Joining Jesus as a Family: How to Raise Your Children to be Followers of Jesus

by Greg Finke, Susan Finke

Joining Jesus as a family is simpler than you think and a lot more fun! Christian parents want to raise their children to be life-long followers of Jesus. But many parents watch their children grow up, leave home, and then walk away from the faith. What went wrong? And how can a new generation of parents avoid the same result?

Greg and Susan Finke identify what Jesus shows us in the gospels to help parents become more intentional and practical in raising Jesus-followers.What does it mean to “disciple” my own child?What are my parenting goals? Where do I want my child to end up?To lead my child there, how then shall I live?What is Jesus’ discipleship process?How can I weave Jesus’ discipleship process into the rhythm of my family’s everyday life?This book is for anyone helping a child live the fruitful and fulfilling life of a parents, grandparents, foster parents, pastors, family ministry professionals and volunteers.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2022

About the author

Greg Finke had been ordained since 1989, spending the last ten years of his pastoral ministry pastoring churches with a 1000 or more in worship. In January 2011 he realized he couldn’t remain a senior pastor and do what Jesus was calling Him to do. His ministry, Dwelling 1:14, is one of the results of that. Greg and his wife Susan are neighborhood missionaries in a subdivision in League City, Texas.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed much of this series. Start with the first book - Joining Jesus - and then look at this one if you are interested in intentional spiritual formation efforts in your family. I appreciate the discipleship emphasis in evangelism. Caution - this makes it seem easy, and it puts more pressure on families that already have a lot of pressure. There are ways to add this to what one already does in a low pressure way and give a Gospel focus. Add family discipleship to what takes place in church - there are ways to do that. Family devotions. But the caution is the haunting burden that if your children don't show evidence of faith that you would like, it is the parents fault. They don't really address that.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never not recommend the Joining Jesus books. I love the Finkes’ writing and their commitment to following Jesus but making it easy and accessible for everyone. This book made me so thankful for my own parents and has lots of practical and easy actions anyone can start to deepen their relationship with Jesus and share Jesus with others. There are things I want to put into practice now, just with Nathan and I and I know I’ll be coming back to this book.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Finkes do a great job relating how to raise up your children as Jesus followers. The book is full of practical wisdom and has many good examples. A needed resource in an age when so many children and youth are falling away from the church. There are also free study guides and videos on their companion website

[Pam Bierbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable reading. Very pertinent ways to lead your family in routines that bring us closer to Jesus and strengthen us in our mission.