Book Review: Resilient

Have you ever wondered why some children (growing up in Christian families) leave their Christian faith when they go to college or when they leave home? On the other hand, why do some children who had horrible childhood stay steadfast in their faith and thrive in their adulthood? Is the church dying? If so, how can we impact the future of the church? Resilient attempts to answer these questions. It's an excellent book that explores about child discipleship and the fearless future of the church. The book aims to meet the challenge facing those involved in children's ministries today regarding whether they are adequately discipling today's youth to lead the future of the church in a culture that's becoming more and more hostile to the gospel. It's a wake-up call and a call to action for all the children's ministry leaders and disciple-makers to adjust and apply the effective child discipleship that fosters spiritually resilient children who will stay resilient in 2050.

From extensive research and interviews, the authors gather lots of valuable information and narrow down to the three key components that are the foundation for spiritual resilience: belonging (highly relational environment), believing (deeply Biblical ministry), and becoming (outward expressions of faith). These three areas have much influence in shaping lifelong faith. The book includes fascinating real-life stories of resilience. The book talks about the importance of a caring and supportive adult's role in a child's life. Radical love makes all the difference in kids' lives. It helps kids develop the strength they need to face overwhelming adversities. Resilience can be developed. The book has 12 chapters divided into three groups: The Why: See the Church of 2050, The What: Shift Our Focus to Disciple Making, and The How: Build a Proven Child Discipleship Philosophy. Each chapter ends with "Essential Questions" that are great for reflection and motivation for action. Throughout the book, there are highlights and summaries. I like these features. The book is filled with great ideas and practical advice.

My husband and I used to teach Sunday School to kids at church and hope to do again someday. I find this book insightful, helpful, and hopeful. I definitely will apply what I learn from the book because I also desire to see today's children become resilient disciples of Christ, fearless leaders of the church, and shining influencers of the culture in the future. Resilient is a wonderful tool for helping anyone who works with children and cares about their spiritual welfare. It equips readers with solid, Biblical, proven child discipleship strategies and resources.

Visit ResilientDisciples.com for more information and free resources.

"Resilience is learned. It is not automatic. It comes through discipline and identities built in Christ." (p.16)

"But we must, additionally, be sure that our attitudes and actions are those that reflect the main story of God's love, sacrifice and redemption for humankind (heart). That is how we can carry the fire of God's love to our culture today... What if we were more loving than argumentative? What if when we opened our mouths the love of God came rushing forth? What if the post-Christian secular world saw how we loved each other and how we loved them? That would be fire!" (p. 75)

"We can be there. We can be the steady presence of the loving, caring adult. Through us children can see what matters the most--the care and love of God and His Son--who gave His life for our sins." (p. 93)

"Every child deserves to be the Church Baby...to be "seen" and loved despite his or her behavior or life circumstances, to be known and celebrated by a church family. Whatever the situation, the church can sweeten a child's life." (p. 106)

~I received a free copy of  this book via FrontGate Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.