Dear friends,
I hope that you’ve had a wonderful Christmas and that you’re looking forward to a great new year. It’s been a fun year with the Gospel-Centered Family team. I’m so thankful to be able to work with such great people. This year…
Served 50 churches through coaching and training.
And provided editorial work for 7 ministries and 3 individual authors.
Gospel-Centered Family’s mission is to help parents and church leaders share Jesus with the next generation. Our prayer is that our efforts this past year have helped to fan into flame the gifts God has given to you as you share the good news with the children in your care (2 Tim. 1:6–7).
This week’s newsletter closes out the year, and I want to highlight my two favorite books of the year for family ministry and encourage you to sign up for one of the remaining spots in our cohorts.
If you are a family ministry leader, here are two important books that you should pick up as you head into the new year. They were my favorite ones in our field that I read this past year.
Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers by Mike McGarry (New Growth, 2021) pastors and youth ministers equip and disciple their youth ministry teams. Mike combines basic training in biblical doctrine with a gospel-centered philosophy of ministry and a practical mindset. The chapters that help youth workers care for students who doubt or struggle with biblical sexuality are particularly helpful. Pick this up then huddle with your ministry team before your weekly gatherings to discuss a chapter each week.
Then, in Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims (The Gospel Coalition, 2021), Rebecca McLaughlin is doing beautiful apologetic work. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I’m so grateful for her clarity about where the evangelical church needs to listen and repent, where the prevailing culture is embracing an ethic with no foundation, and how we can extend loving arms toward neighbors with whom we disagree. The book is 25% off right now at The Gospel Coalition’s store.
Register now for our January 2022 Student Ministry Leadership and Special Needs Ministry cohorts. Learn ministry skills, find friendship and support, and grow as a leader. There are several spots remaining. Registration closes on December 31st for the special needs ministry cohort, and it has been extended until January 15 for the student ministry cohort. Click here for more information and to register.
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