Heirs of the Covenant: Leaving a Legacy of Faith for the Next Generation

by Susan Hunt

True Christian education offers far more than secular education methods sprinkled with Bible stories. It teaches people of every age to think and live Christianly. And it makes teachers of us all. Whether you're a parent or grandparent, a Sunday school or Christian school teacher, or a youth leader or pastor, you are responsible to help develop the community of believers into a unified, vibrant fellowship; to draw families together in committed relationships that extend beyond generational lines; and to live out God's covenant with His people in a way that makes authentic Christianity come alive. This practical plan for integrating Christian education into all of life shows what happens when, day by day, week by week, generation by generation, the church leads its people into the privileges and responsibilities of covenant living. Regardless of your role in God's Kingdom, Heirs of the Covenant will motivate you to leave a legacy of faith for the next generation—and to live for Christ today in your home, church, and community.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian Living

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 1998

About the author

Susan Hunt is a mother and grandmother, a pastor’s wife, and the former Director of Women’s Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America. Holding a degree in Christian education from Columbia Theological Seminary, she has written a number of books, including several by Crossway.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Hunt has a passion for Christian education, and it shows. Steeped in covenant theology, Heirs of the Covenant begins at the right place. Christ. Every Bible story teaches of the Son of God, and this is what we must show our children. Then we must live with Christ at the center of our lives. Coram Deo; we live before His face. Hunt constantly reminds the reader that the content of the covenant is to be communicated in the context of covenant relationships. While Hunt has some suggestions for methodology, she focuses on principles of Christian education. Excellent.

[Stanley Jebb · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is much useful material in this book. However, it is marred by the over-use of the word ‘covenant.’ In the first chapter alone she uses it over eighty times. This repetitiveness is very tedious. Moreover, she reads ‘covenant’ into scriptures where it is not mentioned at all and so is in danger of adding to Scriptures. For example, in her exposition of the book of Esther she asserts that “(I)t is a story of a teacher of grace who confronted his student with the crown rights of Jehovah and with the covenant of grace to redeem his people ... He taught the content of the covenant in the context of covenant love ... he reminded her of her identity as a child of the covenant.” (Pages 218-222.

[Cindy Daniel]

Excellent book for all involved in student ministry or children’s ministry. Heirs of the Covenant is packed full of encouragement, practical ideas, and vision-building; I’d highly recommend it to Christian education team members, Sunday school teachers and assistants, and anyone interested in covenantal discipleship.

[Kelly Rockey allen]

Ppp

[Fraser Perrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, easy to read book that I’d recommend for all Christians. A clear, practical understanding of covenant theology and the life of the body.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book!

[Sue Peck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful for church teaching program but not general reading. Poorly written, disorganized.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are all part of God’s covenant family and this book by Susan Hunt will convince you that each member of your church can truly find their place in the model of a covenantal driven church. Although most of the examples of special programs come from the Presbyterian denomination, this book presents a thorough and consistent program explaining the promises, privileges and obligations to be passed from generation to generation in the reformed tradition.
This book is not a diagnostic book of present challenges, opportunities and problems in education but a well-organized, readable, progression of steps in developing a covenantal church. It will enhance your church growth by developing ways to renew and revitalize a church.
It is rich in Biblical text and creeds unfolding the covenant of grace as states in Genesis 17:7.
“ I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generation to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you”
A Covenant is sovereignly initialed, sustained, eternally secured Trinitarian, corporate, generational, compassionate and integrative and exclusive as well as inclusive. To the church’s effectiveness in disciplining God peoples as in being salt and light in the culture will be in direct proportion to the quality of village life in the church, from crib to coffin with each person knowing and taking on their role in passing it on.
You will be challenged and encouraged to further develop your church in a covenantal path. I encourage you to purchase this book for your Christian Education leaders

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good - covenant nurture of children