I bought this book months ago, and have been slowly reading it while digesting each chapter slowly. I’m not a big fan of parenting books in general. Mostly because I’m perfect and don’t need anyone’s help. (Just kidding…)

I don’t like parenting books because they are usually based on the opinions of people who may or may not be an expert. While I respect opinions, I am by nature a very factual person. Research does my spirit good. Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna, fits the bill perfectly. This book combines the greatness of a researched George Barna book, but also includes many how-to’s and why’s associated with parenting.

A Spiritual Champion is an irrepressible follower of Jesus Christ who accepts the Bible as truth, lives by its principles, seeks ways to impact the world and continually deepen his or her relationship with God.

If you’re like most parents, you think you’re doing an okay job–and you probably believe you’re doing better than most.

But if your goal is to raise kids with a life–impacting faith, that may not be good enough.

Determined to learn the secrets of those who’ve raised spiritual champions, world-renowned researcher George Barna conducted a series of surveys and thousands of personal interviews with both young adults and their parents.

In the process, he was able to uncover a number of common denominators to parenting success. Some of his findings will encourage you; others will surprise you. But be forewarned–raising a spiritual champion takes Revolutionary Parenting.

A few thoughts from the book that I found interesting:

• You cannot control the outcomes of your parenting efforts.
• Revolutionary Parents are great coaches.
• Raising a champion for Christ requires developing and sustaining an authentic relationship with the child, based on love and trust.
• Use your local church as a support system, not as the leader of your children’s spiritual development journey. (And all the CP’s say ‘AMEN!’)
• Pick your fights. Not everything merits a confrontation. Be prepared to win your battles.
• When children ask for an explanation of your decisions or reasoning, give it to them. They deserve it, and it becomes a teaching moment for you.
• You can’t pass on what you don’t possess; so be sure you have a vibrant relationship with God. Pursue Him and practice good spiritual habits.
• Never push salvation on your children. Lead them towards Christ, but allow the decision to be theirs. (This so key! I wish more parents would stop backing their kids into a corner about making a decision before they’re ready.)
• Explore different faiths with your children, pointing our similarities and differences.