. It is one of the most theological, yet incredibly practical books on parenting that I have ever read.
The Readability
At 105 pages, this powerful little books is easy to read. It's well laid out and organized so it is not only a short read, but very easy to understand, too. Just a few discussion questions at the end of each chapter help make it easy to use for small groups, husbands and wives, or individual use.
The Highlights
My biggest highlight is that Thompson takes a somewhat daunting task and breaks it down into sections that are easy to grasp and then apply. He is direct, and to the point with the theological foundation, yet wonderfully practical. I am walking away from this book understanding WHY I should be intentional with my parenting as well as knowing HOW to do so. While Intentional Parenting applies grace to the task, it also doesn't water it down to the point that we have no responsibility to stop being lazy and get busy doing what we say we believe. I have to admit I was a bit surprised by the challenge issued by Thompson, but so very refreshed and convicted by it as well.
The Downside
None. Not one. Nothing.
The Recommendation
This book as made it to the top of my list in the "Parenting" category and I'm going to urge every parent I know - and don't know! - to read this book. If you are wondering how you should teach your kids, what discipling your children looks like, and how to apply gospel grace to your parenting, this is your book to read. Enjoy!
January 5, 2016
A few useful quotes:
The gospel must always be taught as a God-centered message. The good news is not that we should do something, but rather that God has already accomplished salvation for all who will repent and believe
God has not given us Christ so that people will make much of us; he has given us Christ so that we will make much of him!
Family discipleship is ultimately a commitment to be a disciple yourself. You can’t teach your children what you don’t know. You can’t model for your children what you are unwilling to do.
you cannot disciple your children beyond your own level of discipleship. If you are not faithful to meditate on the Scripture daily, you will not be able to train your children to do so. If you do not model a life of intimate prayer, you will not be able to teach your children how to pray.
Discipline without biblical instruction, in my opinion, is child abuse. But discipline with biblical instruction is a biblical requirement for parents. The point of such discipline is to instruct a child in his need for a Savior
But the biblical call is not to raise children in sealed Christian communities so they can grow up and raise children in sealed Christian communities. Our goal is to reach the lost, and to reach them we must interact with them. At some point we must expose our children to the larger world.
As parents, we must come to grips with the fact that God may use rebellious children to sanctify us, to help us persevere in love, prayer, and longsuffering, or even for reasons we may never understand. I realize this is a Christian parent’s worst nightmare, but it is a reality
The gospel must always be taught as a God-centered message. The good news is not that we should do something, but rather that God has already accomplished salvation for all who will repent and believe
God has not given us Christ so that people will make much of us; he has given us Christ so that we will make much of him!
Family discipleship is ultimately a commitment to be a disciple yourself. You can’t teach your children what you don’t know. You can’t model for your children what you are unwilling to do.
you cannot disciple your children beyond your own level of discipleship. If you are not faithful to meditate on the Scripture daily, you will not be able to train your children to do so. If you do not model a life of intimate prayer, you will not be able to teach your children how to pray.
Discipline without biblical instruction, in my opinion, is child abuse. But discipline with biblical instruction is a biblical requirement for parents. The point of such discipline is to instruct a child in his need for a Savior
But the biblical call is not to raise children in sealed Christian communities so they can grow up and raise children in sealed Christian communities. Our goal is to reach the lost, and to reach them we must interact with them. At some point we must expose our children to the larger world.
As parents, we must come to grips with the fact that God may use rebellious children to sanctify us, to help us persevere in love, prayer, and longsuffering, or even for reasons we may never understand. I realize this is a Christian parent’s worst nightmare, but it is a reality
August 30, 2012
I guess I expected more insightful commentary on a Godly family life. I can't argue with the basics of what he wrote about, but that was just it, it was pretty basic. I'd recommend this book for someone who honestly is unsure of the kind of action and disciplines it takes to lead their family life - so maybe fairly recent converts. But having grown up as a pastor's son, and being in and around church the better part of my life, I didn't find any new concepts for me in this book.
