Biblical Parenting Resources for Churches, Parents, Families
Parents have the biblical responsibility of raising their children "in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:3). That is a work of the heart, not merely providing for, protecting, and correcting behavior. And, it begins in the heart of parents, affecting all they do (Deut. 6:5-9). Churches can come alongside of parents by training, equipping, and supporting them in fulfilling this God-given responsibility.
Click on a tab below to view a list of biblical parenting resources with helps for mothers and fathers, single parents, stepparents, and general help on being a parent.
Links to other sites will open in a new page to keep the list available to look at additional ministry resources. While seeking to choose sites and resources that are doctrinally sound, we make no claim to total endorsement of any listing. Where possible, we link to merchants with whom we have an affiliate relationship, such as being an Amazon Associate from whom we earn from qualifying purchases. These sites may use cookies to track your activity to ensure that Ministry Tools Resource Center gets commissions from any sales.
Training
Curriculum and Biblical Studies to Help Equip & Train Parents
- Boundaries with Kids - DVD by Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend
- Parenting Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video or DVD: Getting It Right by Andy & Sandra Stanley
- Raising Kingdom Kids Curriculum Bundle by Tony Evans
- Shepherding a Child's Heart, DVD by Tedd Tripp
- Spiritual Parenting DVD Curriculum by Michelle Anthony
- More Bible Studies for Parents
General Help for Parents
Articles:
- But My Mother (Father) Abused Me
- Equipping Parents for Their Sacred Responsibility
- Is Your Church Effectively Equipping Parents for Discipling their Children?
- Parenting as a Shepherding Venue
- Parents' Role of Shepherding Children
- Simple Changes To Shift From Good to Godly Parenting
- Tips for Parents to Effectively Shepherd Their Children
Books:
- Confident Parenting by Jim Burns
- Devotions for Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas
- Different Children, Different Needs by Dr. Charles F. Boyd, Robert A. Rohm Ph.D.
- Discipline That Connects With Your Child's Heart: Building Faith, Wisdom, and Character in the Messes of Daily Life by Jim & Lynne Jackson
- Equipping for Life: A Guide for New, Aspiring & Struggling Parents by Andreas & Margaret Köstenberger
- Every Age, Every Stage: Teaching God's Truth at Home and Church by Ken Hindman, Landry Holmes, Jana Magruder
- Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
- Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley
- Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd & Margie Tripp
- Lessons Kids Need to Learn: Six Truths to Shape the Character of the Child You Love by David Staal
- Love & Respect in the Family: The Respect Parents Desire; The Love Children Need by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
- Love-Powered Parenting: Loving Your Kids the Way Jesus Loves You by Tom Holladay
- Motivate Your Child: A Christian Parent's Guide to Raising Kids Who Do What They Need to Do Without Being Told by Dr. Scott Turansky, Joanne Miller
- Overcoming Toxic Parenting: How to Be a Good Parent When Yours Wasn't by Rick Johnson
- Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Tedd Tripp
- Parenting: Getting It Right by Andy & Sandra Stanley
- Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky, Joanne Miller
- Parenting with Grace and Truth: Leading and Loving Your Kids Like Jesus by Dan Seaborn
- Parenting with Words of Grace: Building Relationships with Your Children One Conversation at a Time by William P. Smith
- Passing the Baton: Guide Your Child to Follow Jesus by Group Publishing
- Raising an Original: Parenting Each Child according to their Unique, God-Given Temperament by Julie Lyles Carr
- Raising Kingdom Kids by Tony Evans
- Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting by Phil & Diane Comer
- Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna
- Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes... in You and Your Kids by Scott Turansky, Joanne Miller
- Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
- Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today's Families by Michelle Anthony
- Spiritual Protection for Your Children by Neil T. Anderson
- Start with the Heart: How to Motivate Your Kids to Be Compassionate, Responsible, and Brave (Even When You're Not Around) by Kathy Koch PhD
- Sticky Faith by Kara E. Powell, Chap Clark
- The Christian Parenting Handbook: 50 Heart-Based Strategies for All the Stages of Your Child's Life by Dr. Scott Turansky, Joanne Miller R.N.
