Resources
The internet is full of resources about the Bible, theology, spiritual formation, and more. Some of it is sound and can benefit your walk with the Lord, and some of it…not so much.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite resources (available online or in print) to help you parse through the theological noise.
Theology & Spiritual Formation
We are called to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This requires grace-driven effort on our part, intentionally setting aside time to be with the Lord in prayer and personal study. The resources intend to help with that effort.
Disclaimer: The Parks Church might not agree with every doctrinal or cultural stance taken in these resources.
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These resources cover everything from breakdowns of biblical texts and theological truths to ways of engaging cultural questions to general spiritual encouragements.
Basics of Christianity
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Simply Christian by N.T. Wright
Basic Christianity by John Stott
The Cross of Christ by John Stott
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General
Theology
Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief by Bruce Milne
Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs by J.I. Packer
Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God’s Story by Michael Horton
General Bible
The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama by Michael Goheen and Craig Bartholomew
Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene Peterson
Bible Study Tools
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General Spiritual Formation
The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas Willard
Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ by Dallas Willard
You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Spiritual Disciplines
The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Early
"Guide to Your 'Quiet Time'" by Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard Foster
Recapturing the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World by Mike Cosper
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Written Prayers
The Valley of Vision (Prayers of Puritans)
"Prayers and Thanksgivings" from the Book of Common Prayer
On Prayer
Prayer by Ole Hallesby
A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
Prayer: How Praying Together Shapes the Church by John Onwuchekwa
“How to Pray Using Scripture” by Kevin DeYoung
“Teach us to Pray” by John Piper
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"What's Your Story?" by Trevin Wax (thinking about the ways in which culture shapes the story you tell about yourself)
Engaging God’s World: A Christian Vision of Faith, Learning, and Living by Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview by Al Wolters
Living at the Crossroad: An Introduction to Christian Worldview by Michael Goheen and Craig Bartholomew
How (Not) to Be Secular: Reading Charles Taylor by James K.A. Smith
Cultural Engagement: A Crash Course in Contemporary Issues by Joshua Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior
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Journey to the Cross: Readings and Devotions for Lent by Kendal Haug and Will Walker
Good New of Great Joy: 25 Devotional Readings for Advent by John Piper
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional by Paul David Tripp
Morning and Evening: Updated Edition by Charles Spurgeon
Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith
Family Discipleship
It is both the privilege and responsibility of parents to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). One of the clearest pictures of this in the Bible is found in Deuteronomy 6:5–7
5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
- Deuteronomy 6:5-7
We believe this paints a picture of family discipleship that is intentional (a purposeful/thoughtful decision and action), consistent (something that is a regular rhythm of the home), creative (different ordinary means and moments to teach the gospel) and communal (you are sharing this endeavor with others). God’s Word paints the picture of parents discipling kids in the everyday rhythms of life in hopes of seeing them grow in the grace, beauty, and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
But how do we practically obey this in our homes and families? Every family has different dynamics, schedules, responsibilities, and ages of children. There is no one-size-fits-all way of doing family discipleship, but there are a lot of helpful resources that will help you disciple your children. We hope you will utilize these resources in your home!
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The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski
The Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones
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Don’t Blame The Mud: Only Jesus Makes us Clean by Marty Machowski
Exploring The Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids by David Murray (created for ages 6-12)
The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New by Marty Machowski
The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings us Back to The Garden by Kevin DeYoung and Ryan Clark
Emblems of the Infinite King: Enter the Knowledge of the Living God by J. Ryan Lister and Anthony M. Benedetto (created for ages 10+)
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Books
Parenting by Paul David Tripp
Family Worship by Donald Whitney
Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp
Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick
The Disciple-Making Parent by Chap Bettis
The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
“Now’s the Time! Resources for Family Devotions” by Melissa Kruger
Videos
The Bible Project (covers biblical books, themes, and how to read scripture)
“How Do You Do Family Worship?” by Don Whitney
Seed Family Worship (free access to devotionals, songs, and videos to help your family memorize 20 verses of Scripture)
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Support and Encouragement for Families with Special Needs by RedeemerKIDS Duos Team
Here are a few resources mentioned in the above video or that we’ve found helpful in training our volunteers. We hope these are useful tools for your family!
Because God graciously adopted us into his family through Jesus, we hope to reflect God's heart through adoption and foster care. Our ministry team prayerfully supports and equips families by walking alongside them through all stages of adoption and foster care. This page is for those interested in adopting and/or fostering as well as those interested in playing a supporting role. We each have a vital part to play in the Biblical mandate to care for vulnerable children.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
- James 1:27
Adoption & Foster Care
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It’s required that any adoptive or foster home have a fire extinguisher prior to the placement of a child. Richardson Fire Equipment (not affiliated with Richardson Fire Department) has generously stepped up support these families through the donation of a free fire extinguisher.
Fundraising Best Practices
Grant Information & Opportunities
Next steps
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Foster parents have ever-changing needs based on the children currently in their care. Foster closets alleviate some of that burden by providing donated items to foster parents.
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So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
In Their Own Voices by Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda
Dim Sum, Bagels, and Grits by Myra Alperson
Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother by Jana Wolff
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