I've read several other of the Cruciform books and quite enjoy them. Most of them deliver a solid message even with the small size of the book. This one was juat a bit lacking.
The one thing that I did have a pretty negative reaction to was the writer expressing his opinion that discipline with bibilical instruction is child abuse. I think that's a pretty strong statement. Essentially, that means that every non-Christian parent who disciplines their child in any way is guilty of child abuse, much less Christian parents who don't offer Biblical instruction every time they discipline their child.
I've read several other of the Cruciform books and quite enjoy them. Most of them deliver a solid message even with the small size of the book. This one was juat a bit lacking.
The one thing that I did have a pretty negative reaction to was the writer expressing his opinion that discipline with bibilical instruction is child abuse. I think that's a pretty strong statement. Essentially, that means that every non-Christian parent who disciplines their child in any way is guilty of child abuse, much less Christian parents who don't offer Biblical instruction every time they discipline their child.
March 20, 2014
I am reading this even though I don't have any children. Great book so far! I want to read this and would love to encourage my church family to read this book. (3-18-2014) I enjoy my bookworm time and reading from Intentional Parenting by Tad Thompson in my Kindle Touch. I think that I found some errors that need to be corrected, but I might be wrong on that. Great book to read. I would encourage every parents to get this book. If you do get this book, you all will be thankful. Grandparents, please buy this book for your children. It is worth investing into this great short book to read. Great godly book to train your kids in His Word and to live their life for Christ. It is a short book. I do have this in e-book format. I would recommend to get them in book form and not in the e-book format.
February 14, 2011
Short books seems to be popular these days and this one certainly fits the bill. You can read the whole thing in a couple of hours. Personally, I think adding a bit of length could be a good thing but taking the book as it is intended (an introduction) there is certainly value here. I appreciate the categories presented in chapter three (gospel, big story, big truth, commission, disciplines, living and worldview). Every parent needs to decide the corpus of what they want their children to know before leaving the household and I think those categories are a helpful aid to answering that question. I also appreciate the focus on getting to the heart of our children in chapter 5. This is a good strategy book for thinking about the intentional discipleship of our children.
March 14, 2013
This is a simple and practical book on how to intentionally disciple your family. Thompson states that there are several key "ingredients" in order to help your family grow in Christ including the gospel, the big story, big truths, worldview and spiritual disciplines. One helpful aspect of the book is his list of suggestions for further reading in these areas. Perhaps the most important and helpful principle was his emphasis on the fact that the most important principle in parenting is for the parents to be passionately focused on growing in the gospel.
February 26, 2011
A simple practical guide to family discipleship. A solid resource to get started with how to disciple your children intentionally, for the purpose of them treasuring Jesus above all. The book has plenty of practical steps on what to do to begin, and where to go from there, as far as alternate resources. I give this five stars, not necessarily because I would read it again, but that it gives a practical series of "todo" items to get you moving into discipling your children, starting with your own walk with God.
December 30, 2013
Parenting books are nothing new, nor are parenting books from a Christian perspective. What helps this effort differentiate itself, then, is the built-in brevity of Cruciform Press’ books and the succinct manner in which Thompson addresses the subject. The ‘room’ metaphor occasionally seems forced, but the principles behind them are firm. With a helpful blend of tools as well as methods to implement them, Thompson challenges Christian parents to purposefully embrace and fulfill their God-given roles.
August 29, 2016
The book contains lots of truth and a lot of good practical help towards the end. However, since I've read and listened to a lot on parenting throughout the years, I found the content primarily a re-hash of what others have said. I didn't feel like this was a unique contribution and I really asked myself in the middle of this book, why did this need to be written when there are so many great books on parenting/family discipleship already? Having said that, I was motivated to be more intentional (about modeling/teaching truth) in my relationship with my kids and for that I'm grateful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews