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Write It On Their Hearts: Practical Help for Discipling Your Kids
Family life is often very busy! There are so many things competing for time and attention. Kids are also influenced by many different things. How can we make sure that we are making the most of our time with our children to lead them spiritually? And what is the best approach?
This practical guide gives parents a systematic approach to discipleship that goes beyond rote memorization. Author Chris Swain applies to the family context the principles of discipleship that Jesus teaches in Scripture to help you make the most of the time you have with your kids, to both lead them to Jesus and to encourage them to be like Jesus.
“Discipleship happens when we spend intentional time with our children. It is in these moments that God writes his word on their hearts. He does the writing, but we help create the atmosphere for this to take place.” (From the introduction to Write It On Their Hearts.)
Write It On Their Hearts features:
• a model of discipleship developed by Replicate Ministries that is based on Jesus’ encounters with his disciples
• a discipleship plan that you can tailor to each child
• practical help and advice for Christian parents on how to disciple their kids
This practical guide gives parents a systematic approach to discipleship that goes beyond rote memorization. Author Chris Swain applies to the family context the principles of discipleship that Jesus teaches in Scripture to help you make the most of the time you have with your kids, to both lead them to Jesus and to encourage them to be like Jesus.
“Discipleship happens when we spend intentional time with our children. It is in these moments that God writes his word on their hearts. He does the writing, but we help create the atmosphere for this to take place.” (From the introduction to Write It On Their Hearts.)
Write It On Their Hearts features:
• a model of discipleship developed by Replicate Ministries that is based on Jesus’ encounters with his disciples
• a discipleship plan that you can tailor to each child
• practical help and advice for Christian parents on how to disciple their kids
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2022
35 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Chris Swain
4 books1 followerChris Swain served most recently at Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, as Disciple-Making Pastor and CEO of Replicate Ministries, training the local church to make disciples. Chris served in full-time ministry for over two decades after proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps. Chris passed away in 2021, but the words he leaves here reflect his devotion to his family and to making disciples.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 21, 2022
Discipleship is made so complex and complicated for what Jesus taught and led his disciples through. There is no magic formula or word given by Chris that is earth shattering. However, I believe this book to be palatable and very practical for a mom, a dad, or anyone desiring to make a Gospel impact in their families life.
May 20, 2023
Nice to finish this little one off. Nothing hugely original but helpful reminders on intentionality, spending time, modelling prayer, etc.
July 27, 2022
{First posted here https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/ti...}
Not only do the days go by quickly, but so do the opportunities to teach and disciple my kids.
Write It On Their Hearts: Practical Help for Discipling Your Kids by Chris and Melissa Swain is a very practical parenting book that outlines 6 key aspects of discipling your children and they’ve created an acronym to help us with both our understanding and the application.
Love. We love our children with TIME [Transparency, Intimacy, Meaningfulness and Empathy]
Connection. We build this with CARE [Compassion, Authenticity, Relevance and Engagement]
Accountability. We SPUR them on [Sharpen, Pray, Urge, Restore].
Scripture. We get to know the Word and HEAR [Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond]
Prayer. Both together and individually we ASK [Ask, Seek, Knock].
Rest. In all the craziness we STOP [Still, Talk, Offer, Peace]
When you stop to consider these categories, I think it’s easy to just assume what love is, or what building connection is, and we may conclude we’re already doing it without considering more deeply what it means. This is why the acronyms are helpful because they break down a big concept into smaller bites we can chew on in our parenting.
For each family, and each child, parenting can look different. But as we purposefully engage with the question, “How am I loving my child?” or, “How am I holding them accountable?” These chapters provide good food for thought and discussion with principles we can apply.
We’re reminded that our purpose as parents is clearly defined in scripture: we are to make disciples. “The Great Commission begins in the home. This is the purpose each and every Christ-following parent must embrace.”
The plan is simple. What’s difficult is the investment.
Isn't that the truth!
For the parents who appreciate routine and action plans, they’ve put together a monthly or yearly printable plan to help guide you in your intentionality.
