• Home
  • About Us
  • Resources
  • Authors
  • Write for Us
  • Forward Movement

Grow Christians

A community of disciples practicing faith at home.

  • Parenting
  • Discipleship
  • Liturgical Year
  • Prayer
  • Archives
    • Seasons of the Year
      • Advent through Epiphany
      • Ash Wednesday, Lent & Holy Week
      • Easter & Pentecost
      • Ordinary Time
    • Seasons of Life
      • Childhood Years
      • Teen & Young Adult Years
      • Grandparenting & Godparenting
    • Saints and Feasts
      • Saints
      • Feasts
    • Discipleship
    • Making Faith Visible
    • Special Series
    • Grow Christians Updates & Giveaways
  • The Good Book Club
  • Holy Day Resources

Archives

Looking for a specific topic? Look no further. The Archives page has every Grow Christians post ever written, arranged by topic.

There are four main categories: Ages & Stages, Feasts & Seasons, Making Faith Visible, and Discipleship. We’ve broken out the popular “Secrets of a Pew Whisperer” series and the “Twelve Days of Christmas” series. Finally, there’s a Grow Christians Housekeeping section if you want the whole blog backstory.

Ages & Stages

Parenting Children

Praying with Kids

Table Grace with Little Ones – Jamie Osborne

Praying with Kids Matters – For a Lifetime – Rachel Jones

A 3-year-old led the prayer. And it was good. – Rachel Jones

High Low Sad Funny Sorry: Playing and Prayers – Ann Benton Fraser

I took a deep breath, and started saying Compline with my family. – Betsey Monnot

Twelve-year-old me asked to learn the rosary. I’m glad I did. – Rachel Jones

Learning (with Children) How to Pray – Rachel Jones

My daughters are learning to pray – beginning with Grace. – Melody Shobe

I spent sixty seconds in silence with middle schoolers every day. It was fabulous.  – Rachel Jones

Theology with Kids

Talking about the Cross with young children – Matthew Kozlowski

The Bible is full of people making bad choices. That’s good news for us. – Wendy Claire Barrie

Small Children, Big Questions – Melissa Wilcox

What if all we did was tell our kids the story? – Ben Irwin

God’s Grace and Love Can Never be Earned – Kim Faasse

Colanders, Kitchen Sink Sprayers, and Baptism – Dorian Del Priore

My daughter tried to make a bargain with God, then asked me… – Melissa Wilcox

The best part of Wonder Woman was my son’s comment… – Nurya Love Parish

Just Reading the Bible – Colleen Scheid

Seven Steps Toward Reading the Bible with Kids – Marek Zabriskie

My children are hearing the Bible in worship, camp and Sunday School…  – Carrie Willard

Big Issues with Kids

How I introduced structural racism to my (white) kids – Caris Adel

In a broken world, I can teach my children honesty. – Erin Hougland

How do we talk with children about difficult realities? – Rachel Jones

My family’s food choices matter because of our faith – Nadia Stefko

Parenting Well in a World Gone Wrong – in Charlottesville and Beyond  -Rachel Jones

Worship with Kids

A House of Prayer for All People (Even Young, Wiggly Ones) – Richelle Thompson

My daughter is growing into leadership – as an acolyte. – Heather Sleightholm

Seminary is Forming My Children Just as Much as Me. – Matthew Rhodes

The Legacy of a Faith Community – Miriam McKenney

Raising our Kids

Nothing separates us – or our son with special needs – from the love of God. – Melissa Wilcox

