Tracing family (and thus family ministry) throughout both Scripture and the history of the church, Stinson and Jones have edited a helpful volume that highlights many key contemporary issues (including gender roles and homosexuality). Although the chapters on historical tradition may not hold interest for the casual reader, they do help cement the foundation of the practical viewpoints discussed in latter pages. While certain contributions outshine others, the book is a worthy (if occasionally repetitive) effort.

Even as parents rightly pour out their lives in caring for their children, they must realize that what matters eternally is that their children know and love the Lord. The category of biological lineage or legal progeny will fade into insignificance at the dawning of eternity. [50]

Paul did not provide step-by-step details for bringing up children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” The text does clearly indicate that Christian fathers should train their children in gospel-centered spiritual truths (“instruction”), as well as providing discipline that is shaped by the character of Jesus (“of the Lord”). [53]

As parents live genuine lives of repentance and faith together in community with other believers, their faith will be both “caught by” and “taught to” each generation. Parents must embrace their roles not only as providers and disciplinarians but also as primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives. [59]

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