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Resources: Christian Growth for Children & Teens

Resources:

Christian Growth for Children & Teens

Find Focus on the Family broadcasts, best-in-class books,
referral recommendations, and more.

Bring Your Bible to School Day®
This annual student-led event provides a unique opportunity for young people to share about their faith by highlighting its source: the Bible.

Adventures in Odyssey® Bible (NIrV) by Focus on the Family (ages 8-12)
Recurring features like Whit’s Wisdom, Candid Conversations, Wooton’s Fun Facts, and Jason’s Jargon will keep kids turning the pages, reading the biblical text, and growing in their understanding of God’s Word.

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones (ages 4-8)
This Bible invites children to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God’s story of salvation—and He’s at the center of their story too.

Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids by Phil Vischer (ages 5-8)
“The Gospel in 52 Five-Minute Bible Stories”

My First Message: A Devotional Bible for Kids by Eugene H. Peterson (ages 4-8) (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Introduce children to God’s Word through the best-selling The Message Bible text, lively illustrations, and a format that considers a short attention span.

The Singing Bible
The Singing Bible includes 50 original sing-along songs. It sets Scripture to music and includes memorable lyrics and tongue twisters, making understanding the Bible an exciting journey.

(Find more Bibles through our online store.)

Adventures in Odyssey Club™ · ages 8-12
Members have access to the entire library of Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey® radio drama. They also receive exclusive new monthly episodes and video documentaries. Other features include hands-on activities, crafts and articles, and special discounts. The club also raises kids’ awareness to needs around the world by highlighting partner organizations and their outreach efforts, including Christian Veterinary Mission, Operation Christmas Child, and Compassion International.

Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. Magazine (ages 7 and under)
Each monthly issue of Focus on the Family Clubhouse, Jr. magazine contains easy-to-read stories, puzzles, crafts, kids’ own writings and drawings, and much more—all with an emphasis on biblical values.

Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine (ages 8-12)
A Focus on the Family Clubhouse membership provides twelve months of exciting stories, puzzles, and jokes to help instill a growing faith.

Brio magazine (ages 13-17)
This magazine for teen girls offers faith-based articles, music and entertainment features, and DIY tips.

The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity by Alex McFarland
Get answers to some of the most thought-provoking questions kids have about Christianity. Find relationship-building tips, simple explanations of theological terms, and ideas for using various teaching styles to help children grow in faith.

Adventures in Odyssey® 90 Devotions for Kids (ages 6-10)
Designed for families to read together, this devotional offers historical stories, modern biographies, Bible adventures, and key scenes from Adventures in Odyssey® radio dramas to help children learn about God’s love and how to grow closer to Him.

Answering Your Kids’ Toughest Questions by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson 
“Helping Them Understand Loss, Sin, Tragedies, and Other Hard Topics”

Bedtime Blessings by John Trent, Ph.D. (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Trent offers 100 suggestions for bedtime activities, including stories, experiments, and puzzles—each concluded with a prayer of blessing.

Beyond Belief to Conviction by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“What You need to Know to Help Youth Stand Strong in the Face of Today’s Culture”

The Case for a Creator for Kids by Lee Strobel (ages 9-12)
“Answers to Questions About Creation That Even Adults Struggle to Answer”

The Case for a Creator: Student Edition by Lee Strobel and Jane Vogel (ages 13-16) (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
You know that God created the universe—but how do you convince your teachers and classmates? Find substantiated evidence from science that backs up your faith.

The Case for Faith: Student Edition by Lee Strobel and Jane Vogel (ages 13-17)
Teens ask challenging questions about human suffering, life, and the “fairness” of God’s judgment. This edition of Strobel’s bestseller provides biblically solid answers in teen-friendly language.

The Case for the Real Jesus: Student Edition by Lee Strobel and Jane Vogel (ages 13-17)
As a former journalist—and a former atheist—Lee found all the evidence he needed to believe that Jesus is the risen Savior.

Faith Conversations for Families by Jim Burns 
With 52 topics, 150+ conversation outlines, and activities, you can nurture your child’s faith—no matter their age or stage.

God Gave Us Heaven by Lisa Tawn Bergren (ages 4-8)
Based on biblical insight, this picture book takes children on a journey with Little Cub and Papa to help answer questions about heaven.

Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson
“Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places”

Kingdom Family Devotional by Tony Evans and Jonathan Evans
“52 Weeks of Growing Together”

Kingdom Quest: Taking Faith and Character to the Next Level by Tony Evans 
For use with the guidance of parents or mentors, these interactive books highlight the scriptural values of wisdom, integrity, faith, resiliency, purity, and service:

  • Strategy Guide for Ages 7-10               
  • Strategy Guide for Ages 11-13 (not currently available through Focus on the Family)               
  • Strategy Guide for Ages 14 and Up (not currently available through Focus on the Family)      

One Sentence Storybooks (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
10 mini-books in each set help beginning readers recognize basic vocabulary words while learning about Scripture.

