a newly christain

[Shannen Chang]

Hello all, I'm a new christain and was wondering if anyone can tell me how i can grow spiritual with my kids. I like to know if there is any study guide for family. My daughter is 16 and my son is 14, not sure if there is guide for age range.

Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you and have a bless evening.

Shannen Chang

[James Jackson]

Shannen--

First off, welcome to the family as a new Christ follower! What a blessing to see an adult trust Christ as their Savior! Are your kids already Christians, or are they not yet?
There are several family devotional guides at LifeWay or other Christian bookstores in your area. The next time I'm in the bookstore I'll see if there are any titles specifically with parents of teens in mind. As a new Christian yourself, you may want to look for a Bible study that would take you through Romans or John. We (LifeWay) have a study called "Survival Kit for New Christians" that is excellent.
Are you connected with a church yet? Most churches have classes for new Christians. Find out what they have to offer.
I think I would say, no matter what you do, find someone to do it with. Ask a more spiritually mature woman in your church if she would be willing to spend some time talking with you. A discipleship relationship with a spiritually mature sister will be a huge blessing.
Thanks for joining the Parent2Parent community. I am so glad you are here!

[Shannen Chang]

Hello James,

Thank you so much for your reply. Both of my kids and I are baptized. My son just got baptized August 16th, 2009. I have a older daughter that is in college in Pennsyvlania that has not accepted Christ.

I'm currently do a one on one bible study with the pastor's wife, but I would like to do something similar with my kids so we can grow together. Its hard for me to get the kids involve because we all came to know christ at such an old age, but I pray that God will help me and direct me to diciple to my children.

I will go to lifeway this weekend and see if they can help me pickup a study kit for me and children.

Please keep my family in your prayer and keep in touch.

Have a bless day.
Shannen Chang

[Vanessa Dorminey]

Shannen,

So happy that you're here. I'm also happy to read that you realize that you must grow your relationship with God. Some new Christian believe that after you take the walk down the aisle to the pastor, you are done.

My advise to you would be to go to your nearest Christian Book store or log on to www.lifeway.com and/or www.christianbooks.com and search for family devotionals. Give a prayer to heaven and ask God to lead you to the right place to start and jump in.

I know that teenagers are usually reluctant participants so if there is something that is relevant to a problem or situation they face could be helpful. (For example, I have an 11 year old that is face puberty. I have recently purchased the CD by Dr. James Dobson called Preparing for Adolescence. She and I will go through them soon but there are a few CDs that are for parents only. Boy, I am learning a lot of stuff myself.) Set aside time to go through your devotionals and also for quiet time with God to just chit-chat.

I pray for your family's sucsess.

V

[Shannen Chang]

Hello Vanessa,

Thank you so much for your email. Christain life is so new to me and I didn't really know where to start or how to even begin to read the bible. I recently join a church in my area and the women there are absolutely amazing. The pastor's wife and I get together every Monday night for bible study but I want to do something like that with my two kids. My son just got baptized August 16 and my daughter and I got baptized last summer. I'm very excited about my new faith and so hungry for his words and truth. Our God has been faithful to me all my life and I never accepted him, but He forgive me and called me to be one of his child.

I will go to lifeway book this weekend and see if they can help me pick up a kit for my family.

Thank you for praying for me and my kids.

Keep in touch and have a bless day.
Shannen

[Robert Matheny]

I heard Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp is a good book for parents, not sure if it's applicable for teens though...I can personally recommend How to lead your Child to Christ, and keep them there by Ray Comfort, a great book.

[Mark Allen Harmon]

Shannen,
You have taken the first step in being saved, following in believers batpism and joining a solid Bible believing church.. I would suggest that you start your Bible reading in the Gospel of John and move forward from there.. As for your children, family devotionals are great and and can help you with Ideas. The most important thing you can do for your children is let them see you walk the walk. Take every opportunity to talk about the changes the Lord is making in your lives. Proverbs is a great book to work through with you children there is one chapter for everyday of the month and there are many great discussion points and a great way to demonstrate application of biblical principles in todays world.. Teens need to see parent(s) live out the christian life with all its short comings and struggles remember we won't be perfect as parents and christians but we can set the example for our children. Keep close to Jesus and He will lead and guide you. We will be praying for strength and wisdom for you and your family..

[Martin Mina]

Hello, I just want to let you know that is great that you want to grow spiritually, there is a book call How people grow by DR. Henry Cloud and DR.John Townsend,There is a lot of wisdow in there so you can share with your kids.

[Rubel and Tanya West]

Find a nice church that focuses on the gospel of Christ, make sure they have a solid youth program that will help you with this process for your teens. Some Churches are focused on the elders and sometimes push the youth ministry to the side. Many times these churches eventually die out. They fail to spend the time or resources on the youth which is their future. Remember, you must grow also, surround yourself with fellow believers and followers of Christ. You have taken the big step now take small steps and watch it happen.

[Michael Stover]

Shannen,

Welcome to the family of Christ! Congratulations on your surrender to Him! I am a parent of teens also, and have really enjoyed using the column found in the LIVE section of each week's lesson in the Life Truths Learner Guide. I am able to talk with my kids about what we studied in Sunday School, what they studied in their class, and use the column of questions/conversation starters along with what was shared in class to have great discussions. I try to do this over dinner, in the car, etc. so it seems impromptu, and not like I am "quizzing" them (although I really am!).

Just prayed for you and your family and your growing success in discipling your children!!

Pastor Mike Stover
http://www.michaeldstover.com