Rob Rienow 2009 Randall House
An importa
Visionary Parenting ?provides encouragement and practical advice for parenting children with a purpose.? The book starts with a turning point in Rob Rienow?s life when he realised that he had his priorities backwards.? His heart was in his job, and his family and God came in second and third. Rienow explains that ?the pages of this book come from a story of brokenness more than a story of success.?? And this honesty is one of the things that I like about this book.
Rob Rienow?s prayer is that readers will:
- capture a biblical vision of parenting,
- be inspired to take an honest look at their family,
- be empowered for life-changing action to transform their family;
and that by God?s grace all their children and grandchildren will have eternal life.
According to Rob Rienow, the purpose of parenting is to impress the hearts of our children with a love of God.? He reminds us that God has a vision for our family and that we need to be intentional with our parenting. ?The book is divided into ten chapters that describe a vision for:
- God?s purpose for your family
- spiritual transformation
- multigenerational faithfulness
- God-filled daily life
- a safe home
- biblical fatherhood
- biblical motherhood
- family worship
- biblical discipleship
- the Kingdom of God
Each chapter is filled with personal stories, bible passages and practical parenting suggestions. ?I like that reflection questions are provided at the end of each chapter.? These questions helped me to slow down and apply the information in the chapter to my own situation.
Visionary Parenting reminds parents of the power they have to influence and bless their children.? Like many parenting books, Visionary Parenting starts with the verses in Deuteronomy 6 that ?paint a picture of parents who talk with their children about spiritual things?.? Rob Rienow unpacks the four specific times when parents have the opportunity for talking to their children about Jesus that are mentioned in Deuteronomy 6.
I appreciate that Rob Rienow makes it clear that there is no magic formula for impressing the hearts of our children and there are no guarantees that they will choose to be followers of God.? However, he does remind us that no one can influence that decision more than a parent.? ?I also appreciate how Rienow acknowledges that not all people will have had a positive parenting experience and reminds readers that they can now choose what kind of home their children grow up in.
Some things I really like:
- Practical suggestions for honouring our parents to show our children how to honour their parents.
- That I was challenged to think about what aspect of parenting I spend most of my time and money on; and how I could rearrange my priorities.
- Practical suggestions on how to help our children feel safe, how to discipline and how to worship together.
A final word must be said on chapters 6 (A vision for biblical fatherhood) and 7 (A vision for biblical motherhood).? Rob Rienow courageously dives into the husband/wife bible passages.? Whether or not you agree with everything he says; you will find much here to help fathers.? I was pleased that the chapter on a vision for biblical motherhood is written by Rob?s wife, Amy.? She reminds the reader that biblical motherhood is not about being perfect. ?Amy?s writing is as honest as her husband?s.? She tells of occasionally making parenting decisions because she wanted to please or impress others.? Again, you may not agree with everything that Amy says, but you will find a treasure of helpful suggestions.
Visionary Parenting is a book that adds to the discussion on Christian parenting.? It is a helpful book filled with practical and biblical suggestions.? Like all books, there may be parts that you disagree with, but you will be challenged to parent with a vision for your children?s spiritual future.
God bless, Kaye
You may also be interested in the following book reviews:
Dreaming of More for the Next Generation by Michelle Anthony
You lost me by David Kinnaman
Parenting beyong your Capacity by Reggie Joiner and Carey Nieuwhof
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