For Kids
Egermeiers's Bible Story Book
“This Bible story book recounts the stories of Scripture in an easy to read way. It covers all the stories in bite-sized sections. This can be a great resource for your family to read the stories of Scripture together.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
You are Special - Max Lucado
“This book is an illustrated children’s book with a message that each of us need to hear. As we walk through life, it is important to remember how God sees us as our Creator.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
The Jesus Storybook Bible- Sally Lloyd Jones
“The Jesus Storybook Bible is a great first Bible for preschoolers. This Bible ties the story of scripture together and highlights that Jesus is at the center of every story. This Bible is beautifully illustrated.”
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
God’s Very Good Idea - Trillia Newbell
“The words and pictures in this book are beautiful! It tells of God’s very good idea to have lots of different people enjoying loving Him and loving each other. It tells of the gospel message that everyone can be a part of God’s Family. This book celebrates diversity.”
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross Storybook- Carl Laferton
“This book is for preschool/early elementary aged children and tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It has beautiful illustrations and explains the good news of the Gospel.”
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing: 101 Devotions about God’s Great Love for You - Sally Loyd-Jones & Jago
“This is a collection of 101 thoughts on faith that is perfect for family devotions.”
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
Wherever You Go, I Want You To Know- Melissa Kruger
This book is a fun read as it talked about different professions and jobs that kids may have someday. Regardless of the career, this books highlights the most important thing is to follow Christ.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
For Students
Before You Lose Your Faith
“This book is made of up of a collection of essays that address some of the common deconstruction conversations facing Christian faith. This book prompts quite a bit of wrestling as it tackles different topics head on with logic, reasoning, and heart.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Rewire Your Anxious Brain
“This books provides a basic foundation to our bodies while covering the topic of why we encounter anxiety. This is not the answer for everyone but may provide a helpful understanding and encouraging tools to practically deal with anxiety in every day life.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Crazy Love- Francis Chan
“This book passionately described the intimate relationship we can have with God. When I read it as a student, it truly spurred a desire for relationship with God.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks- Timothy Laniak
“The Bible consistently refers to shepherds and calls us to be shepherds. But do we really know what it means to be a shepherd? This book is an interesting devotional on the context of shepherds and how it applies to our lives.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
The Screwtape Letters- C.S. Lewis
“This fictional book is letter written between demons as they seek to deter a man from truth. It is a creative representations of how the forces of evil are working. One of my favorite books!”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
For Family Disciplers (Parents, Grandparents, Guardians)
I Believe In Jesus- John MacArthur
“This book helps parents explain the story of salvation to their children. It helps children see God’s plan for their lives. A salvation prayer is included and there is a page for the child and parent to sign and date regarding their decision. “
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening For Today’s Families - Michelle Anthony
“This book helps parents understand their role as the primary spiritual influencers of their children’s faith. It encourages parents to create environments that God can use to draw them to Him.”
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family- Paul Tripp
“This is one of my favorite parenting books. This book focuses on fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel instead of the behavior modification. It explains how we need God’s grace to empower us as parents. ”
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World- Sissy Goff
“So many children today are struggling with anxiety. This is a very practical book that helps parents empower their daughters to overcome anxiety and worry. It gives parents the tools to understand why their daughter’s brain is working against her when she starts to worry and explains what she can do to fight back. ”
-Kim Hiemstra, teacher & former SR Kids staff
Extreme Grand-parenting- Tim & Darcy Kimmel
“In this ‘grand’ season of life, we are called to be intentional! God has a plan for grandparents and it can be missed or clouded by our circumstances and culture. This book helps to define our roles and to equip us in how best to live them out.”
-Tracy Mann, co-leader of “The Grand Life”
Overcoming Grand-parenting Barriers- Larry Fowler
Long-Distance Grand-parenting- Wayne Rice
The Power of a Prayer Grandparent- Stormie Omaritian
“This collection of short, daily prayers helps guide me in praying for many aspects of my children and grandchildren’s lives that I may overlook or not even consider. A great tool for my love and grace toolbox!”
-Tracy Mann, co-leader of “The Grand Life”
God Never Changes But My Family Always Does- Elizabeth Smith
“Ever feel like every time you get hang of a season of life, it changes. At the root this is because your kids and students are always changing. This book provides a simple, practical approach to prepare for stages before you are in them.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Out of A Far Country- Christopher & Angela Yuan
“Do you have a loved one who is lost? This book recounts the power of a mothers prayers for her son as he battle through idolatry, addiction and more. A great reminder of the power of prayer and the work of the Lord.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Spiritual Formation
You're Only Human-Kelly Kapic
“This book celebrates our finiteness and how we were not truly created to be self-sufficient. We are surrounded by a culture of productivity and recognizing our limitations can be incredibly freeing.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
The Thrill of Orthodoxy- Trevin Wax
“This book emphasizes the importance and beauty of Orthodoxy. Rather than shying away from doctrine or conversations, it encourages us to lean in. Through this we gain a greater understanding of God and experience the adventure of pursuing him.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Gods At War- Kyle Idleman
“This book challenges many of the idles that we invite into our everyday life. It challenges the reader to think about what they truly worship. It is a great reminder to be on guard.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Blessed- Nancy Guthrie
“I love this book. It helps break down Revelation into understandable, digestible portions that are easy to read. Very helpful for taking an overwhelming book of the bible and helping you walk through it.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
To Hell with the Hustle - Jefferson Bethke
“I enjoyed reading this book as it challenged my everyday decisions. At points, I find self worth in being busy rather than resting in God. This book directly speaks to our current struggles amidst the hustle we create.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Even Better Than Eden - Nancy Guthrie
“The beauty of recognizing themes that carry throughout the bible is invigorating. From the Garden of Eden throughout the story of scripture this book does a great job highlighting and identifying God’s plan and how we are included in it.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
The Drama of Scripture: Find our Place in the Biblical Story - Craig G Bartholomew, Michael W Goheen
“Have you ever read passages or even books of the bible but not understood how they fit together? This book really walks you through the storyline of scripture and understanding God fingerprints throughout it.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Knowing Scripture - R.C. Sproul
“Sproul does a great job of highlight the significance and impact of Scripture. His words are impactful as he talks about the beauty and importance of understanding Scripture.”
– Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Delighting in the Trinity- Michael Reeves
“The Trinity is often written off because it is so hard to understand. Although this book doesn’t answer every question, it gave me a genuine joy, appreciation, and love for God through better understanding the Trinity.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Asking Better Questions of the Bible - Marty Solomon
“This book really challenges the way we approach scripture. The Bible is the true word of God and can hold up against our hard hitting questions. Marty goes through context, genre, and more to help us further understand and ask Better questions for a greater understanding.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools- Tyler Staton
“This books provides an engaging approach to understanding and practicing prayer. It truly challenged my own prayer life and continues to convict me of the true power of prayer.”
– Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministries
Love Walked Among Us- Paul E. Miller
“What is Biblical Love? This book takes a comprehensive approach to covering the stories of scripture and how we can learn from them. Ultimately it challenges how we should view love and love others.”
– Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministries
Podcasts
Bible Project Podcast
“This podcast is like sitting in on a bible study as they explore hard hitting topics, and have conversation about different questions. Not to mention, they usually partner the topics with a video that visually illustrates the study.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
The Ten Minute Bible Hour (Matt Whitman)
“Matt does a GREAT job of leading you through a in-depth study in a short 10 minutes. It is really engaging and incredibly deep. This is a great everyday listen.”
-Jon Ciotta, Pastor of Family Ministry
Trusted Resources
