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 6: Share your time and talents.
Day 11: Thank me for your blessings.
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
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