- The Disciple-Making Parent: A Comprehensive Guidebook for Raising Your Children to Love and Follow Jesus Christ by Chap Bettis
- The Legacy Path: Discover Intentional Spiritual Parenting by Brian Haynes
- Visionary Parenting: Capture a God-Sized Vision for Your Family by Dr Rob Rienow
Help for New Parents
Articles:
- 4 Comforting Scriptures for New Parents
- Beyond a Meal - How to Really Bless New Parents
- Creating a New and Expectant Parent Ministry, Part 1
- Creating a New and Expectant Parent Ministry, Part 2
Books:
- First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know by John Fuller
- First-Time Mom: Getting Off on the Right Foot From Birth to First Grade by Dr. Kevin Leman
- Focus on the Family Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care, Revised Edition by Paul C. Reisser M.D.
- More Books for First Time Parents
Issues
Misc. Issues Parents Face
- Activities: 3 Questions for Parents to Ask Before Saying "Yes" to Another Activity
- Anger: Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character by Dr. Scott Turansky, Joanne Miller, RN, BSN
- Conflict: Peacemaking for Families by Ken Sande
- Going to Church: 10 Responses For Children Who Don't Want to Go to Church
- Rebellion: Why Christian Kids Rebel: Trading Heartache for Hope by Tim Kimmel
Other Discipline Issues
Children with Special Needs
- Different Dream Parenting: A Practical Guide to Raising a Child with Special Needs by Jolene Philo
- Extraordinary Kids: Nurturing and Championing Your Child with Special Needs by Cheri Fuller
- Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind: Christian Parents Contend With Autism by Cathy Steere
- More Books on Parenting Children with Special Needs
Teaching about Sex
Books:
- Why Boys & Girls Are Different: Learning About Sex (For Boys Ages 3-5)
- Why Boys & Girls Are Different: Learning About Sex (For Girls Ages 3-5)
- Where Do Babies Come From? Learning About Sex (For Boys Ages 6-8)
- Where Do Babies Come From? Learning About Sex (For Girls Ages 6-8)
- How You Are Changing: Learning About Sex (For Boys Ages 9-11)
- How You Are Changing: Learning About Sex (For Girls Ages 9-11)
- Sex and the New You: Learning About Sex (For Boys Ages 12-14)
- Sex and the New You: Learning About Sex (For Girls Ages 12-14)
- Love, Sex, and God: Learning About Sex (For Young Men Ages 14 and up)
- Love, Sex, and God: Learning About Sex (For Young Women Ages 14 and up)
- How to Talk Confidently with Your Child About Sex: Learning About Sex (Parents' Guide)
- Books on Sex Education in the Home
Roles
Fatherhood Resources - Help for Fathers
Articles:
Books:
- A Dad After God's Own Heart: Becoming the Father Your Kids Need by Jim George
- Brave Dad: Raising Your Kids to Love and Follow God by John MacArthur
- Faith Begins @ Home Dad by Mark Holmen
- First Time Dad: The Stuff You Really Need to Know by John Fuller
- Raising a Modern Day Knight: A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis
- The 21-Day Dad's Challenge: Three Weeks to a Better Relationship with your Kids by Carey Casey
- The Dad Difference: The 4 Most Important Gifts You Can Give to Your Kids by Bryan Loritts
- The Father Connection: How You Can Make the Difference in Your Child's Self-Esteem and Sense of Purpose by Josh McDowell
- The Good Dad Guide: 7 Things That Matter Most to Your Kids by Charles Marshall
- What a Difference a Daddy Makes: The Indelible Imprint a Dad Leaves on His Daughter's Life by Dr. Kevin Leman
- You Have What It Takes: What Every Father Needs to Know by John Eldredge
- More Books for Dads
DVDs:
You may also be interested in: Father's Day ResourcesMotherhood Resources - Help for Mothers
Articles:
- Mentoring of Younger Mothers
- 7 Ways to Support New Mothers in Your Ministry
- Tired & Stressed, but Satisfied: Moms Juggle Kids, Career & Identity - a Barna study
Books:
- A Mom After God's Own Heart: 10 Ways to Love Your Children by Elizabeth George
- Mothers of the Bible Speak to Mothers of Today by Kathi Macias
- She's Gonna Blow: Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill
- Stopping Stress Before It Stops You: A Game Plan for Every Mom by Dr. Kevin Leman
- The Ministry of Motherhood: Following Christ's Example in Reaching the Hearts of Our Children by Sally Clarkson
