Book Review: Raising Kids to Follow Christ

In 2023, George Barna released the findings of a study done on spirituality and biblical worldviews stating that 90 percent of children 13 – 14 years old believe there are not absolute moral truths; 68% of parents think of themselves as Christians but only 2% of them have a true biblical worldview; and 56% of children’s pastors believe there is no moral truth. (Barna, George. Raising Spiritual Champions, 2023).

Those are unsettling stats. If you’re looking for practical ways to point children to Christ, then consider this book review of Raising Kids to Follow Christ written by Lee Ann Mancini.

The Author

Lee Ann Mancini incorporates her creative talents in a wide array of venues. She hosts a podcast, Raising Christian Kids. She is the author of a children’s book series, which features colorful sea creatures who “learn about God’s morals and values and how to live those daily.” Mancini also produces an animated series about these characters, Sea Kids, which is viewed on Answers.TV, Pure Flix, Right Now Media, and SeaKidsTV.

The book states the author was raised Catholic, received a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Regent University, a Master’s in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, as well as two Master’s from Knox Theological Seminary in Biblical and Theological Studies and Christian and Classical Studies. Mancini is also an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary.

She and her husband have two adult children and live in Florida. You can learn more about Mancini at www.leeannmancini.com.

The Contents of Raising Kids to Follow Christ

Published by Whitaker House, Raising Kids to Follow Christ is a paperback book of 190 pages. It includes many scriptures from the NIV Bible but also from a few other versions.

There are thirteen chapters in this book. They don’t flow one into the other, which means they can be read as stand-alone chapters. Each chapter contains snippets of personal experiences, parenting tips, easy-to-understand apologetics, and suggestions for pointing children to Christ.

An excerpt from page 111:

   “As children get older, reading will keep their memories sharp and help them think strategically as they anticipate what will happen next in the material. They love routine, and reading can be a daily one they will look forward to.

   Help your children understand that the Bible is truth, and there is no other book like it. Give them examples of what is true and what is false so they can understand the meaning of the word true. For example, ask them, ‘Is it true that the grass is green? Or is it true that the grass is blue?’ This will ensure that they understand what the word true means.”

   When reading a biblical story, be expressive and use props. My children’s book series, Sea Kids, is featured on a free app called Novel Effect. It’s a great tool that enhances reading time by bringing . . .”

Due to the variation and sequencing of the tips, the text often reads more like a list than a chapter per se. This may be helpful to the busy parent who only has a few minutes to read in one sitting.

Mancini quotes George Barna several times, as well as numerous other authors. Some I was familiar with were Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis and founder of The Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum; Natasha Crain; Sally Clarkson, Anne Graham-Lotz, and Julie Lavender to name a few. Others were new to me. But the author gives a detailed bibliography at the end for further research if you like.

I like that the quotes are also credited in footnotes on the page where they are featured.

Also Included

Also, in the back of the book is a list of scripture references and the page number where they are located. Sometimes the scriptures are printed out in the chapters, other times they are just referenced for further reading.

After reading halfway through the book, I realized there were questions for reflection also provided at the back of the book. Valuable nuggets of wisdom can be gleaned from careful reflection in God’s Word.

Recommendation

Mancini offers many statistics, useful tips, and scriptures in Raising Kids to Follow Christ. You may not agree with all of her personal strategies, but she packs so much in this book you’re sure to find plenty of good ideas. Almost all of the text is non-denominational in content. Parents desiring parenting advice or who are struggling with how to introduce Jesus Christ to young children may find this book a helpful resource.

The publisher sent me two copies of this book to give away. Thank you, Whitaker House! I will donate one to a local library and the other to a crisis pregnancy center.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.