If that’s too overwhelming, there’s also a discussion guide that would be nice to go through with a group of friends who are also seeking to strengthen their parenting with practical helps. (Find these FREE here)
Quick Stats
# of pages: 160 pages
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
*a big thanks to The GOod Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
Not only do the days go by quickly, but so do the opportunities to teach and disciple my kids.
Write It On Their Hearts: Practical Help for Discipling Your Kids by Chris and Melissa Swain is a very practical parenting book that outlines 6 key aspects of discipling your children and they’ve created an acronym to help us with both our understanding and the application.
Love. We love our children with TIME [Transparency, Intimacy, Meaningfulness and Empathy]
Connection. We build this with CARE [Compassion, Authenticity, Relevance and Engagement]
Accountability. We SPUR them on [Sharpen, Pray, Urge, Restore].
Scripture. We get to know the Word and HEAR [Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond]
Prayer. Both together and individually we ASK [Ask, Seek, Knock].
Rest. In all the craziness we STOP [Still, Talk, Offer, Peace]
When you stop to consider these categories, I think it’s easy to just assume what love is, or what building connection is, and we may conclude we’re already doing it without considering more deeply what it means. This is why the acronyms are helpful because they break down a big concept into smaller bites we can chew on in our parenting.
For each family, and each child, parenting can look different. But as we purposefully engage with the question, “How am I loving my child?” or, “How am I holding them accountable?” These chapters provide good food for thought and discussion with principles we can apply.
We’re reminded that our purpose as parents is clearly defined in scripture: we are to make disciples. “The Great Commission begins in the home. This is the purpose each and every Christ-following parent must embrace.”
The plan is simple. What’s difficult is the investment.
Isn't that the truth!
For the parents who appreciate routine and action plans, they’ve put together a monthly or yearly printable plan to help guide you in your intentionality.
If that’s too overwhelming, there’s also a discussion guide that would be nice to go through with a group of friends who are also seeking to strengthen their parenting with practical helps. (Find these FREE here)
Quick Stats
# of pages: 160 pages
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
*a big thanks to The GOod Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 2, 2025
this is a great book! I was enjoying it. give u ideas on how to teach children about God 🥰.
September 3, 2022
This book is filled with great practical advice for Christian parents, and the author's unexpected death before its publication gives it even greater poignancy, especially when he talks about how little time you'll have left with your children before they grow up. The foreword explains about Chris Swain's death and legacy, and if you usually skip forewords, this is definitely one to read. Melissa Swain, Chris's wife, completed the manuscript based on his original draft, and I admire her commitment to finishing his work and blessing other families with it.
Write It On Their Hearts shares a simple model for understanding children's spiritual formation, and Swain writes about common themes such as listening to your children, holding them accountable, and helping them learn how to study Scripture for themselves. He shares clear, practical advice for all of the topics he covers, often using acronyms to help parents remember different things. He acknowledges that it is much easier to talk about discipleship than to live it out, but he provides a clear on-ramp for parents to start engaging more intentionally with their children, and avoids unnecessary debates over nonessential issues. This book isn't legalistic at all, and people who are leaving legalistic backgrounds may find it especially helpful, since it emphasizes the most core, essential elements of spiritual formation without the baggage of man-made rules.
Personally, I would have appreciated a chapter about how to disciple your children through physical and emotional suffering. Like most parenting books, this one assumes that the biggest issues your family will face will be an abundance of activity and a shortage on time, and I wish that it addressed how families can navigate significant hardships in a godly way. This doesn't affect my rating of the book, since it's extremely rare for parenting books to address how to handle a child's suffering, but I hope that other authors will address this dimension in the future.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Write It On Their Hearts shares a simple model for understanding children's spiritual formation, and Swain writes about common themes such as listening to your children, holding them accountable, and helping them learn how to study Scripture for themselves. He shares clear, practical advice for all of the topics he covers, often using acronyms to help parents remember different things. He acknowledges that it is much easier to talk about discipleship than to live it out, but he provides a clear on-ramp for parents to start engaging more intentionally with their children, and avoids unnecessary debates over nonessential issues. This book isn't legalistic at all, and people who are leaving legalistic backgrounds may find it especially helpful, since it emphasizes the most core, essential elements of spiritual formation without the baggage of man-made rules.