As a parent, I am my child’s guide. – Jamie Osborne

Deep Faith at a Distance – Benjamin Gildas

The Best Parenting Prayer I Know – Jerusalem Jackson Greer

5 Ways to Teach Kids Financial Stewardship in the Digital Age – Nancy Hopkins-Greene

No Battle Hymns for this Christian Mother – Melissa Wilcox

My parents taught me to give 10% back to God. Here’s how… – Rachel Jones

Parenting in pain: I will, with God’s help – Miriam McKenney

E Pluribus Unum – A United, Broken Family – Ray Capo

Not-so-great expectations (for clergy kids and all of us) – Richelle Thompson

How Daily Devo Guides my Parenting – Miriam McKenney

Faith At Home Author Interview & Giveaway – feat. Wendy Claire Barrie

Still Dancing with God – an interview with Gertrud Mueller Nelson

Jesus didn’t have kids, but he makes me a better parent. – Miriam McKenney

To abide in the shadow of the Almighty… – Rachel Jones

Teach the Faith with Children’s Books (giveaway – now closed) – Nurya Love Parish

I thought my child was taking the Lord’s name in vain. It was the opposite. – Christina Clark

I’m an Episcopalian, and I homeschool. (Year One: almost complete!) – Heather Sleightholm

When Siblings Dwell Together in Unity – Kimberlee Conway Ireton

Help children find their gifts this Pentecost season. – Heather Sleightholm

Jesus moved. The Israelites moved. And we’re moving too. – Melissa Wilcox

It’s summertime: a great time to listen. – Lacy Finn Borgo

My four-year-old and I hid in the laundry room. Then he proclaimed… – Ryan Casey Waller

The best part of Wonder Woman was my son’s comment during the movie. – Nurya Love Parish

It turns out, church summer camp changed my life. – Rachel Jones

Parenting refines the soul. That’s not pleasant. – Ryan Casey Waller

Children ooze with love and knowledge of God.  It’s up to us to notice.  – Ryan Casey Waller

Parenting Teens

10 ways I practice faith while parenting teenagers – Miriam McKenney

Spring Chill (In My House) – Miriam McKenney

Handing on Faith Isn’t Easy – Miriam McKenney

My teens won’t read the Bible. – Miriam McKenney

Family Bible Study: A Labor of Love – Miriam McKenney

Morning Prayer at Home can work with teens and tweens – Nurya Love Parish

Family Bible Study: Taking Root – Miriam McKenney

Changing perspectives with opposite thinking… even with teens. – Miriam McKenney

Talking Scripture: you can go home again. – Miriam McKenney

Teaching Kids to Pray for our Enemies – Miriam McKenney

You can’t make me: Should kids be forced to go to church? – Miriam McKenney

We say we want kids at church. So what are we prepared to do? – Miriam McKenney

Let’s keep working to involve teens in church life. – Miriam McKenney

My parents had honest conversations with me about teen parties. Now… – Rachel Jones

What do teens want from church? – Kim Faasse

Practicing thankfulness and forgiveness with teens. – Miriam McKenney

Intentionally authentic: shared prayer with my girls. – Miriam McKenney

Tonight I pick up my daughter from the Episcopal Youth Event. Then what? – Nurya Love Parish

When raising teens, expect dark clouds. They’ll pass over. – Miriam McKenney

Shining light in dark places: when your teen mentions suicide  – Miriam McKenney

Being Teens

A Teenager Appreciates Tradition – Emma Detrick

 Parenting Young Adults

My adult child reflects on her faith – Miriam McKenney

Learning to Trust God and Let Go – Nancy Hopkins-Greene

My (unchurched) adult son stood up for Jesus and Scripture on social media. – Mary Lee Wile

I’m still learning to see my adult child with eyes of faith. – Miriam McKenney

Being Young Adults

Following Jesus with my whole life – Grace Aheron

Grandparenting

My grandkids don’t go to church. What can I do? – Mary Lee Wile

I was a grandkid who didn’t go to church. Here’s what mattered. – Nurya Love Parish

Grandparents, embody God’s love (with your unchurched grandkids) – Mary Lee Wile

After the holidays (with unchurched grandkids) – Mary Lee Wile

Preparing for Easter with grandkids (who don’t know the story) – Mary Lee Wile

 Godparenting

My Godson Taught Me about God – Maria Kane

Feasts & Seasons

Major Feasts

Ascension – Nurya Love Parish

God reached out a hand for Jesus. God reaches out a hand for me. – Marcus Halley

Pentecost:

Planning – Heather Sleightholm & Celebrating – Nurya Love Parish

Thinking ahead to Pentecost: Five Ways to Celebrate – Nurya Love Parish

The gift of the Holy Spirit: gentle as a breath – Marcus Halley

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

Preparing – Maria Nolletti Ross & Celebrating – Nurya Love Parish

Mary, Elizabeth, and you: finding your place in the feast of the Visitation – Miriam McKenney

Trinity Sunday: A bright teen asked me to explain the Trinity. Here’s what I said. – Christina Clark

Nativity of St. John the Baptist: Preparing – Allison Sandlin Liles & Celebrating – Nurya Love Parish

“His name is John.” Because names matter – then and now. – Marcus Halley

Independence Day – Nurya Love Parish

Three things I hope we’ll remember on the Fourth of July – Ben Irwin

Transfiguration: Preparing & Celebrating – Nurya Love Parish

Transfiguration: Lean into the mystery of Christ’s love for us. – Marcus Halley

Holy Cross Day: Preparing – Allison Sandlin Liles | Celebrating – Jerusalem Jackson Greer

All Saints’ Day – Nurya Love Parish

Christ the King – Marcus Halley

Thanksgiving – Nurya Love Parish

       It’s a Grow Christians Giveaway! (giveaway now closed) – Nurya Love Parish

Holy Innocents – Allison Liles

The Baptism of our Lord – Allison Liles

The Confession of St. Peter – Nurya Love Parish

The Conversion of St. Paul – Marcus Halley

The Presentation of Our Lord – Marcus Halley

The Annunciation: God and the angel Gabriel saw Mary’s dignity. Would we? – Marcus Halley

Advent

This Advent, how will you wait? – Nurya Love Parish

Make your own Advent wreath – Heather Sleightholm

Posadas: A Lesson in Hospitality – Hugo Olaiz

Posadas: Una lección de hospitalidad – Hugo Olaiz

Same family, new traditions: preparing to wait for Jesus – Miriam McKenney

A (Texas) Advent story – Rachel Jones

Five ways we decorate for Advent and Christmas – Heather Sleightholm

       An Invitation from Forward Movement – Rachel Jones

The Holy Name of Jesus begins the new year. – Nurya Love Parish

Christmas

Fun and faith formation under the tree – a gift guide! – Nurya Love Parish

Keeping the twelve days – in a blended family and with grandkids – Mary Lee Wile

       Gifts for Faith (A Guide for All Ages) – Melody Wilson Shobe

Joyful and Ambivalent: Gift-Giving at Christmastime – Sarah Irwin

This year, Christmas came early (but we were together). – Benjamin Gildas

Twelve Days of Christmas Series – Mary Ann Frishman

(Almost) the twelve days of Christmas!

Day 1: I have sent Jesus to save thee.

Day 2: Praise my name.

Day 3: Love your neighbor.

Day 4: Follow my laws.

Day 5: Seek me first.

Day 6: Share your time and talents.

Day 7: Find my will for you.

Day 8: Pray for forgiveness.

Day 9: Shout the good news!

Day 10: Comfort one another.

Day 11: Thank me for your blessings.

Day 12: Study my teachings.

Epiphany

Epiphany Fun: Foods, Songs, Stories & More! – Mary Lee Wile

       Epiphany revelations from the Old Testament – Miriam McKenney

Ash Wednesday & Lent

I bring my kids to Ash Wednesday worship. Here’s why. – Derek Olsen

Observing Ash Wednesday – Nurya Love Parish

Ash Wednesday – and endurance. – Nurya Love Parish

Talking with kids about hard stuff in Lent – Ben Irwin

This Lent, what’s in your ears? – Meredith Baker

In the middle of Lent – Jerusalem Jackson Greer

The farm in Lent – Nadia Stefko

Lent Together: A Mother & Son Reflect – Sandra & Ellis Montes

Lent (Madness) at home with teens and tweens – Nurya Love Parish

Lent with young ones: an adventure! – Jerusalem Jackson Greer

Lent is about persistence, not perfection. – Rachel Jones

Lent is a great time to teach young children about Christ, our Good Shepherd… – Emily Watkins

