Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God

by Lee Ann Mancini, Kathy Koch (Foreword)

How can we raise the next generation to have an unshakable faith in God as they navigate the challenging terrain of modern culture?
Offering years of experience and countless success stories, author and parenting expert Lee Ann Mancini says what our children need is a heart change, not just a behavioral change, so that they become effective disciples. In Raising Kids to Follow Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God, she inspires parents, grandparents, teachers, and others to teach their children essential Christian principles to enable them to navigate the world with grace, integrity, and an unbreakable bond with their heavenly Father.
This book goes beyond surface-level advice, delving into the intricate matters of children’s hearts and minds and offering a blueprint for nurturing a deep and unwavering faith in Christ.
Raising Kids to Follow Christ
• Decades of personal experience and training based on key essential principles in Scripture
• Practical strategies for addressing doubts, fears, and questions that arise in today’s culture
• Ways to help children control their emotions and actions in various situations
• Suggestions from some of today’s brightest Christian minds in children’s spirituality
• Empowerment for parents to become their child’s spiritual champion
• Easy-to-understand apologetics for children and adults
• Fun ways to connect your child’s heart to Christ
Raising Kids to Follow Christ is a collaborative journey inviting parents to learn, grow, and flourish alongside their children as they become bold in their witness and committed to their faith rather than secular culture.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Parenting

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

Lee Ann Mancini graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Regent University (1990), a Masters in Biblical and Theology Studies from Knox Seminary, Magna Cum Laude (2014), and a Masters in Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Cum Laude (2014). Lee Ann also received her certificate of completion from the Ravi School of Apologetics (2011).

Lee Ann is currently an adjunct professor teaching Ministerial Ethics and Romans at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary. She is has taught Bible Study for over 10 years and has been an active community volunteer/leader for over 20 years: Representing children as a Palm Beach County Guardian Ad Litem, International Affairs commission Chair for St. Joan of Arc Council of Catholic Women, Community Support Chair for the Junior League of Boca Raton, and CCD religious education teacher for St. Joan of Arc. Initiated and chaired the Auction for Boca Raton High School for six years, and initiated and chaired the PTSA for Boca Raton High School for two years. In addition, Lee Ann is involved in the Women’s Ministry at Spanish River Christian Church and is on board Alexandrian Forum under the tutelage of Dr. Warren Gage Th.M., J.D., Ph.D., seeking to bring a greater understanding of the Bible by hosting annual Typology Conferences in South Florida dedicated to the theme of Christ as the center of Scripture. In addition, Lee Ann speaks to women groups regarding the redemptive power of the gospel represented though the types of brides of the church.

In addition, Lee Ann is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and Society for Pentecostal Studies. She was awarded “Woman of Distinction Award” by the Soroptimists International of Boca Raton 1995, among other awards in service to the community, school, and church.

Lee Ann is married and has two children. She loves to read, jog, and teach the Word of God. She is also a Christian Children’s author with a series of books, which will make their debut in 2015.

Reviews

[Carrie Turansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Kids to Follow Christ is a wonderful book that will inspire you and bless your children and grandchildren. Lee Ann Mancini gives many practical ideas, showing adults how to share their faith with their children and weave it into their everyday lives. I enjoyed this book and purchased a copy for our church library so many parents can read it and use these helpful ideas in their families. Highly recommended for all who want to pass the faith on to the next generation.

[Kristen Parnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Ann Manini grabbed my attention from the start with this visual: Imagine being in heaven looking for your kids and not finding them there. What a heartbreaking thought! In this book, she sets out to equip parents with the tools to help them point their children to Christ.

Some elements that I found valuable include:
• A nightly blessing example for parents to pray over their children
• Practical ideas such as using chalkboard paint on one wall of the playroom where children can write verses each week that they're memorizing
• Apologetic Q&As for young children
• A list of 20 essential virtues to teach and model for your children
• Strategies for instilling the Fruit of the Spirit in your child

The only reason for my giving the book four stars instead of five is her somewhat vague guidance on discipline. She references discipline in several places, but I did not find clear-cut, helpful solutions. Calling time-out "a break" was not helpful to me. However, other parents may appreciate her attempt to soften what can be a delicate topic for some.

That aside, I highly respect Manchini's wisdom and insights into godly parenting and think this book will be a useful resource.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review. All ideas contained in my review are my own.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with practical ways to teach the kids in your life all about the love and grace of God. I love how it focuses on the caregiver as the primary person to introduce truth to children. It makes me understand better that what I am doing is crucial to their faith development.

