Recommended: Children and Youth Discipleship
Passing on the faith to the next generation is both a joy and a challenge. Children and students need more than entertainment or moral lessons; they need to be grounded in the gospel, taught the Word, and invited into a life with Christ. These resources are trustworthy guides for parents, teachers, and churches who want to disciple children and youth with clarity, depth, and grace.
Getting Started
Accessible, faithful introductions for families and churches beginning the work of discipling children and youth.
The New City Catechism for Kids
A simplified version of the New City Catechism designed for children, with short Q&A and accompanying Scripture. Clear, concise, and usable in the home or church.
Big Truths for Young Hearts – Bruce Ware
Written for parents to read aloud to children, this book unfolds key doctrines in an accessible, conversational style.
The Jesus Storybook Bible – Sally Lloyd-Jones
Beautifully written and illustrated, this children’s Bible tells every story as part of the larger gospel narrative. Beloved across denominations for its Christ-centered approach.
Long Story Short – Marty Machowski
A family devotional through the Old Testament. Ten-minute daily readings, with questions and prayers.
Old Story New – Marty Machowski
Companion to Long Story Short, carrying families into the New Testament.
The Ology – Marty Machowski
An illustrated systematic theology for kids, full of Scripture, stories, and discussion questions.
Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus – Elyse Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson
This mother-daughter team reminds parents that the goal of raising children isn’t behavior management but pointing them to Jesus. They show how to apply the gospel to everyday family life, helping kids see their need for grace rather than simply piling on rules. Accessible, practical, and deeply Christ-centered.
The Gospel Project for Kids (Lifeway)
A Christ-centered, chronological Bible study curriculum designed for children from preschool through elementary. Over three years, it walks kids through the whole story of Scripture, showing how every passage points to Jesus. While often used in churches, parents can also adapt it for home discipleship. Great for Sunday School or even home school instruction.
Going Deeper
Thoughtful works for pastors, teachers, youth leaders, and parents who want to build a fuller discipleship framework.
Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids – Jack Klumpenhower
A practical guide for teachers and parents. Klumpenhower urges adults to show children how all of Scripture points to Christ, not just moral lessons.
Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry – Cameron Cole & Jon Nielson (eds.)
Essays by pastors and youth workers on building youth ministry on the gospel rather than on gimmicks or pragmatism.
Discipling the Next Generation – Michael McGarry
Explores a biblical vision for youth ministry, addressing theology, philosophy, and practice.
The Art of Group Talk
Written for children's and youth ministry leaders, these book emphasize the importance of creating environments where kids of all ages feel safe to share honestly and wrestle with Scripture. Its emphasis on listening, guiding conversations, and connecting students to the gospel makes it a valuable tool for leaders.
Family Worship – Donald Whitney
A short, practical guide for families learning how to gather around Scripture, prayer, and song in the home. Encouraging and realistic.
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Disclaimer: The resources listed here have been selected because they offer particular value for Christian growth and understanding. Their inclusion does not imply full agreement with every statement or position taken by the authors. As with any book outside of Scripture, readers should exercise discernment, testing all things by the Word of God (Acts 17:11).