Helping Little Ones with Lent – Heather Sleightholm

Seven ways to observe Lent at home with kids – Nurya Love Parish

The Litany of Penitence prepares us for the season to come. – Nadia Stefko

Lent: A season of grief, of grace, of peace. – Wren Blessing

Lent amid the sippy cups. – Catherine Holochwost

Holy Week & Triduum

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday – Nurya Love Parish

How our family observes Holy Week at home – Allison Sandlin Liles

We began new traditions for Holy Week and Easter. You can too. – Heather Sleightholm

On Palm Sunday: Hey Jesus, won’t you fight for me? – Dorian Del Priore

Judas was integral to the Last Supper. But what was his fate? – Marcus Halley

Observing (and Discussing) Good Friday with Children – Nurya Love Parish

Easter Season

Making Room in the Basket for the Easter Story – Regina Walton

Easter Sunday – He is Risen! – Nurya Love Parish

Our family hunts Easter baskets. Surprisingly, it helps us honor Christ. – Nurya Love Parish

Easter lasts for 50 days! – Nurya Love Parish

Operation Celebrate Life – Miriam McKenney

Bringing Easter into our Home – Heather Sleightholm

It’s (still) Easter: time to practice forgiveness. – Nancy Hopkins-Greene

It’s Earth Day. Let’s Get Dirty. – Mary Lee Wile

Words, Wonder, Wheat and Resurrection – Nadia Stefko

Resilience and Resurrection: Lessons from Holy Week & Easter – Mary Lee Wile

My first-grade daughter is an “Easter girl.” Together, we’re learning… – Melody Shobe

Easter upends our expectations. Thank God! – Ryan Casey Waller

 Ordinary Time

Embracing the Green Growing Time – Emily Watkins

The Gift of Time to Grow – Grace Aheron

Five Ways to Revive Your Family’s Faith this Fall – Heather Sleightholm

Printable Back to School Prayer Bookmarks – Jerusalem Jackson Greer

The “S” Word – School is Coming! – Richelle Thompson

       My Youth Group is still reading Exodus – Miriam McKenney

Celebrating the Saints

St. Matthias – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

St. Joseph – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

St. Patrick – Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

St. Mark – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

Drama among the saints: St. Mark’s story has lessons for us. – Marcus Halley

St. Philip & St. James – Planning to Celebrate | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

We know so little, yet they teach so much. – Allison Sandlin Liles

St. Barnabas – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

As we prepare to move, St. Barnabas reminds us to cherish friends. – Allison Sandlin Liles

St. Peter & St. Paul – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

St. Peter & St. Paul teach us to embody faith. – Dorian Del Priore

St. Benedict – Ordering our Days – Nancy Hopkins-Greene

St. Mary Magdalene – Planning to Celebrate – Nurya Love Parish | Honoring – Marcus Halley

The feast of St. Mary Magdalene reminds me of the strong women… – Dorian DelPriore

St. James – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

St. James, friend to pilgrims, inspires my lifelong journey with Christ. – Christina Clark

St. Mary the Virgin – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Nurya Love Parish

St Mary the Virgin Offers Comfort, Challenge, and Hope  – Ann Benton Fraser

St. Bartholomew – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Marcus Halley

St. Bartholomew invites me to immerse myself in a book – and in the Good Book.   – Marcus Halley

St. Matthew – Planning to Celebrate – Maria Nolletti Ross | Honoring – Marcus Halley

St. Michael & All Angels – Planning & Celebrating – Mary Lee Wile

St. Francis – Preparing – Heather Sleightholm | Celebrating – Nurya Love Parish

St. Luke – Preparing – Maria Nolletti Ross | Celebrating – Nurya Love Parish

St. James of Jerusalem – Preparing – Heather Sleightholm | Life Lessons – Allison Liles