  • Bible Favorites
  • Bible Animals
  • Bible Heroes

The One Year Mother-Daughter Devo by Dannah Gresh (ages 8-12) (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
This devotional is filled with Bible verses, stories, and fun applications that help moms and daughters process and apply what they’re learning.

Parenting With Scripture by Kara Durbin 
An A–Z discussion and activity guide covers topics such as complaining, fairness, and listening. Build a firm foundation of biblical principles for your children.

Parents’ Guide to the Spiritual Growth of Children (eBook) by Focus on the Family 
“Helping Your Child Develop a Personal Faith”

Pass It On by Jim Burns and Jeremy Lee (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“Building a Legacy of Faith for Your Children Through Practical and Memorable Experiences”

Raising Kingdom Kids Devotional by Tony Evans 
Find daily inspiration for giving your child a living faith.

Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today’s Families by Dr. Michelle Anthony (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Create a home environment to shape the hearts and minds of your children. Find examples and biblical support to encourage you to rely on God for guidance.

Sticky Faith by Kara Powell and Chap Clark 
“Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids”

The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family by Kara Powell 
100+ research-based, field-tested ideas help you create a solid foundation of faith for your children and teens.

Strong & Kind by Korie Robertson (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“Raising Kids of Character”

Teaching Kids About God by Focus on the Family (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“An Age-by-Age Plan for Parents of Children From Birth to Age Twelve”

Teen People of the Bible by Daniel Darling (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure”

Being Deliberate With Your Faith (Phil and Heather Joel) 
The Joels explain how they’ve become more intentional about investing in their children—even at the expense of successful careers. They encourage parents to be deliberate in sharing their faith with their children.

Building a Foundation of Faith for Your Family (Dr. Kara Powell) 
Children look to parents as models for spiritual matters. Powell explores subjects such as doubt and forgiveness, weaving tips with proven research to help parents launch kids into a lifelong faith journey.

Creating Spiritual Rites of Passage for Your Children (Jim Burns)
Burns draws on years of parenting experience and working with young people to provide moms and dads with creative, simple spiritual rites of passage.

Developing Godly Character in Your Child (Korie Robertson)
Robertson, of A&E’s Duck Dynasty, shares her heart for raising kids with strong, godly character, and she tells some fun family stories! Learn to be consistent and intentional as you instill solid, admirable traits in your children.

Empowering Your Children to Be Bold in Their Faith (Jaimie and Lexie Peterson, Ken and Chase Windebank)
Parents and kids discuss their faith journeys. They encourage others who want their children to be bold witnesses for Christ.

Encouraging Your Child’s Spiritual Growth (Dr. Michelle Anthony) 
A spiritual parenting style helps develop a child’s faith and character instead of simply correcting outward behavior. Learn to have an eternal perspective, seek the Lord’s help, and be in community with other parents.

Growing Closer Through Family Devotions (Jonathan and Kanika Evans) 
Jonathan, a former NFL fullback and son of Tony Evans, and his wife, Kanika, encourage you with the truth that shared family devotions and spiritual training don’t have to be complicated.

Helping Kids Hide God’s Word in Their Hearts (Gary Smalley) 
Smalley addresses four main spiritual problems that can weigh down parents and children: pride, greed, personal pleasure, and ungratefulness. By focusing on what God says about these areas, we can help our kids center their hearts on God.

Helping Kids Make Good Life Choices (Dr. Tim and Mrs. Darcy Kimmel) 
The Kimmels discuss parenting with eternity in mind. They remind parents to emphasize true greatness—not through accomplishments, but by building solid relationships, developing godly character, and cultivating faith in the Lord.

Helping Kids Retain Their Faith (Dr. Kara Powell and Dr. Chap Clark) 
Learn how to encourage your children, model your own faith, and help your kids know how to rely on God’s truth—even when they’re on their own.

Helping Your Kids Express Their Faith (Tracey Garrell) 
Garrell shares how she encourages her children to weave faith into everyday life, such as putting Scripture notes in her sons’ lunch boxes. 

Helping Your Kids Grab Hold of Their Faith (Lee Strobel, Alison Strobel Morrow) 
Father and daughter authors offer advice on imparting a biblical worldview to children. Help them become confident in their faith so they can withstand opposition.

Heroes: Teaching Kids Character and Integrity (Congressman Jim Ryun, Mr. Drew Ryun, Mr. Ned Ryun)
The Ryuns talk about how to teach biblical character to your children. Heroism isn’t always epic; it can be found in even the smallest everyday choices.