Personally, I would have appreciated a chapter about how to disciple your children through physical and emotional suffering. Like most parenting books, this one assumes that the biggest issues your family will face will be an abundance of activity and a shortage on time, and I wish that it addressed how families can navigate significant hardships in a godly way. This doesn't affect my rating of the book, since it's extremely rare for parenting books to address how to handle a child's suffering, but I hope that other authors will address this dimension in the future.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2023
I read this book on vacation and it was fantastic!
5 out of 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️This relatively short (145 pages) book packs a big punch with practical application and conviction. Throughout the entire book, the emphasis is building a relationship with your children based on the gospel and personally modeling Christlike behavior to/for/with them.
⭐️While the introduction seemed a bit strong with the message of “vulture culture” (which admittedly I’m a bit sensitive to this topic from conversations I’ve had with other people), there several good points that kept me reading. And I’m so glad that I did because this book was super convicting for me and encouraging as I pursue to disciple my children well.
⭐️Each of the 7 chapters is full of Scripture, vulnerable personal stories, and advice. And each chapter ends with a bulleted list of practical ways to apply what you’ve read. There are a few acronyms throughout the book which is a helpful way to remember and apply the principles of the book.
⭐️I love and appreciate the author’s vulnerability and passion for Christ. He shares personally from his own life in a relatable way without lacking the emphasis for Jesus. He points to Jesus in His own weaknesses and encourages the reader to rely on Jesus themselves and to point their child(ren) to Jesus. The book contains just a ton of valuable information - Scripture, explanations, personal stories, practical tips…my book is full of markings which is a personal indicator for me that it’s a good book!✏️
⭐️Paul David Tripp’s book “Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family” holds top position in my favorite book on parenting. “For the Love of Discipline” by Sara Wallace is a close second. And now, “Write It on Their Hearts” by Chris and Melissa Swain has just secured spot number 3, bumping the rest down a notch.
💛Really the only negative to this book is the tragedy that Chris went to be with Jesus last year. Incredible for him! But sad for us because I feel like there was so much more Biblical wisdom and gospel-centered living advice we could’ve gleaned from him.
5 out of 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️This relatively short (145 pages) book packs a big punch with practical application and conviction. Throughout the entire book, the emphasis is building a relationship with your children based on the gospel and personally modeling Christlike behavior to/for/with them.
⭐️While the introduction seemed a bit strong with the message of “vulture culture” (which admittedly I’m a bit sensitive to this topic from conversations I’ve had with other people), there several good points that kept me reading. And I’m so glad that I did because this book was super convicting for me and encouraging as I pursue to disciple my children well.
⭐️Each of the 7 chapters is full of Scripture, vulnerable personal stories, and advice. And each chapter ends with a bulleted list of practical ways to apply what you’ve read. There are a few acronyms throughout the book which is a helpful way to remember and apply the principles of the book.
⭐️I love and appreciate the author’s vulnerability and passion for Christ. He shares personally from his own life in a relatable way without lacking the emphasis for Jesus. He points to Jesus in His own weaknesses and encourages the reader to rely on Jesus themselves and to point their child(ren) to Jesus. The book contains just a ton of valuable information - Scripture, explanations, personal stories, practical tips…my book is full of markings which is a personal indicator for me that it’s a good book!✏️
⭐️Paul David Tripp’s book “Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family” holds top position in my favorite book on parenting. “For the Love of Discipline” by Sara Wallace is a close second. And now, “Write It on Their Hearts” by Chris and Melissa Swain has just secured spot number 3, bumping the rest down a notch.
💛Really the only negative to this book is the tragedy that Chris went to be with Jesus last year. Incredible for him! But sad for us because I feel like there was so much more Biblical wisdom and gospel-centered living advice we could’ve gleaned from him.
August 16, 2022
What is your plan as a parent for the spiritual formation of your children? In Write It On Their Hearts, Chris and Melissa Swain give practical help for discipling your kids.
