Raising Disciples at Home: Nurturing Your Kids into Faithful Followers of Jesus

by Chris Ammen

Discipleship Without All the Pressure

If discipling your children sounds like a daunting, shame-filled impossibility, you’re not alone. As a children’s pastor and father of four, Chris Ammen has experienced your frustration firsthand and understands that most parents feel inadequate for the task. But what if our inadequacy isn’t a failure, but is just the place from which God chooses to work? 

In his debut book, Chris celebrates the freedom we have to disciple our children from a place of weakness and dependency on God while uncovering these key truths . . . 

Truth #1:  You are not the lynchpin of your child’s journey of discipleship. God is.

Truth #2: Discipleship is nothing less than God molding and shaping the entirety of our personhood into his image as those who delight in him and bring him glory.

Truth #3: You’re not qualified to disciple your children. But God is. And he can work through you to move your children closer to becoming more like his son, Jesus. 

Let’s explore together what discipleship is and isn’t and what we can do to partner with God in loving and discipling our kids. 
 

Genres: Parenting, Christian

192 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

Reviews

[Leah Nicklaus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently read Raising Disciples at Home by Chris Ammen, a new Christian book about discipling our children as we depend on God and seek to build our home on His truths.

While there were several helpful points, this book fell short for me of what I look for in a theologically-rich and gospel-centered book on children’s discipleship.

Here’s a quick look at what was done well, and areas where I think it missed the mark.

I truly appreciate the author’s heart for children and discipleship. He emphasized the importance of a gospel-rich church, encouraging parents to be involved in an in-person church. He rightly prioritizes and elevates children’s ministry.

Ammenn also rightly discusses how God is the ultimate disciple-maker. I appreciated his discussion of the history of biblical rabbis and the context of the Bible and discipleship.

He also acknowledges how God made us in His image: children have inherent value, dignity, and worth because of the One who made them.

However, I thought it lacked developed writing and strong editing throughout the book. While I’m sure it was unintentional, I found the tone was awkward and even condescending at times.

I thought a book on this topic would include more discussions on the theology of salvation. While helpful to discuss discipling behavior, the mind, and emotions, I think parents need to be equipped regarding salvation and sound doctrine.

It seemed like a false dichotomy was set up for parents. He discusses how some churches may preach “you’re a sinner” at length, and instead proclaims that “Jesus is cheering you on and believes in you.”

We need the true gospel: the good news that God made us in His image, but we all fall short of the glory of God. Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, lived the perfect sinless life we could never achieve, died on the cross as payment for our sins, resurrected to new life, and ascended. Those in Christ are made new- this is the good news!

While the chapter on child development was interesting, I thought the book lacked good citations to solid resources. The exercises to heal one’s inner child were also confusing.

Overall, while there were some helpful points and key ideas, I think the book lacked a strong theological foundation and sadly includes a few elements that were questionable doctrinally.

Please note: a review of a book is a reflection of the book itself. While I admire and respect the work by the author, editorial team, and publishing house, I have a responsibility to give an honest review, especially on Christian books about discipling our children. All opinions are my own.

Disclosure: I declined a free copy of this book for review and instead checked it out at the library.

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 2 out of 5]

After further reflection, I am struggling with a two-star rating. While I cannot, in good faith, recommend this book, there are some helpful takeaways, and those moments are the only reason I’m not lowering my rating to one star. Below is my full review:

This was a highly anticipated read for me, as I’m deeply passionate about discipleship. Sadly, it fell short, and after reading it carefully, it’s not a resource I can recommend in good conscience.

As believers, we’re called to be faithful stewards of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), approaching it with care and reverence. As I read through this book, I struggled with mixed messages and inconsistencies. Scripture was often taken out of context or used to support ideas not widely affirmed by trusted Bible scholars, with many points seeming to be rooted more in personal interpretation than careful study.

One section that gave me particular pause was the tone set in the introduction. Phrases like:
• “You want a concrete action plan, and yet the Bible won’t give it to you.”
• “You’ll make a great plan, you will execute it to perfection, and even still, your son or daughter will intentionally break you.”
• “You are not ready for the task of raising disciples. You never will be. And that is the very best news you can hear.”

I found this quite discouraging. I couldn’t help but wonder how a weary mom—especially one navigating postpartum depression or anxiety—eager to disciple her children might feel after reading those words before even reaching chapter one.

While I appreciate the heart behind encouraging parents in their role as disciple-makers—and there were a few helpful moments, especially in Chapter 11: Discipling Alongside the Church—the overall tone and handling of Scripture left me deeply concerned. As someone who longs to point families to truth, I cannot confidently recommend this as a sound or trustworthy resource.

Thank you, Harvest House, for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bethany Broderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many parenting books focus in on one aspect of children—their brain, their emotions, their behavior, or their heart. What I appreciated about Ammen’s books is that he helps parents see their children as whole persons. Our discipleship needs to take into account all their body, mind, and emotions. This books was both theological/theoretical and practical. I highly recommend for the parent wanting to have a deeper, fuller view of discipling their children.

