I believe some of the stickiest faith moments happen at home — in familiar spaces, with familiar faces. Me and all the research. While we may get just one hour a week with the littles if they come to church, the family gets nearly 50 together. That’s why equipping families with simple, meaningful tools (not just another thing to do!) is a big part of our discipleship plan for littles, middles, and talls.

We’ve added a wheeled shelf of goodness to a narrow little hallway — right where families check in and check out for programming. It’s packed with faith-forming resources we’ve already been using behind the scenes, and now we’re rolling them out (literally!) to share.

We do have a fabulous church library and it’s one of the most used spaces on campus. This small family resource center gives families easy access and it’s super convenient.

And as items disappear (yay!), we’ll replace them with fresh, thoughtful tools based on the real-life hallway conversations of what are families talking about.

What’s on the shelf for the beginning of this school year?

Clear signage that items are free to take – I gleaned the design from the fabulous Amber Pike of RenewANation which offers the Family Ministry Academy which I can’t say enough great things about. Their new cohort season begins in October.

“Are My Kids on Track?” by Christian family counselors Sissy Goff and David Thomas
Remember those milestone checklists at the pediatrician? This book is like that—but for hearts and minds, not just height and weight. It’s a go-to guide for raising emotionally, socially, and spiritually healthy kids.

Catechism Books — Faith Q&A for the Whole Family
The word “catechism” means to teach with questions and answers—and Christians have used this method for centuries to pass down the truth of the Christian faith. We’ve stocked two favorites:

• Foundational Truths: A Modern Catechism – Beautiful and accessible for parents, grandparents, and older kids.
• The New City Catechism – Pocket-sized, app-available, and great for on-the-go moments like carpool, waiting rooms, or the sidelines of life. These were gifts to all of our elementary families on Promotion Sunday.

Two Discipleship Blueprints — Because Faith Has a Framework
Our faves from Rev. Jeremy Bannister and The Next Generation Ministries:

• Discipleship Begins at Home: For Littles – A year-by-year guide to nurturing holy habits from birth onward.
• 5-Year Plan: For Teens & Adults – A roadmap for walking alongside your middle & high schoolers (or even yourself!) in Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, service, giving, and more.

“Count Yourself Calm” – A Read-Aloud for Big Feelings
This playfully illustrated book helps children breathe, pray, and reflect on God’s goodness—especially when emotions are high. It’s calming, Christ-centered, and a great resource for mental and spiritual health for everyone.

HomePoint Resource Guides for Families with all ages and stages
These straight-talking, grace-filled resources from D6 I first experienced at Children’s Pastors Conference provide wisdom and encouragement for navigating life’s big transitions through a biblical lens.

As these treasures are taken, we’ll keep replenishing with tools that support whole-family discipleship – body, mind, spirit, and soul. Because the One who made us has a plan for helping us flourish, even in this temporary world.

What does your Family Resource Center look like?

“May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.” Psalm 20:2