One thing she says is to pay attention to behavior- that what they are doing now can show itself in ten years, and it could be much worse then. It’s important to be mindful of that.

Lee Ann Mancini has years of experience and she absolutely knows how vital it is to love on kids and teach them the grace and forgiveness of God. I love her practical tips at the end and remember my mom doing some of those things for me when I was growing up.

I recommend this book for anyone who desires to have a loving, Christ-centered home environment. It’s not easy, but this book will encourage you in the right direction.

[Susan Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written book with extensive research

This book is well done with extensive research. The author provides extensive examples of how to incorporate biblical values when raising your children. I loved the reflection questions at the end of the book for each chapter

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God by Lee Ann Mancini answers the question: How can we raise the next generation to have an unshakable faith in God as they navigate the challenging terrain of modern culture? Author and parenting expert Lee Ann Mancini offers the idea that children need a heart change, not just a behavior change, in order to become effective disciples and followers of Christ. She offers ways to teach the essential Christian principles in order to navigate the world with grace, integrity, and a lifelong bond with God. With personal anecdotes and experience, Lee Ann Mancini offers practical strategies to address doubts, fears and questions biblically in today’s culture as well as ways for children to understand their emotions and actions. Raising Kids to Follow Christ has easy to understand apologetics for children and adults with fun ways for parent and child to connect.
Raising Kids to Follow Christ is another tool at the disposal of parents to help teach biblical principles. With gentle reassurance that it is never too early or too late to start teaching children about Jesus and the cornerstones of Christian beliefs. From basic child rearing techniques to teaching the biblical virtues and the fruits of the Spirit. Each chapter has review questions for parents to consider, apply and adapt for their family’s needs. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It gave me a lot of ideas on how to teach biblical principles in a family environment. I would have liked it better if the questions were at the end of each chapter so the material is fresh in my mind in order to answer, instead of being at the end of the book. If you are looking for another tool in your parenting repertoire, I recommend Raising Kids to Follow Christ.

Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God
is available in paperback and eBook

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, encouraging, practical book for introducing children to the walk of faith and the love of Jesus! Lee Ann Mancini's Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God begins with the Bible, and its verses about so many parts of the life of faith. Mancini's book shares the vision for helping kids meet Jesus and learn about the Bible, along with elements or fun activities that kids can do which reinforce those.

I found that reading Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God strengthened my own faith as it taught and reminded me of ways that I can create a vision in my own heart for discipling my child, through the ups and downs of life (or its trials and tribulations). In addition, this wonderful book reminded me how important it is to cultivate and encourage their faith, as a believer myself.

Mancini's tone is that of a loving and wise mentor who's gone ahead on the journey of teaching and discipling her own children. Readers will be encouraged and equipped on this precious, vital work of helping kids find and embrace faith.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.

[Courtnee Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Raising Kids to Follow Christ, Lee Ann Mancini describes ways for you to be a Christian example for the children in your life. Mancini reveals current statistics about children and their parents, provides sample prayers to pray for children, outlines ways to strengthen your bond with the child through Christ, and lists and defines virtues to instill in your children. The author discusses the application of scripture and allowing children to witness our faith, while guiding them to realize what is true and untrue. Mancini details the importance of knowing what you believe and why you believe it so you can explain your viewpoints to your children and they can defend them when necessary. At the end of the book are a set of questions for each chapter for you to review as you reflect on the material.

Lee Ann Mancini considers caregivers other than parents and understands children who may have unique learning paths. She explains you can start praying for your child at conception, but you can teach them to follow the way of the Lord at any time during your parenting journey. Caregivers often worry about the importance of developmental milestones, but they also need to stress spiritual development, too. The author educates her readers on God's advice for parents through scripture, motivates her readers to lead by example with faith and love, and inspires caregivers to be better examples for youth when they interact with them. Caregivers who hope to guide successive generations in the way of the Lord will benefit from reading Raising Kids to Follow Christ.

[Bran Diyanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raising Kids to Follow Christ is the newly released book by author Lee Ann Mancini. This is a book for those who are raising children under the Christian religious faith. This book has 218 pages with 12 chapters of reading. The best thing about this new release by the author is the very colorful cover.

The book is like a how to guide with bible verses, statistics, scenerios, and personal stories from the author herself. It was an easy to follow and read book with lots of guidance, information, and researched facts. If you are struggling to have the children in your life follow, understand your religious faith , and love Christ: this book could help you with all of that and more.