St. Simon & St. Jude – Asking Questions – Allison Liles | Peacemakers & Risktakers – Marcus Halley

Jesus called. St. Andrew answered. – Allison Liles

Teach your kids about St. Nicholas – Nurya Love Parish

Jesus welcomed St. Thomas’ doubt. What about mine? – Marcus Halley

St. Stephen told bold truths. Do I encourage that from my children? – Allison Liles

I see my story in the space DaVinci puts between Jesus and St. John. – Marcus Halley

The disciples cast lots to select St. Matthias. My kids do too. – Allison Liles

St. Joseph: steadfast and faithful when life is upside down. – Dorian Del Priore

       Three Keys to Living the Liturgical Year at Home (without overwhelm) – Emily Watkins

Planning Ahead for Faith – Nurya Love Parish

Faith at Home: Planning Ahead for August

Faith at Home: Planning Ahead for September

Faith at Home: Planning Ahead for October

 

Secrets of a Pew Whisperer Series – Derek Olsen

First Secret: Being There

Second Secret: Respect

Third Secret: Explain the Game

Fourth Secret: Let the Children Pick the Seat

Fifth Secret: Math, Sin & Faith Formation in the Car

Sixth Secret: Jesus wasn’t boring – and neither is discipleship.

Seventh Secret: We need both facts and fairies.

Hurricane Matthew Series

What do an election and a hurricane have in common? – Nurya Love Parish

I prayed and remembered Scripture – Kasey Ray-Stokes

I pack my prayerbook – every time. – Rachel Jones

We drove the wrong way on the highway – Andrea McKellar

We made church in the wilderness – Andrea McKellar

Making Faith Visible

Creating Sacred Spaces – Miguelina Howell

When Art Becomes Prayer – Heather Sleightholm

Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude – Mary Lee Wile

Jesus in My Kitchen: Using Icons in the Home – Heather Sleightholm

Jesus Speaks to Us, and To Our Kids: More about Icons – Mary Lee Wile

Prayer Stones and Hopeless Optimism – Jerusalem Jackson Greer

A traveling prayer altar helps me stay centered. – Regina Walton

Coloring Our Way to Conversation on Faith – Adam Walker Cleaveland

Reading Together Can Plant Seeds of Faith – Nancy Hopkins-Greene

A special place for prayer at home? – Nurya Love Parish

My Little Amen Corner – Pamela Lewis

Homemade Prayer Cards – Miriam McKenney

More than Merely Decorative – Jerusalem Jackson Greer

Your Altars at Home – Nurya Love Parish

The Turquoise Table: Review, Excerpt, Giveaway – Nurya Love Parish

Gather, Listen, Go, Do: A Simple Pattern for Family Faith – Jerusalem Greer

Stumbling across holy places lifts up my heart–and our family’s travels. – Heather Sleightholm

Coming home while on the road: my summer faith community. – Miriam McKenney

Finding God in the Carpool Lane – Christine Hides

Building Your Child’s Faith Library – Heather Sleightholm

Discipleship

Being Faithful

Working on Not Working on the Sabbath – Miriam McKenney

Being fully present in the digital age – Mary Lee Wile

Time flies! So I slow down. – Miriam McKenney

Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First – Miriam McKenney

Peace at the Labyrinth – Miriam McKenney

When It’s Time to Wait – Miriam McKenney

Why I Go on Retreat – Pamela Lewis

2015 was a great year. 2016 was better. Here’s why. – Nurya Love Parish

I pray on the porch–even in the wintertime. – Rachel Jones

The Bible: pleasant hike or arduous journey? The Path welcomes you. (feat. Melody Shobe)

Bringing kingdom metaphors to life with seeds, scraps, and bread dough – Rachel Jones

My Lenten discipline: respecting death – Nadia Stefko

Prayer is not the art of the deal. It’s the art of honesty. – Derek Olsen

We signed papers to begin Plainsong Farm – and I became a new mom all over again. – Nurya Love Parish