Leaving a Legacy of Faith (Dan Seaborn)
With humor and passion, Seaborn emphasizes the importance of parents communicating faith to their children, and he shares how to create an inheritance with eternal value.

Making the Most of Teachable Moments (Kara Durbin)
Durbin shares from personal experiences how to use Scripture in everyday teachable moments to help children grow in Christ. 

Navigating Life’s Toughest Questions With Your Kids (Elyse Fitzpatrick, Jessica Thompson) 
Mother and daughter offer age-appropriate responses to the difficult questions children often ask. Their responses are based on the grid of Creation, the Fall, and Redemption. 

Offering Hope to Others As a Family (Michael and Linda Fichera)
The Ficheras describe how they’ve helped their three adopted daughters develop a strong foundation of faith and heart for ministry outreach.

Raising Kids With a Thriving Faith (Dr. Scottie May, Phil Vischer)
Mother and son share the importance of parents taking a proactive role in the spiritual training of children by living out their faith and allowing children to see how parents handle mistakes.

Raising Kids With Christ-Like Conviction (Drs. Paul and Virginia Friesen) 
The Friesens offer practical advice about raising kids who are committed to following Jesus. We can show our children the joy of living for God when we make faith issues a priority without trying to be perfect or live only by rules.

Relationship: The Key to Teaching Truth to Your Children (Josh McDowell, Sean McDowell) 
Father and son explain why the relationship between parents and children is critical in determining whether kids will keep or abandon their Christian faith when they become young adults.

Tackling the Tough Questions Kids Have About Christianity (Alex McFarland) 
McFarland addresses the tough questions kids have about Christianity and shares how parents can walk alongside them in the journey of faith. Several children also join the discussion to ask questions on topics such as why God allows evil and suffering and why Jesus is the only way to heaven.

Talking As a Family About Topics of Faith (Dr. Jim Burns) 
Burns wants to help parents transfer their faith in Jesus Christ to the next generation through fun activities that engage the hearts and minds of children. Learn to be intentional about having faith conversations at every opportunity.

Teaching Kids About Christmas (Phil Vischer) 
Sharing the history of Christmas and how it’s become a mix of both secular and religious traditions, Vischer offers parents a biblical approach to celebrating the holiday.

Teaching Kids About Easter (Phil Vischer) 
Vischer recommends that families celebrate the entire Holy Week of Easter to help children grasp the significance of the holiday by better understanding the forgiveness of sin and Christ’s resurrection.

Teaching Kids About God’s Grace and Good Behavior (Jeannie Cunnion and Jean Daly)
Cunnion says, “Children who know that there are boundaries and there is consistency … thrive. And so if I can remember that, if my husband can remember that, if we can get on the same page with that, it produces beautiful things.”

Teaching Kids to Be Grateful (Susie Larson)
Larson shares practical ways to help children learn gratitude, like starting a gratitude journal, being honest about struggles, and praying for those less fortunate.  

Teaching Your Kids About Forgiveness (Jim Daly, Dr. Juli Slattery, John Fuller) 
You tell your child to say “I’m sorry” when they hurt someone, but is that enough? It’s okay to start with those basics for little ones. But training your teens to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and feel remorse means going deeper—helping them understand the roots of forgiveness in their relationship with Christ.

Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project® presents TrueU

  • Set 1: Does God Exist? 
    Dr. Stephen Meyer discusses opposing worldviews and provides tools teens need as they prepare to enter college—and a culture that can be hostile to the Christian faith.
  • Set 2: Is the Bible Reliable? by Focus on the Family 
    For centuries, intellectuals and critics have questioned inconsistencies in the Bible. Dr. Meyer examines ancient texts and archeological evidence to build a case for the accuracy and trustworthiness of Scripture.
  • Set 3: Who Is Jesus? Building a Comprehensive Case by Focus on the Family 
    Dr. Del Tackett and guest experts explore Jesus’ ancestry and prophetic mission; His words, works, and character; His death and resurrection; and whether Jesus is the only way to God.

Focus on the Family Counseling Consultation Line
If you need someone to talk to, Focus on the Family offers a free phone counseling consultation with a licensed or pastoral counselor. Call 1-855-771-HELP (4357), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (MT). 

Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselor Network
Search for licensed Christian counselors in your area.

Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ)
This ministry works to win students to Christ on high school and college campuses.

Cru High School (formerly Student Venture)
This high school outreach of Cru trains teens in discipleship, evangelism, and leadership.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes
FCA presents Jesus Christ to student athletes and their coaches.

InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
This evangelical campus ministry serves students and faculty on many college and university campuses nationwide.

Royal Servants International
This organization focuses on evangelizing in foreign countries and discipling teens in the U.S. and Canada.