The only downside or discouragment I see, is the author saying you should only have your kids in a reputable Christian online cyber school/home schooling program. Depending on where a reader is currently living or perhaps due to financial means, this may not be plausible solution for certain readers. The author Lee Ann Mancini is not a certified therapist or counselor to give advice only suggestions based on her personal family experiences and by doing research.

The encouragement, information provided, and spiritual guidance given by the author can be a great help to anyone with a Christian faith based home and family. You will not feel alone in your quest for seeking answers and understanding by reading this book.

[Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Lee Ann Mancini for a long time. I have listened to her podcasts and heard her speak in person. I know, personally, how she values children and parents, but most of all, the Lord. However, as much as I expected to love this book, I didn't have any expectation as to how much!

Raising Kids to Follow Christ is a great read, but moreover, a very important tool for any parent who wishes to offer the best upbringing for their child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. There are many parenting books on the market, but without trying to be overly complementary to the work of a friend, this book might just be THE handbook for Christian parenting. It is so very well researched with quality expert and biblical support for the premises within.

This book is well written and intelligent, yet easy and relatable with practical examples and real world ideas to help any parent instill Godly values in their child. Every word or deed starts in the heart, and Lee Ann gets that. I especially like that she dealt with the issue of helping a child to trust their parents and to trust God when they are fearful or doubting that they are secure or loved. Building trust is essential to a child's foundational sense of security or in coming to believe that God is who He says He is.

I can't wait to have a grandchild and pass this wonderful resource on to my own daughter!

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the subtitle to this book which states one of the book’s main purposes: “Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God”. She shares valuable insights that can be of great help to parents and grandparents as to how to recognize and direct their child’s learning and growing in faith throughout the different stages of development. The author also helps parents recognize how to address different questions and issues through ways that are practical and easily implemented in the life of the child. She shares personal experiences of raising her own children and always clearly relates all of these back to a specific spiritual principle.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it clearly shows us the loving heart of the author towards children. She addresses some common issues that come up in parenting and she always direct parents to handle these in a loving and patient manner. This is a very readable book. It’s much like sitting down with the author and having a friendly conversation about raising children to become strong in their faith. I would have loved to have had this book during our child raising years. I think it’s a resource worth giving to a new parent, or for any family with young children who have the goal of raising children who are strong in their faith.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Parenting Non-Fiction books are a valuable resource during the parenting years. Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God by Lee Ann Mancini is the latest in this genre that I have read.

Parents want their children to grow in the Faith from a young age. The Church helps guide children through various programs and events. Parents are the first source of encouragement and guidance. Lee Ann Mancini has written a GREAT book that will help and encourage Parents in guiding their children to Follow Christ and a firm foundation in the Faith. The book is 13 chapters of wisdom and research and Biblical Scriptures. I really love the Nightly Blessing Prayers for parents to pray over their children. The Author goes through the Fruit of the Spirit and encourages the parents to teach those to their Children. The book includes ideas on how to get the children to memorize scripture so that it is "written on their hearts". The personal stories were encouraging to read! I HIGHLY recommend this book to parents or anyone who is looking to instill a Trust and LOVE for God in young children! FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Kasi Bury_Busy_Reader Bury · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is nothing more important than raising our children to love and obey the Lord all of their lives so that they, in turn, will raise their children to do the same."
This book gives easy/adjustable real life examples to help the children in your life to grow and thrive in God and their relationship with Him.
It went hand in hand with my childcare schooling as well as a Christian lifestyle for my child and myself. I cannot wait to share this with the moms in my church and daycare! Here are a few more of my favorite quotes:

"When it comes to discipline, consistency is key. If you say you’re going to take something away from them or deliver a consequence, you must follow through with it."

"One word spoken in love can make a huge difference in a child’s life. We are to guide, correct, and edify our children with our words."

"It’s best not to label your child the shy one, the loner, the chatterbox, or anything along these lines. If repeated often enough, the child may believe it and live up to that label so that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."

[DONNA MILLER]

As Christian parents, our heart’s desire is to pass along our faith to our children. But more often than not, we feel ill equipped to do just that. This is where author Lee Ann Mancini comes alongside us to show us how to set the stage to encourage and influence our children’s faith development.

This book is a beautiful tool to guide us to be the spiritual leaders that our children need. I wish I had access to resources like this when my two girls were very little but as God encouraged me, it is never too late.

My hubby and I are firm believers that parenting doesn’t end when our children leave the nest. God calls us to steward our children well for Him until He calls us home. And nothing can be more important in parenting than continuously helping and guiding our children to know Christ more. This is the greatest legacy we can leave for our families.

