Grandparenting with Grace: Living the Gospel with the Next Generation

by Larry E McCall

In this practical and biblical resource for grandparents, Larry McCall helps readers confidently carry out their mission of gospel-focused grandparenting. Grandparenting with Grace explores how to build a legacy of a life worth following and how to faithfully pray for grandchildren.

What does God say about grandparents and grandchildren? Rather than relying on personal stories and ideas alone, Grandparenting with Grace seeks to explain from Scripture the what, why, who, and how of grandparenting.

Readers hungry to know more about God s calling for this role will find inspiration, encouragement, and gospel hope. As a parent to three and grandparent to six, the author shares his personal experiences coming alongside his children in supportive ways as they seek to raise their kids his grandkids in the ways of Christ.

Many people in our culture look at grandparenting primarily as an opportunity to make occasional fun memories with their grandkids. There s often little thought given to the idea of intentionally and spiritually pouring into grandchildren.

McCall urges readers to look at grandparenting from an eternal perspective, considering how to be involved in their families in God-honoring ways. By applying biblical wisdom, grandparents can also strengthen the local church as they continue to see and pursue God s calling to present the gospel to the coming generations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2019

Reviews

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since my children are very young, the information in this book isn't directly applicable to me yet. But, it has gotten me thinking in a more detailed way exactly how I want my parents and in-laws to be involved in our family's life.

[Angus Mcfarlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gift from relatives following the birth of our grandchildren, this was a short and straightforward read. The author aims to provide some Christian advice for grandparents in response to what he perceives as an absence of guidance stemming from the Bible itself. I suspect that in this regard he is right, although to what extent a book is needed I am not sure: biblical guidance specific to grandparents (as opposed to say older generations or parents in general) is relatively scarce. Which is not to say it is not a topic worth discussing. I can imagine that many Christians might find encouragement from some of the complex familial scenarios people find themselves in. However, a book like this can only touch briefly on any given situation so the advice provided can only be a starting point. So while I don’t think there’s much in the book that is unhelpful, I also didn’t come away from it particularly impacted by it either. Maybe it will be something I need later on if there are more grandkids around and the situation gets more complicated.

[Steve Ranni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so hard raising children today in a culture that is so confusing and misleading to young people. I so appreciated the upbringing I had. I grew up with six siblings in a two bedroom apartment. The way my parents raised me would probably in some ways be looked upon a abuse to many in today's culture but I wouldn't change a thing. My parents didn't have much but they provided for all their kids the best they could. I am the only sibling in my family to hold a degree and all my dad wanted was for all his kids to graduate High School. I pasted down to my children much of what I was raised on and my wife and I now have two grown children who have cars that are paid for, homes and rental property and no debt and they are only in their mid-twenties. We are so grateful, blessed and thankful and I'm glad my children are teachable. Something that is rare today. This book taught me how I can now play a significant roll in the life of my grandchildren who are just babies and toddlers. I learned that with the right focus there is hope for every generation that comes next despite the challenges that we are all faced with. I would highly recommend this book.

[Kim Wilbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book after attending a seminar by the author. He gives practical advice on international grandparenting. My first grandchild is just a year and a half old so I read this at a good time, but it would benefit anyone no matter the age of their grandchild. It was an easy read with plenty of practical advice and Biblical backing, like specific verses to pray over your grandchildren and their parents. I'm sure I will refer to it often. It made me look at my role as a grandparent differently.

[David Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems to Cover the Bases

Maybe not a home run, bur certainly worth a couple of bases. Would like to see more material on relating to dealing with current social trends in the ives of our grandchildren.

[Karan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much food for thought about the role of grandparents in the spiritual life of their grandchildren.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book to help grandparents influence their grandchildren toward Christ. Many practical ideas to help develop your relationship with your grandkids. Highly recommended.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for those seeking to glorify God in their grand parenting. Some sections did not apply to me currently but it is a book I would revisit in the future.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gospel soaked book that encourages grandparents to live lives that honour God, and to love their children and grandchildren faithfully. It is succinct, clear, gospel focussed, loving and gentle, and addresses numerous areas that Christian grandparents could be considering.

Some of these include: realising grandchildren are sinners who needs saving, and that grandparents can play a key role in showing the love of God. Grandparents need to honour their grandchildren’s parents, and this may involve conversations and apologies. He challenges the idea of not having time for grandchildren and gives practical suggestions on how to be more intentional with activities, time, energy and using technology when needed.

There are detailed suggestions for prayer (both with and for grandchildren), and time given to acknowledging some of the challenges raised by distance, divorce, remarriage, adoption and defiant relationships.

McCall finishes with a challenge to grandparents to consider that their legacy to their grandchildren be of “faith, love, and dependence on Jesus.”

Who should read it? Christian grandparents (and grandparents-to-be) who want to foster strong relationships with their children and grandchildren that are founded on the gospel of Christ. Highly recommended.

I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few books written about spiritual grandparenting.  Larry McCall has written a practical, biblical resource for grandparents, "Grandparenting With Grace", to help us faithfully pray for our grandchildren and challenge us as grandparents to have a spiritual impact.  Grandparents are not just people who spoil their grandchildren.  They should also be imparting spiritual wisdom and teaching them how to live God-honoring lives.

Each chapter ends with discussion questions that can be used as a basis for a small group and action steps for you to take that will help you become a grandparent who is intentional about his/her relationship with God and with his/her mission to teach their grandchildren about God.

In a culture where grandparents are often raising their grandchildren, McCall's book is a godsend.  It is also helpful for those who need to know the value of being a grandparent and the importance they have in the family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very gospel-centered in its counsel to grandparents.

[Jan Eldred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us, as Christian grandparents, want to have a positive impact on our grandkids. That is where this book comes in. Grandparenting with Grace covers many topics, from sharing the gospel with our grandkids, and how we are “Spiritual Mentors” to them, but not the primary spiritual mentors, which their parents should be. It tackles the sticky topic of what to do when our kids are not following the Lord (we DON’T take over!), and how to support our kids in their parenting roles.
Using many Bible verses throughout his book, McCall’s focus is on grandparents as role models, living the way we want our grandkids to live. He is very big on the importance of praying, and has an extensive list of things we can pray for, regarding our grandkids.
I loved this book and gave it five stars. This is a long review, but I couldn’t say as much as I would have liked to. Needless to say, if you are a Christian grandparent – whether or not you are involved in your grandkids’ lives, you will learn and grow in your grandparenting skills by reading Grandparenting with Grace.

[Steve Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bible based and Gospel driven, this book gives down to earth practical applications for our opportunities and responsibilities in shaping future generations for Christ. Larry McCall has clearly stated the case that the joy of being a grandparent is not spoiling our grandchildren and then sending them back to Mom and Dad. Rather, we have the privilege of pointing them to Jesus no matter if they live down the street or on the other side of the world. It’s a short, easy read but packed full of truth and practical how to’s.

[Lynette Karg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not something we tend to think or talk much about in the church. I’m not sure I had ever thought much about what the scripture has to say about this role. We instinctively think that we can just indulge and spoil and have fun with the grands and that all of the spiritual input must come from the parents. This book is a call for us to do and be much more than that.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such excellent grand-parenting advice in this short book. We did it as a small group study and everyone in the group felt the way benefited.