[Missy Haselby · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 recommend. This book convicted me and helped me understand my shortcomings as a parent through a historical lens. It also had a good dose of humor and honesty while being rooted Biblically. Some snippets to chew on: “If it feels hysterical, it’s probably historical. Remain suspicious of your outsized responses. They’re likely a lot less about the goal of discipling your children and more about the emotional baggage you carry.” (Page 89). “The problem with the problem is not the problem. The problem with the problem is the strong emotions around the problem” (page 93). “Be a parent who moves with compassion toward your child’s heart when they feel unlovely” (page 94). “God carefully chooses his words when he speaks to his children. The old adage “Hate the sin, not the sinner” is perhaps the most needed for those closest to us” (page 95). “Adults reading this, listen up- what causes your child’s sadness is completely irrelevant. Get the idea out of your head that some things are worth grieving and others are not. That is not your decision to make. God invites adults to be a safe place for children to work through their sadness.” (Page 150) I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. These thoughts are of my own and have not been swayed.

[Chris Ammen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly... I love this book. haha!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've raised 4 kids and the fifth is finishing up middle school. My husband has volunteered as a teacher at church with elementary kids for decades. I teach middle school language arts. We have been in small groups, book clubs, Sunday school classes and read or studied almost all of the books about raising kids. I usually felt like our family would never match up to the descriptions or expectations of those books. Too often, intended or not, a book came across as a list of spiritual things to do. And they were wordy, and dry. And a lot centered on discipline, not discipling our kids.

This isn't that. It's also not a trip down Romans road. Don't buy it for your unbelieving friend or family so they can catch the gospel. It's not a salvation tool to use on your kids.

This book is an encouragement and gentle admonition for anyone who spends time with kids, but especially parents, about what discipling kids looks like and how kids learn. He includes footnotes for further learning, but the reader doesn't have to spend thirty pages reviewing developmental psychology or doctrine. Don't mistake his humor for flippancy. The book is saturated in Scripture and doctrine. It's just not dry as toast.

Back to my starting point, even as a mom of adults, this was motivating, encouraging, and healing.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian mother, there’s absolutely nothing I take more seriously than raising my boys in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In my human failing, I often find myself feeling as if I’m not doing enough to disciple them well and that’s why I’m grateful for the beautiful message of this book.

Yes, moms and dads, we are the primary influences in the lives of our children and that’s something we must always keep at the forefront of our minds. However, we need to rest in the peace that God works in the hearts of our children and draws His people to Himself. Additionally, God has given us the gift of Christian community in the church. The body must work together to shepherd all children in the church to grow in their faith and become followers of Christ. Ammen’s book is filled with practical tips and encouragement for Christian parents. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Krista Galley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stands out among parenting and discipleship books! It works to base your foundation on Gensis 1-2 (making sure our children know that God first and foremost DELIGHTS in and loves His Creation, including them!) instead of Gensis 3. The author does an amazing job of incorporating theories of child development and having developmentally appropriate expectations for our children. He reminds us that general developmental behaviors are not in and of themselves sin. He incorporates healthy perspectives of play and creativity, and most importantly, mental and emotional health! These chapters were perhaps the most perspective-shifting for me. There are concrete suggestions for how to appropriately respond to feelings and how to help our children develop healthy emotional regulation. It’s a very accessible read and relatively quick. I highly recommend it!

[Leslie Mertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Disciples at Home is exactly the book for busy families like mine. The ones who want to walk out Deuteronomy 6 with our kids but are in the midst of everyday life on the go. The ones who love Jesus and want to share that love with our families in the daily stuff of life. The ones who know the Church is a partner, but parents are the primary disciple-makers in the home. This book keeps it real. Ammen doesn’t present himself as a biblical expert (although this book is absolutely Scripturally sound), but as a parent living family life just like the rest of us. If you’re looking for a book to walk alongside you as you disciple the little ones God gave you, definitely pick up Raising Disciples at Home!

[Taliah Kendrick]

If discipling your kids feels daunting, this book is a breath of fresh air. Chris Ammen brings clarity and encouragement to the everyday work of helping your children follow Jesus. He offers clear, practical tools, a holistic view of discipleship, and plenty of humor along the way. With grace and wisdom, he breaks down what discipleship truly is (and isn’t), reminding parents that we’re called to lead with intention, not perfection. If you’re looking to draw your kids near to Christ in the real moments of daily life, this book will equip you—and remind you that God’s grace is enough.

[Caitie Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that highlights your privilege of raising kids who love Jesus and others with no shame and guilt, this is the book! There is so much joy and hope in these pages for big and small disciples of Jesus. Practicality woven with solid, gentle, compassionate theology! Great read!

[Jennifer Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

having read many parenting books over my 11 years of being a mom, this one is a breath of fresh air in how it maintains good theology while addressing social, emotional, and spiritual development and discipleship through scripture.

[Christian Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5. Discipling your emotions chapter was worth the whole read. Excellent info.

[Maddie Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting ways to think about discipleship in the home. I would enjoy referring back to conversations questions in the book as our kids grow.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, but a flyby.

[Blake Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouraging and insightful read in today’s world. Tons of biblical encouragement!