I HIGHLY recommend this beautiful and well researched book. 🩷

[Donna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I think you should know: Raising Kids to Follow Christ : Instilling a Lifelong Trust In God By Lee Ann Mancini is a Nonfiction book on Parenting Family and Relationships.

What I think about this book:
As a Christian Mom in an ever changing world I always hope that I am doing the best to raise my sons to be strong Christians. While I feel like this book is geared for parents with younger children it is good food for thought for any Christian Parent wanting to strengthen both their and their Child’s biblical foundation. This was an interesting book. I appreciate how the author included Bible references for their advice. I also love the prayers that the author gives as a foundation for praying over your child! I would not hesitate to recommend this book to mature Christian Parents.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah Hamaker]

Raising Kids to Follow Christ is an essential handbook for parents who want to, er, raise their children to love Jesus. After laying a firm foundation on why we should do this important work, Lee Ann has many practical ideas and ways for moms and dads to teach their kids about God.

My only quibble is her insistence that homeschooling is the "best choice" to ensure our kids aren’t marred by the culture. As you might have guessed, we send our children to a Virginia public school, which has frankly opened up many avenues of discussion about how to live our faith among peers of different cultures and religious backgrounds. Part of the purpose of Lee Ann’s book is to equip our kids to not only engage in the world but to shine for Christ among those who do not believe as we do.

That said, I do hope many parents will take up the call to train your children in the ways of God.

[niks bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book will forever hold a special place in my heart, as ive read it during a time that my husband and i just had our first child. it was very special for me to read during this time because i often pray over our child and, lord willing, future children, that they are brought up by us learning to seek Jesus.

🙏🏼i really admired how this book was written with parents in mind - whether you’re a believer or not, I believe this would be a wonderful read for you! it really helped open my heart to placing all of my worries and doubts in God’s hands when it comes to all of the things I tend to question about raising our little one.

🙏🏼this is just such a very reassuring resource overall and im really thankful to have read it; i will definitely be revisiting this book as a resource as it’s such a great guide and book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parenting is hard. I have three teenagers at home, and we have made lots of mistakes over the years. Because my kids are all teenagers, this book isn't quite as applicable to me. It is definitely more geared towards beginners, better read when the kids are younger to apply early on in the parenting game! This book is woven with scriptures in order to give Biblical advice. It touches on difficult topics such as faith, discipline, character, witnessing, etc. There are also reflection questions at the end to further your study and learning. I appreciate the Biblical references and the heart of this book, as resources like this are helpful in reminding us and holding us accountable to Biblical parenting. We all want our children to grow up knowing, loving and serving Jesus. And I do pray that this book will assist its readers in helping guide their children to this goal!

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book would be a great one to give to new parents or any parents (or grandparents) of young children and would be perfect for church libraries. The text details specific ideas to incorporate into daily life to help children become aware of spiritual principles and how to live for Christ. The author shares pertinent personal examples, illustrations, and suggested activities to make it clear how to apply what is gleaned from this helpful how-to guide on living a godly life from early childhood on. She includes many Scriptures within the brief book. I found the engaging book easy to read and one I wished I had accessible when raising my own children. I think a parenting group could use it as a study and discuss what they learn and how to put it into practice in everyday life. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God” by Lee Ann Mancini is an excellent book that combines Nonfiction, Family and Relationships, and Parenting. It provides strategies and techniques for raising children centered around God’s word. The author includes real-life examples, personal stories, and more.

It focuses on preserving Christianity through our children. As the mom of four adult children, I would have appreciated reading this book when they were younger. I love how the author includes fun ways to connect your child’s heart to Christ and build a meaningful and lasting relationship. It helps children move from discipline to discipleship, allowing them to grow.

So, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own

[Sarabeth Peavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often take time to actually sit down and read an entire book. My kids were impressed with me and even interested in what I am learning.
Lee Ann Mancini does an excellent job of holding the reader's hand and walking through every step of the way from before birth all the way to teenagers. Raising kids is hard work and even harder to teach them to follow Christ, especially if you weren't shown or taught these things yourself.
I love how there is no shame for those who didn't know how or didn't start earlier. She reminds us it is never too late. There are a lot of basics that are laid out clearly and in a format that is easy to implement.
I think anyone who works with or has kids would benefit from this book.

[Catie Penning · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom, I long to build a foundation of truth and instill Biblical principles within my children, but sometimes I struggle with knowing how to do so, and I'm always on the search for good, solid resources to help me.

