We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our cyber-connecting point. At Westgate Chapel, we believe that you, the parents, are the primary influence in your student’s lives. The Bible, history and statistics show time and time again the vital role parents play in the lives of their children. Westgate’s Student Ministries exists to come along side you and assist you in this important, yet difficult role. As we move forward together, we are actively pursuing different ways to connect with you. One of those methods is our webpage…more importantly, this area right here. Below are some links and resources that cover a multitude of aspects…from understanding culture to adolescent development.
Links
http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/christian_parenting/default.asp
http://www.youthspecialties.com/articles/
http://www.christianitytoday.com/parenting/
http://cpyu.org – the most dynamic and helpful site for parents. There is an extensive collection of links form all aspects of parent/adolescent relationships
Resources
These are foundational books on adolescent development. We encourage each parent to read both.
Teenage Girls by Ginny Olson (we have this on hand for purchase contact The Student Ministry Office)
Teenage Guys by Steve Gerali (we have this on hand for purchase contact The Student Ministry Office)
The following resources are a condensed version of what can be found at http://cpyu.org – once again this site has an extensive reading and resource list.
Faith and Culture
• Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment. Brian Godawa. InterVarsity, 2002
• Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture. William D. Romanowski.
• Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue. Robert K. Johnston. Baker Books, 2001
• The Rock Cries Out: Discovering Eternal Truth in Unlikely Music. Steve Stockman. Relevant Books, 2004
• Fearless Faith: Living Beyond the Walls of "Safe" Christianity. John Fischer. Harvest House, 2002
• Finding God: Where you Least Expect Him. John Fischer. Harvest House Publishers, 2003
• A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture. Craig Detwiler and Barry Taylor. Baker, 2003.
Contemporary Culture
• Postmodern Pilgrims: First Century Passion for the 21st Century World. Leonard Sweet. Broadman & Holman, 2000.
• Mustard Seed vs. McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future. Tom Sine. Baker Books, 1999
• The Culturally Savvy Christian: A Manifesto for Deepening Faith and Enriching Popular Culture in an Age of Christianity-Lite. Dick Staub. Jossey-Bass, 2007
• A Mind for God. James Emery White. InterVarsity Press, 2006
Christian Growth
• Doubting: Growing Through the Uncertainties of Faith. Alister McGrath. InterVarsity Press, 2006.
• Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in Everyday Life. Eugene Peterson. NavPress, 2006.
• Growing Up Christian. Karl Graustein. P&R Publishing, 2005.
• Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ.
• How to Read the Bible Book by Book. Gordon D. Fee, Douglas Stuart. Zondervan, 2002
Christian World and Life View
• Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. N.T. Wright. Harper Collins, 2006
• Understanding God's Will: How to Hack the Equation without Formulas.
• Longing to Know: The Philosophy of Knowledge for Ordinary People. Esther Lightcap Meek.
Counseling
• Help-My Kids Are Hurting: A Survival Guide To Working With Students In Pain. Marv Penner. Zondervan/Youth Specialties, 2005
• Lost Boys: Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them. James Garbarino. Free Press, 1999.
• The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study. Judith Wallerstein, Julia Lewis, & Sandra Blakeslee. Hyperion, 2000
• The Wounded Healer. Henri J. M. Nouwen. Image, 1972
Generational Theory
• Making Sense of Generation Y: The World View of 15 - 25-year-olds. Church House Publishing, 2006
• Emerging Adulthood. Jeffrey Jensen Arnett.
• Soul Searching The Millennial Generation: Strategies for Youth Workers. L. David Overholt & James Penner. Stoddart, 2002
Parenting
• Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce. Elizabeth Marquardt. Crown Publishers, 2005.
• Ambassador Families: Equipping Your Kids to Engage Popular Culture. Mitali Perkins.
• Come Back, Barbara. C. John Miller and Barbara Miller Juliani. P&R, 1997
• Help! There's a Teenager in My House: A Troubleshooting Guide for Parents. Wayne Rice, ed. Intervarsity Press, 2005
• Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen. David Walsh. Free Press, 2004.
• Not Much Just Chillin': The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers. Linda Perlstein. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003
• Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers. Chap
• Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens. Paul David Tripp. P&R, 1997
• Is It a Lost Cause? Having the Heart of God for the Church's Children. Marva Dawn. Eerdmans, 1997
• Like Dew Your Youth: Growing Up with Your Teenager. Eugene H. Peterson. Eerdmans, 1998.
• The Heart of a Father: How Dads are Shaping the Destiny of
• The Father Book: An Instruction Manual. Minerth, Newman, and Warren. Nelson, 1992
• Beside Every Great Dad. Nancy Swihart and Ken Canfield. Tyndale, 1993
• Queen Bees & Wannabees: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence. Rosalind Wiseman. Three Rivers Press, 2003
• The ADHD Autism Connection: A Step Toward More Accurate Diagnosis And Effective Treatment. Diane M. Kennedy. Waterbrook, 2002.
• Teenage Boys! Surviving & Enjoying These Extraordinary Years. Bill Beausay. Waterbrook, 2001
• When You Feel Like Screaming: Help For Frustrated Mothers. Pat Holt and Grace Ketterman. Shaw, 2001
• Caring For Sexually Abused Children: A Handbook For Families and Churces. R. Timothy Kearney. InterVarsity Press, 2001
• Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them. Melody Carlson, Heather Kopp, and Linda Clare. Waterbrook, 2002
• What About The Kids? - Raising Your Children Before, During, and After Divorce. Judith Wallerstein and Sandra Blakeslee. Hyperion, 2003
• How To Win At Sports Parenting: Maximizing the Sports Experience for You and Your Child. Jim and Janet Sundberg. Waterbrook, 2000.
Postmodernism
• The Heart of Evangelism. Jerram Barrs. Crossway Books, 2002.
• A Primer on Postmodernism.
• Generating Hope: A Strategy for Reaching the Postmodern Generation. Jimmy Long, InterVarsity, 1997