Over the past few months we have been making use of the book Small Talks on Big Questions by Selah Helms and Susan Thompson Kahler during our “children’s story”. This book is essentially a teaching tool for working through a Children’s Catechism based on the Westminster Confession of Faith & 1689 The London Baptist Confession.
We have also started in our 9:30 Bible Class a series where we will systematically work through the 1689 London Baptist Confession, covering each of the major areas of doctrine, seeking to apply this to our lives as followers of Christ.
We are now going to add to this even further by utilising the excellent catechism resources provided by Songs for Saplings. We’ve used some of their songs in the past and continue to be very encouraged by the excellent quality of resources available as well as their generosity.
What we do on a Sunday morning will bear even more fruit when it is further complemented Monday to Saturday in our homes. This is true for each one of us, but even more so for our children.
Here are a number of links to resources you can use at home:
- A Shorter Catechism for Boys and Girls – Small Talks on Big Questions (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oBxJxrtgLQlX5VL1BhdLC7D3gSR8323T)
- Songs for Saplings, Vol. 1 – God & Creation
- Songs for Saplings, Vol. 2 – Fall & Salvation
- Songs for Saplings, Vol. 3 – Christ & His Work
- Songs for Saplings, Vol. 4 – The Word of God
- Songs for Saplings, Vol. 5 – Prayer & Sacraments
- Songs for Saplings, Vol. 6 – Christ & His Return
- Songs for Saplings on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5WrEi839iAccm2tmUZ6a1S
- RBC Catechism + Songs for Saplings Schedule (https://drive.google.com/open?id=15kyIDLPi-WKOEc7gFSoJEXd6syaQDJIi) – this may be modified as we go, but it will give you a general idea of what will be covered each month during the “Children’s Story and Song” slot.
- Finally some items on “family worship” in general:
- FAMILY WORSHIP, WHERE THE REFORMATION MUST BEGIN – AN INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM (http://www.standforthegospel.org/family-worship-where-the-reformation-must-begin-an-interview-with-william-stand-2014/)
- “Here the reformation must begin”: leading my family in worshipping Jesus Christ (http://www.chongsworship.com/2013/10/08/here-the-reformation-must-begin-leading-my-family-in-worshipping-jesus-christ/)
- Here the Reformation Begins: A Practical Discussion on Family Worship – Reading List (http://www.standforthegospel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Family-Worship-Interview-Reading-List.pdf)
- Here the Reformation Begins: A Practical Discussion on Family Worship – Audio (http://www.howickbaptist.org.nz/wordpress/media/sermons/2014-07-19%20Family%20Worship%20Panel%20(STAND%202014).mp3)
- TEACHING CHILDREN SPIRITUAL TRUTHS – AN INTERVIEW WITH MANDY FLEENER (http://www.standforthegospel.org/teaching-children-spiritual-truths-an-interview-with-mandy-fleener-stand-2015/)
- FAMILY WORSHIP, WHERE THE REFORMATION MUST BEGIN – AN INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM (http://www.standforthegospel.org/family-worship-where-the-reformation-must-begin-an-interview-with-william-stand-2014/)
As always use any resources outside of God’s Word with wisdom and discernment. Though we are happy to recommend these resources it does not mean that we may not differ with the stated theology on minor points. Their material on “sacraments” is more Presbyterian than Baptist, but this is not reason enough to miss out on the opportunity to benefit from their excellent work.
If you have any questions about how to use this material in your home with your family or anything else related to “family worship”, please do not hesitate to ask Joe/Mandy or Doug/Joanne as we’d love to help you in any way we can.