Reviewed by: Kendra Smalley is studying English and professional writing at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.

Introduction

Title: Do Your Children Believe?: Becoming Intentional About Your Family’s Faith and Spiritual Legacy

Author: Terence Chatmon

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: 2017

Format: Paperback

Length: 210 pages

OVERVIEW

(As a brief disclaimer, I myself am not yet a parent. However, I did find this book to be well worth reading.)

Terence Chatmon’s slim book Do Your Children Believe? is a powerful resource for Christian parents desiring to encourage and bolster the faith of their children. The premise is simple: how can parents become the spiritual leaders of their home and make sure their children have a genuine and authentic relationship with Christ? Chatmon guides parents in thinking through and designing a plan to help them become spiritual leaders for their family and leave a legacy that is colored by the hues of God’s faithfulness and love. He begins with a few chapters of introduction and encouragement, then moves into steps—one per chapter—to help formulate and carry out a plan to guide one’s family into becoming more in-tune with God, by doing things such as studying His word and praying to Him together. He ends with a few chapters of final encouragement, stressing that parents are called to be the leaders of their family’s spirituality.

ASSESSMENT

One of the things I appreciate about Chatmon’s book is his honesty. He is not a pastor; he is a regular, working Christian with responsibilities both in and out of the home. The fact that he has been implementing a spiritual plan for his family for years goes to show God’s faithfulnes and desire for all believing parents to become spiritual leaders. Also, Chatmon admits that it can be hard to be the spiritual leader, but he always stresses God’s faithfulness—it is by the power, will, and wisdom of the Lord that parents can develop and implement their own plan inspired by the ideas presented by Chatmon. The author’s emphasis of God’s faithfulness and trusting in the Lord’s constancy is encouraging, as is his acknowledgment that no family is the same, so no plan will be the same, either. This book is full of both practical ideas and biblical truths.

Many of Chatmon’s ideas are simple and logical, plus they sound like genuine fun. Moreover, he stresses the importance of sharing one’s personal testimony, which ties in to the theme of legacy; he encourages parents to create a strong spiritual heritage for the generations to come, which again, points to God’s faithfulness.

I thoroughly enjoyed the advice and ideas presented by Chatmon. I appreciated how much he stressed trusting in and relying on God and His faithfulness. Moreover, I am grateful he wrote this book to wake up and encourage Christian parents because they are the ones playing major roles in the lives of their children. Chatmon encourages parents to step up and respond in faithful obedience to God’s calling upon them to be the spiritual leaders their youngsters need.

Rating (1 to 5)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

This book was written for Christian parents and those desiring to become their household’s spiritual leaders, but aren’t sure how to start or where to begin. Many of the ideas are good for parents-to-be to consider, and there can be some concepts applicable to the life and faith of someone who is single.

Christian Impact

This book is a great reminder of God’s faithfulness and wisdom. Chatmon reinforces that it is by the strength and empowerment of the Holy Spirit that parents will be able to become the spiritual leaders their families need. Reliance upon and surrender to God are keys to the guidelines presented by Chatmon. Furthermore, he emphasizes prayer and how powerful it can be. This is a book that follows closely with principles and wisdom given in the Bible, and it can be a powerful tool for Christian parents.

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