This book was such a relief and is overflowing with advice, suggestions, and instruction on how to incorporate God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit into our daily lives: saying short prayers out loud for our kids to model; disciplining in a way that's effective and loving; nurturing and affirming positive characteristics within our kids in a practical way; helping them learn to trust God and to develop a Biblical worldview. This is definitely a book that I will be going back to time and time again as my children grow. Once is not enough!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book is a useful tool to have in your home library and should be in any church library. This book is easy to read and follow. It covers subjects such as prayers to pray over our children, the Lord’s Prayer, the 10 commandments and discipline and bullying and tattling as well as school and playtime. This book has lots of scriptures m. It also tells and shares about 20 essential Biblical virtues and stones. This book has lots of suggestions and examples of what Biblical story to use and how to incorporate Biblical principles into everyday life. In some places they are suggestions on how to do this with younger children and then with older children. This is a book to read more than once.
I received a complimentary copy from the author celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of gems in this book born of Lee Ann's passion for children's salvation and parents ' challenges in teaching them. Not everyone's strengths lie in teaching, so if that resonates for you, pick this book up for yourself. You'll find the Shema prayer, the Sand Palace (true story), tips on doing discipline well, the difference between guilting and shaming kids into obedience, and the cost of being indecisive parents with alternative approaches.

I loved the explanation of telling vs. tattling, the good night blessing, and chapter on aoologetics. Helpful end-of-book sections add more value: questions for parents' reflections, a five- page bibliography, and a Bible index for symbols.

[Doris Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Kids to Follow Christ is an outstanding resource for parents and grandparents! Filled with biblical truth, practical instruction, fascinating statistics, and personal stories, Lee Ann Mancini provides an invaluable guide for raising kids to know, love, and follow Jesus. In this world of negative messages and false teachings, it is crucial for families to have this kind of resource to help kids build a solid and firm foundation in Christ. This book is a must-read for parents and makes a great gift! You might also consider donating copies to your church or to local homeschool groups. So needed and so good!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Lee Ann Mancini has written a “must have book/resource” for parents, grandparents and those who serve and teach in Children’s Ministry. She had my full attention midway thru just the introduction!
“The most valuable gifts from our Lord, are the beautiful children He has given us, created in His image. The most valuable gift we can give to our Lord is to be equipped, empowered, and filled with the Holy Spirit to help raise His children to be lifelong followers of Christ.”
I strongly encourage all fellow preschool/children’s ministry leaders to make “ Raising Kids to Follow Christ” the gift given to every family in their church.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tab this bad boy up!!! If your new to the path of Christ or even been a believer for a while and got some children but wonder how to lead them to Christ. THIS IS THE BOOK! From babies to pre teen ages, if gives you lots of ideas to do projects with, topics of conservation to the older ages. Doesn't matter if your children are adults, if gives you tips to how to communicate to the older ones as well. This is the type of book you'll be coming back to as the time goes by. Though I must say, it can get a bit overwhelming because its a lot of information to take in at once. But besides that it's an amazing book.

[Ava Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Kids to Follow Christ by Lee Ann Mancini will quickly become a go-to resource for every parent, grandparent, Children's Ministry leader, and anyone else who investing in the children in their lives. Packed with practical and relevant information, encouragement, and wisdom, Lee Ann offers a valuable resource to help counteract the influence of our culture in raising children to grow into the adults God intended for them to be. Makes a great gift for baby showers, new moms, and even not-so-new moms!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book filled with ways to encourage, inspire, and guide children to follow Christ. This book is great for adults, too. From Scripture passages to personal experiences and more, the book gives practical ways to help others know about God. Excellent resource for families, worship leaders, teachers, and everyone. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Linda Goldfarb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Ann Mancini hit the mark in Raising Kids to Follow Christ by equipping parents to equip future generations of Jesus followers. Don’t let the primary colors fool you, this is definitely a book for grown ups. Without a plan the people will parish and this book provides more than a plan. It provides answers to questions many parents don’t know to ask. Buy it. Gift it. Put it on your shelf for future reference.

[Barb Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parenting can be hard. It's difficult to know where to get advice. Right here is the answer!

Lee Ann combines experience, expertise, and scripture to encourage, support, and inspire parents.

I especially love this quote: "We need to be obedient while also understanding that there is grace in all we do. Parenting takes patience and practice; practice does not mean we will be perfect. We are parenting practitioners! "

This book goes deep, helping parents through the tough stuff.