Nov 22 2011

Family Advent Devotions

by Doug Wolter

Advent is a time of expectation and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.  I encourage you to set aside some time with your family to focus on Jesus in these weeks leading up to Christmas.  Here are some ideas:

Christ the King Presbyterian Church has developed two Advent devotionals you can download here and here.

Jared Kennedy posted some great ideas for families to celebrate the Advent season.

The Resurgence also has an excellent series of posts onLearning to Advent together.

Justin Taylor points to a new Advent Narrative Book that looks really good.

Tony Kummer highlights some Advent Lessons for Kids that teach through the nativity.

One thing we do in our home is sing Christmas songs together (I can still manage to play a few on the guitar!) and talk about the words to these songs.  I’ve found that some of them are rich in theology (i.e. Joy to the World). Whatever you do, make it simple and fun for your kids!


Nov 4 2011

7 Financial Principles for Kids

by Doug Wolter

Jared Kennedy gives some helpful financial principles and devotions to walk through with your kids. These devotions would be a great supplement to a church-wide series on stewardship.

  1. We are God’s stewards
  2. God made us for work
  3. A worker is worthy of his earnings
  4. We give freely because we’ve received freely from Jesus
  5. We prepare for the future by planning and saving
  6. How we spend our money shows what we treasure in our hearts
  7. The Bible encourages us to avoid debt

Oct 7 2011

New ESV GROW! Bible for Kids

by Doug Wolter

ESV Grow! BibleI just got a copy of the ESV GROW! Bible from a friend of mine. I love it!  It’s designed specifically for children ages 8-12. One of the coolest features is the “Cross Connections” boxes that are scattered throughout to help kids understand the centrality of the cross in all the Scriptures. Another feature called “4U” is great for explaining the text and how to apply it to a child’s life.   I can’t wait to read it with my 7 and 9 year old girls.


ESV Grow! Bible from Crossway on Vimeo.

Click on the Bible to the right to view the text.


Sep 30 2011

Simple Gospel Habits in the Home

by Doug Wolter

Here are two simple ways to pass on the gospel to your kids at an early age:

  1. Creating Prayer Cards for Your Kids
  2. Blessing Your Children at Bedtime

Using these simple tools helps us depend on God each day for grace that only he can give.


Sep 28 2011

What if “Making Disciples” Looked More Like This?

by Doug Wolter

This is Discipling from The Foursquare Church on Vimeo.

(HT: Brent Thomas)


Sep 26 2011

When God Calls You to Wait

by Doug Wolter

Paul Tripp with some wise words on God’s will in your time of waiting (whew … lots of “w’s”):

In ministry there are often moments when you are propelled by a biblical vision but called by God to wait. Waiting can be discouraging and hard. So what does it look like to wait in a way that makes you a participant in what God is doing rather than someone who struggles against the wait? Let me suggest several things.

Read the rest …


Sep 22 2011

SEEDS Wed. Night Ministry to Kids and Families

by Doug Wolter

It’s been a great month of SEEDS! LBC members, spread the word about this great ministry to children and families on Wed. nights at 6:15. And parents, come to Parent Chat on Oct. 5th as Pastor Tony speaks on the Foundations of Parenting.


Sep 21 2011

Dispatches from the First Year of Youth Ministry

by Doug Wolter

Student Life started a new blog series called Dispatches from the First Year. It’s all about being a first-year youth pastor: the trials and tribulations, as well as the triumphs.

Four newbies will be journaling for their first year, giving insights to discipling students, as well as being on a church staff, creating relationships with parents, and much more.

Our own Cam Potts, Student Pastor at LaGrange Baptist Church, (pictured) is one of the featured bloggers!  Check it out.


Sep 21 2011

Gospel Centered Discipleship Site Now Launched

by Doug Wolter

Gospel Centered DiscipleshipI’m really excited about the launch of gospelcentereddiscipleship.com! GCD exists to promote discipleship resources that help make, mature, and multiply disciples of Jesus. Check out the site, enjoy the resources, download the free eBooks, and help spread the Word!


Sep 9 2011

SEEDS Video

by Doug Wolter

The first few weeks of our SEEDS ministry has gone really well!  We’ve looked at the big story of Scripture, Creation, and now the Fall.  Thanks to each of you who serve in this ministry to children and families!  You are appreciated!