4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Psalm 78:4
Our desire as a Family Ministry is to come alongside parents to partner with them as they disciple their kids. We want to be an encouragement to parents and guardians as they do the difficult and joy-filled work of gospel ministry in the home.
On this page, find resources to help you pursue a gospel-centered marriage and family, to build up both yourself and those around you into Christlikeness. Some are recommended books that cover a broad topic, others are videos that answer a specific question, others are trusted websites or collections where you’ll be able to find a variety of resources.
Have a question that isn’t addressed on this page? Our team would love to help you!
resources
Click on any of the headings below to see resources for each category.
General
On Marriage
- Read: God, Marriage, and Family – Andreas Kostenberger book and Blueprint Guide
- Read: Marriage – Paul David Tripp book and Blueprint Guide
- Read: The Meaning of Marriage – Tim Keller book and Blueprint Guide
- Listen: Marriage – Gospel in Life (Ephesians 5:21-33) – Tim Keller sermon series
- Read: Do You Have the Gift of Singleness? – Andreas Kostenberger article
- Watch: What advice would you give to a newly married couple? – Ligonier Q&A
- Read: The Surpassing Goal: Marriage Lived for the Glory of God – John Piper article
- Watch: What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? – SBTS Honest Answers
- Watch: Should a Christian date or marry a Non-Christian? – SBTS Honest Answers
On Parenting
- Read: Family Discipleship – Matt Chandler & Adam Griffin book and Blueprint Guide
- Read: Parenting – Paul David Tripp book
- Listen: The Family Discipleship Podcast – Training the Church
- Read: Family Worship – Donald Whitney book
- Read: Visionary Parenting – Rob Rienow book
- Read: Treasuring God in our Traditions – Noel Piper book (free PDF)
- Watch: How young can a child be saved? – SBTS Honest Answers
- Read: When a Child Says They Want to Follow Christ – Knowing Jesus article
- Watch: How do you do family worship? – SBTS Honest Answers
- Read: How to Prepare a Child to Read the Bible – The Gospel Coalition article
- Read: How to Teach Your Kids to Study the Bible – The Gospel Coalition article
For Parents of Preschoolers
- Bible: Jesus Storybook Bible
- Sing: TCBC Preschool Youtube Playlists
- Read: 3 Tips for Family Discipleship with Infants and Toddlers – Adam Griffin article
- Read: Long Story Short – Marty Machowski devotional
- Read: The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross – Carl Laferton book
For Parents of Kids
- Bible: ESV Seek and Find Bible
- Bible: The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
- Read: More than a Story – Sally Michael | Old Testament & New Testament
- Read: The Promise – Jason Helopoulos book
- Read: Dads, is Family Discipleship on Your Calendar? – Truth78 article
For Parents of Students
- Bible: ESV Student Study Bible
- Read: Age of Opportunity – Paul David Tripp book
- For Students: Growing in Godliness – Lindsey Carlson book
- For Students: Thoughts for Young Men – J.C. Ryle book
- For Students: Women of the Word – Jen Wilkin book
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP PLAN
The discipleship of our children is worthy of consistent, intentional pursuit, and the Bible calls parents to diligently teach and purposefully talk to their children about God’s big truths (Deut 6:4-9).
The discipleship of our children is worthy of consistent, intentional pursuit, and the Bible calls parents to diligently teach and purposefully talk to their children about God’s big truths (Deut. 6:4-9). The Family Discipleship Plan offers one truth each week for each age group. Talk about the truth each week with your family, and be purposed and proactive in family discipleship.
If you don’t currently have a discipleship plan to help bring strategy and consistency to your discipling conversations, let us help you get started with the FDP. Ask any of our Nextgen leaders, or email nextgen@tcbchurch.org if we can help you get started!
Preschool
Foundation: God Is One
“God is” means that there is only one god in the universe. He alone is Lord over everything that exists, and He alone is worthy of our worship. This also means that every good thing that exists comes from God. Preschool learns foundational truths about who God is and what He gives.
ELEMENTARY
STORY: THE GOSPEL
During the elementary years of the Family Discipleship Plan, parents and teachers have the opportunity to engage their children with the main storyline of the Bible: creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. These four parts of the gospel story will be developmentally unpacked kindergarten through fifth grade in six unique focuses.
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
IDENTITY: I AM IN CHRIST
During the middle school years of the FDP, parents and teachers have the opportunity to engage their children with the truth of what it means for us to become a new creation in Jesus. The theme of identity in Christ is unpacked in a three-year cycle, sixth grade through eighth grade.
HIGH
SCHOOL
INFLUENCE: I LIVE FOR JESUS
During the high school years of the FDP, parents and teachers have the opportunity to engage their children with the truth of what it means to live for Jesus. God has uniquely gifted every person with gifts, passions, and experiences that they can leverage to influence others for the glory of God, which in turn leads to their joy. The theme of influence is unpacked in a three-year cycle ninth grade through eleventh grade and then in a special launch year for twelfth grade.
The Family Discipleship Plan is not a curriculum; it is a pursuit.
The FDP is the pursuit of parents in the home and leaders in the church to make disciples of the next generation. It is a big dream to equip families to an 18 year discipleship strategy. It takes time, but our kids are worth it.
FAQ
How much does the FDP cost?
For TCBC members, access to the FDP and its resources is completely free. Ask your kids’ leaders for help creating your free account, or email nextgen@tcbchurch.org to get started!
Why is there a separate website?
The FDP website makes this discipleship content and resources available for parents and churches across the country to use as they pursue discipling their kids.
Where do I begin with the FDP?
Start with one conversation about this week’s truth. Capture one intentional moment for a discipleship conversation– in the car on the way home from church, around the dinner table, or before bed.
Visit familydiscipleshipplan.org/training for more info on how to use the different parts of the FDP.