Growing in faith means becoming At Home in this Life (giveaway – closed) – Nurya Love Parish

My morning prayers keep me focused on the Holy Spirit’s presence. – Mary Lee Wile

A “Wondering Jew” teaches me about passing on faith. – Nurya Love Parish

Being Forgiven

The Good News (For When We Blow It) – Jamie Osborne

God’s love changes everything – and is constantly unchanging – Rachel Jones

My first confession: apologizing to God. – Pamela Lewis

I’m not the only imperfect parent. – Nurya Love Parish

I didn’t finish my altar or Lent Madness. But here’s my summer reading… – Nurya Love Parish

Reconciliation is at the heart of family life–and church life too. – Hillary Raining

Reconciliation of a Penitent: What is it and what can I expect… – Hillary Raining

Being Free

To Be Set Free – Marcus Halley

What is the full stature of Christ? My son and I are learning together. – Kit Lonergan

Deleting Distractions – Ann Benton Fraser

I tried “Free Listening” and rediscovered that listening is priceless. – Mary Lee Wile

Being Creative

You were created to create! – Roger Speer

I have spring fever. I hope it’s contagious. – Rachel Jones

God grows me as I tend my place in Creation. – Rachel Jones

Being Together

Faith at Home, Remembered – Rachel Jones

Many Hands Make Light Work – Rachel Jones

Angels, Our Mysterious Companions – Mary Lee Wile

Digesting Prayerbook Spirituality: An Interview & Giveaway – interview with Derek Olsen

Summer’s coming – and I’m thinking about reunions. – Rachel Jones

Soul-deep friendships can start in church and last for a lifetime. – Rachel Jones

Family travels can be like pilgrimages–even if you aren’t going far. – Mary Lee Wile

Tending Health

I honor Creation by tending my health – Deborah Royals

My cancer showed me the power of kindness. – Raymond Capo

Slow down and celebrate God’s creation. – Miriam McKenney

It’s summer: time to watch for how God is growing me. – Rachel Jones

Eating Faithfully

Why we say grace – Nadia Stefko

What does it mean to keep the feast? – Nadia Stefko

Eating in place – in a midwestern winter – Nadia Stefko

I grow my garden; Jesus grows me. – Rachel Jones

In Challenging Times

Charting a Course of Faith when the Road gets Rough – Miriam McKenney

We Met a Stranger on the Road – Richelle Thompson

In case of emergency, make a spiritual toolkit. – Miriam McKenney

Finding hope, and the spirit of Christmas, even now. – Heather Sleightholm

Social Justice Bible Challenge Provides a Great Cloud of Witnesses – Nurya Love Parish

The Bible and Quantum Physics teach us: our actions affect future… – Mary Lee Wile

 

Grow Christians Housekeeping

Why Grow Christians? (the origin story)

The pilot is over. What next? Plus, a giveaway. (at the end of the first phase)

Giveaway closes soon & Excuse our Dust

Grow Christians: Next Steps (after the first survey)

Grow Christians Just Got Easier

Write for Grow Christians?

Almost-Our-Birthday Survey & Giveaway!

We love our readers! (Survey results)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Pinterest
  • More
  • Pocket
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • Skype

Encouragement in your Inbox

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts.

Join 4,775 other subscribers
The Spy Series

Grow Christians is brought to you by Forward Movement, a ministry of The Episcopal Church that seeks to inspire disciples and empower evangelists. Follow on Facebook or Twitter.

Search:

Like us on Facebook

Like us on Facebook

Recent Posts

Popular Posts

  • That moment you realize the voice you’re hearing isn’t God – it’s Satan
  • The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
  • Candlemas: History, Traditions...And Crepes!
  • Using Minecraft to Teach Kids About Christianity
  • Sharing Love, Prayers, and Discipleship with a Brand New Niece

Copyright © 2023 — Forward Movement • All rights reserved.