The Great Commission and Your Children
In 7 chapters and less than 150 pages, this book is a guide to fulfill the Great Commission in your children. Using the helpful word picture of discipleship as a crockpot, not a microwave, the Swains share their wisdom on six key elements that Jesus modeled in his discipleship: love, prayer, connection Scripture, accountability, and rest.
What the Swains do exceedingly well is making their points memorable. By using the acronym TIME, we see that we can best love our children by giving them Transparency, Intimacy, Meaningfulness, and Empathy. I saw how I need to try to see things from their perspective, whether they are right or wrong, and still understand how they see the world.
True Connection, Challenges and Encouragement
What I was most fascinated by is how we, as parents, can connect with a moment while not necessarily connecting with our child. We might feel connected because of a shared event, but true connection comes with CARE: Compassion, Authenticity, Relevance, and Engagement. Scheduling time together for connection, not necessarily for memorable moments, is something I want to do better.
The Swains aim high with their vision for discipleship, and they give you the tools to help you get there. You will feel challenged as a parent, but also encouraged to give your children your best. With practical tips and a plan in place, you will be equipped to train your children up in the way they should go. Disciple your children and they will not depart from it.
I received a media copy of Write It On Their Hearts and this is my honest review.
The Great Commission and Your Children
In 7 chapters and less than 150 pages, this book is a guide to fulfill the Great Commission in your children. Using the helpful word picture of discipleship as a crockpot, not a microwave, the Swains share their wisdom on six key elements that Jesus modeled in his discipleship: love, prayer, connection Scripture, accountability, and rest.
What the Swains do exceedingly well is making their points memorable. By using the acronym TIME, we see that we can best love our children by giving them Transparency, Intimacy, Meaningfulness, and Empathy. I saw how I need to try to see things from their perspective, whether they are right or wrong, and still understand how they see the world.
True Connection, Challenges and Encouragement
What I was most fascinated by is how we, as parents, can connect with a moment while not necessarily connecting with our child. We might feel connected because of a shared event, but true connection comes with CARE: Compassion, Authenticity, Relevance, and Engagement. Scheduling time together for connection, not necessarily for memorable moments, is something I want to do better.
The Swains aim high with their vision for discipleship, and they give you the tools to help you get there. You will feel challenged as a parent, but also encouraged to give your children your best. With practical tips and a plan in place, you will be equipped to train your children up in the way they should go. Disciple your children and they will not depart from it.
I received a media copy of Write It On Their Hearts and this is my honest review.
August 2, 2022
‘Being a parent is such an important job’ ... sorry if it seems a bit pretentious to quote my own writing, but I wrote this in my novel “Beneath The Tamarisk Tree” as words spoken by Jesus to a rejected child, highlighting His heart for children. That they should be loved, nurtured and encouraged in every way possible.
As a Foster carer, I have seen too often when parenting has gone wrong, and the lifelong impact it can have.
So this is an amazing and important resource for all parents, especially those wanting to encourage their children to find their own faith and follow Jesus.
It includes plenty of sound advice as to how to guide and encourage our children, build a relationship with them so that they can become strong in their personal relationship with Jesus.
It is easy to read, very insightful and packed with biblical truths and references as well as some quite radical and counter-cultural tools and plans that will really help to model and instil godly relationships.
At the end of each chapter the "write it on their hearts" section summarises the chapter well, with practical steps to take to implement the teaching within your family. Practical advice on key spiritual aspects like prayer, reading the bible and hearing from God, and great advice on topics like time, discipleship and especially good about resting together, enjoying Sabbath time together.
Parents will find it helpful, challenging, real and not with out-of-reach ambitions… just good solid teaching.
The end of the book also includes some very helpful planning tools, helping you to lay down weekly, monthly or annual plans that will enable your family to build their relationship with God and with each other.
Read more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
As a Foster carer, I have seen too often when parenting has gone wrong, and the lifelong impact it can have.
So this is an amazing and important resource for all parents, especially those wanting to encourage their children to find their own faith and follow Jesus.