- The Mom You're Meant To Be: Loving Your Kids While Leaning on God by Cheri Fuller
- What a Difference a Mom Makes: The Indelible Imprint a Mom Leaves on Her Son's Life by Dr. Kevin Leman
- More Books for Moms
Resources:
You may also be interested in: Mother's Day ResourcesStages
Parenting Babies & Toddlers - Help for Parents in Early Childhood
Books:
Parenting Preschool Aged Children - Help for Parents of Preschoolers
Books:
Parenting Grade School Children - Help for Parents of Elementary School Aged Children
Books:
Parenting Teens - Help for Parents of Adolescents
Books:
- Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp
- Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life’s Toughest Issues by Jessica L. Peck
- Growing With: Every Parent's Guide to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in Their Faith, Family, and Future by Kara Powell, Steven Argue
- Parents' Guide To The Spiritual Mentoring Of Teens by Joe White, Jim Weidmann
- Tried and True Family Time Activities for Teens by Kirk Weaver
- More Books for Parenting Teens
Parenting Adult Children - Help for Parents of Adults
Books:
- Doing Life with Your Adult Children by Jim Burns Ph.D.
- Empty Nest, What's Next? - Parenting Adult Children Without Losing Your Mind by Michele Howe
- Growing With: Every Parent's Guide to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in Their Faith, Family, and Future by Kara Powell, Steven Argue
- Prayers of Blessing over My Adult Children by Bruce Wilkinson, Heather Hair
- Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children: Trusting God with the Ones You Love by Jodie Berndt
- The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian
- You Never Stop Being a Parent: Thriving in Relationship with Your Adult Children by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, Jim Newheiser
- More Books for Parenting Adult Children
Structure
Adoption - Parents who Adopt Children
Books:
- Handbook on Thriving As an Adoptive Family: Real-Life Solutions to Common Challenges by David Sanford
- Helping Your Adopted Child: Understanding Your Child's Unique Identity by Paul David Tripp
- Reclaiming Adoption: Missional Living through the Rediscovery of Abba Father ed. by Dan Cruver; by John Piper, Scotty Smith, Richard Phillips, Jason Kovacs
- More Books on Adoption
Co-parenting - Divorced Parents Sharing Custody
Books:
- The Switching Hour: Kids of Divorce Say Good-bye Again by Evon O. Flesberg
- More Books for Parenting Children of Divorce
Fostering - Parents with Foster Children
Books:
- Faith & Foster Care: How We Impact God's Kingdom by John DeGarmo
- Faith to Foster by TJ Menn, Jenn E. Menn
Single Parents - One Parent Raising Children on their Own
Articles:
- 3 Tips to Welcome Single Parents in Your Children’s Ministry
- 5 Sensitive Topics Single Parents Face in Sunday School (and How You Can Help)
- Serving Single Mothers in Your Church
Books:
- Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent by David & Lisa Frisbie
- Single Parenting That Works: Six keys to raising happy, healthy, children in a single parent home by Kevin Leman
- More Books on Single Parenting
Stepparenting - Parents of Blended Families
Articles:
- Healthy Expectations in Stepparenting
- The Stepfamily Journey is Complicated But God Sees You and Hears Your Cries
Books:
- Beyond the Brady Bunch: Hope and Help for Blended Families by Ray & Debbie Alsdorf
- Blended Families: Creating Harmony As You Build a New Home Life by Maxine Marsolini
- But I'm NOT a Wicked Stepmother! Secrets of Successful Blended Families by MKathi Lipp, Carol Boley
- God Breathes on Blended Families by Moe and Paige Becnel
- Living In A Step-family Without Getting Stepped On Helping Your Children Survive The Birth Order Blender by Dr. Kevin Leman
- Step-Parenting 101 by Dr. Kevin Leman
- The Smart Stepfamily: 7 Steps to a Healthy Family, Revised and Expanded Edition by Ron L. Deal
- More Books on Stepparenting
DVDs:
May parents pass on godly values to their children but even more important, a desire to know and love God. Use these ministry resources but get beyond the "how to" to helping parents understand that biblical parenting must first begin in the heart.