It includes plenty of sound advice as to how to guide and encourage our children, build a relationship with them so that they can become strong in their personal relationship with Jesus.
It is easy to read, very insightful and packed with biblical truths and references as well as some quite radical and counter-cultural tools and plans that will really help to model and instil godly relationships.
At the end of each chapter the "write it on their hearts" section summarises the chapter well, with practical steps to take to implement the teaching within your family. Practical advice on key spiritual aspects like prayer, reading the bible and hearing from God, and great advice on topics like time, discipleship and especially good about resting together, enjoying Sabbath time together.
Parents will find it helpful, challenging, real and not with out-of-reach ambitions… just good solid teaching.
The end of the book also includes some very helpful planning tools, helping you to lay down weekly, monthly or annual plans that will enable your family to build their relationship with God and with each other.
Read more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
March 28, 2023
I really enjoy reading Christian parenting/discipleship perspectives because, for me, it's always a great way to keep myself accountable and to keep ideas and Godly goals fresh on my mind. With raising multiple kids, my mind is always going a million places a minute and I need that reminder to do xyz that I had told myself we need to put into practice or maybe we've slacked off on.
I found this book to be encouraging, to be full of great, easy ways to constantly keep God and his Truths the center focus in our family and to help our children live out those Truths. I especially loved how each focal point there was an acronym to help remind us parents of ways to implement these Biblical practices in our lives.
I found this book to be encouraging, to be full of great, easy ways to constantly keep God and his Truths the center focus in our family and to help our children live out those Truths. I especially loved how each focal point there was an acronym to help remind us parents of ways to implement these Biblical practices in our lives.
September 11, 2022
WRITE IT ON THEIR HEARTS is taking a top spot in parenting books that I’ve read. I think it’s a must read for every parent. Loved the practicality + simplicity of it and the emphasis on building a relationship with your children (and how to do it).
December 5, 2022
A very practical and concise book that will encourage and equip parents to take the Great Commission seriously in their homes with their kids. The author shares relatable stories, practical tools, and biblical insight into discipling your kids with purpose and intentionality. Highly recommend it!
May 9, 2024
This book is all about practicality, which I appreciated. Some good ideas about structuring discipleship with kids. Some stuff I will definitely use and other things I won’t, but all in all it drives home the importance of active discipleship in the home.
February 3, 2025
A little cheesy at times but great food for thought
“When the God of the universe, Lord of all creation, giver, and sustainer of life, chooses how to disciple his people, he opted to spend intentional time. That’s his method. Likewise, we as parents should do the same.”
“When the God of the universe, Lord of all creation, giver, and sustainer of life, chooses how to disciple his people, he opted to spend intentional time. That’s his method. Likewise, we as parents should do the same.”
September 16, 2022
This book is the goto guide on discipleship on the home. It’s easy to follow and implement.
September 23, 2023
An absolute must read for Christian parents. This book is highly practical and easy to implement with kids of any age.
January 3, 2024
Worth reading and referring to, but a bit patchy as to insights - some chapters stronger than others. Thankful to have read it though.
January 9, 2024
The knowledge that the author passed away just two years ago made his advice seem all the more urgent and vital. Lots of practical ideas to implement that, though I won’t implement exactly like he and his wife have, it got my wheels turning with thoughts for my own family.
May 29, 2024
Read for bible study
September 9, 2025
Great ideas and biblically sound. I wish I had come across this book sooner in my parenting journey.
October 12, 2024
Returning after a year to review this - i still give it 4 stars as it had loads of really helpful things and that's what I gave it at the time. At the time it did have a impact and I made a few changes and I just remember feeling overwhelmed with guilt...
BUT, a year on could I tell you about it? Have I done anything I can directly link back to this book? Sadly no. The overwhelming take away I have is that this book had many, many acronyms but I can't remember a single one!
BUT, a year on could I tell you about it? Have I done anything I can directly link back to this book? Sadly no. The overwhelming take away I have is that this book had many, many acronyms but I can't remember a single one!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews