Phil Comer - Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting

Contents

PRAISE FOR RAISING PASSIONATE JESUS FOLLOWERS

Until I became a parent, I had no idea what a hard, labor-intensive, complex, rewarding, fun, exhausting, and exhilarating skill it is to unfold a child into their full potential. I always knew I had good parents, but it wasnt until our first child was born that it dawned on me: I had some of the best. I quickly realized that if I could be half the father my dad was, I would be a raging success, but it would be no easy task! Within days of Judes birth, I found myself regularly calling mom or dad and asking a barrage of questions. Now, as we enter the teenage years, I have more questions than ever before. My parents dont have all the answers, but they have more than a little wisdom to pass on to a generation that is reeling from the dissolution of the family in Western culture and the corresponding emotional, relational, and spiritual fallout. Our family has its fair share of dysfunction, as all families do, but to this day our entire family is following Jesus, and for my parents, that was always the number one goal. If you share that goal, I cant think of a better guide for the journey than this book. Read it!

John Mark Comer

Of course they werent perfect, but they were wonderful. The lessons they teach on parenting might not seem revolutionary, but I can say this: most of the relational and personal success Ive seen in my own life is because of my parents tireless efforts to teach me to love well, serve others, and seek to know God more every day.

Rebekah (Comer) Opperman

My husband and I want nothing more than to raise all four of our kids to love and serve Jesus with every part of their lives. Most days we feel hopelessly inadequatekids dont come with an instruction manual! Although my parents are quick to admit theyre far from perfect, the wisdom they have gathered from their years of seeking Jesus and allowing His ways to shape their own parenting is pure gold. We frequently call them to seek advice and insight. Now Im thrilled to have all that wisdom and understanding available to anyone who shares our hope of raising the next generation of passionate Jesus followers.

Elizabeth (Comer) Mosser

My wife and I are entering our third year of marriage, and kids could potentially be in the near future. Because of this, weve begun to talk about how we want to raise our children. To be honest, the thought is terrifying! We want to raise kids who grow up knowing theyre loved and who know how to love well. Mostly, we hope they follow Jesus. Raising Passionate Jesus Followers teaches a way of parenting and raising children that does just that. In this book, Dad and Mom have shared not simply good ideas, but practical methods that actually work. This isnt a guide to being the perfect parentthats impossiblebut if you share our desire to do parenting well, then I encourage you to read this book.

Matthew Comer

Wise parenting requires the eyes of our hearts be enlightened by godly, experienced, reflective mentors who combine biblical insight and sage application. Phil and Diane Comer have given us this in Raising Passionate Jesus Followers. Their success with their own children, plus their pastoral guidance of thousands of others, is the foundation for this treasured resource.

Gerry Breshears, PhD, Professor of Theology, Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon

Phil and Diane Comer have proven themselves to be an invaluable resource for the church. It is a rare thing to find people who have sustained their integrity throughout a life of fruitful ministry and have raised children who are all followers of Jesus. Thankfully, by offering their wisdom through the Intentional Parenting materials and conferences, the Comers are providing a much-needed voice in the church!

Chuck Bomar, pastor of Colossae Church in Portland, Oregon and author of Better Off without Jesus and Losing Your Religion

Phil and Diane's heart for raising children who passionately follow Jesus is evident in the wisdom and content they share with parents around the world. The encouragement and instruction that they provide for parents through their teaching points directly back to the Bible, providing a solid foundation for their practical parenting tools!

Erica Nargizian, children's ministries director, Redemption Church, Costa Mesa

Diane and Phil teach us through very simple principles and practical ways that nation-building starts at our dining tables, playgrounds, and in our childrens bedrooms through a very simple exercise: teaching our children to love God and to love their neighbor. We believe that their secret to such a successful legacy of parenting is being truthful and loving against all odds.

Edi Gogu, executive director, Profamilia, and Toni Gogu, Vice Minister of Justice, Republic of Albania

There is a myth that if you are spiritual you are no fun, and to raise followers of Jesus is boring and dull. This couldnt be further from the truth. Following Jesus is the greatest adventure life can offer, and Raising Passionate Jesus Followers will help you lead your family on this grand adventure. Phil and Diane have put together an incredible book that needs to be on every parents shelf and utilized as an ongoing resource throughout the stages of parenting.

Ryan Ingram, lead pastor, Awakening Church

If the deepest longing of your heart is to leave a legacy of faith to your children, then this book will guide you in your journey. You will be encouraged and challenged by Phil and Dianes transparency and authenticity. They write from the perspective of looking back at what worked. They have lived this out! And their four adult children are their biggest cheerleaders. You need to read to find out why.

Sarah Eggerichs, vice president, Love and Respect Ministries

Phil and Diane share their journey offering biblical, practical, and effective tools to raise passionate followers of Jesus. Being an intentional parent has not only made me a better parent; its also made me a better husband.

Tarik El-Ansary, executive pastor, Reality San Francisco

The Intentional Parenting Conference was one of the most notable events that has happened at our church since we began five years ago. Phil and Dianes biblically-rooted wisdom gave hope and encouragement to parents and caregivers who are trying to raise children to become Jesus followers in a culture that rejects His truths.

Morgan Antonell, Reality Boston childrens ministry director

With their genuine humility, integrity, and love for God and for others, Phil and Diane Comer have already impacted thousands of families in countries around the world. Our prayer is that through this Intentional Parenting book, many more parents and the supporting network of family and friends will embrace the vision to raise children who love Jesus above all else.

The elders of Westside: A Jesus Church

The greatest gift to our children that we can give is to invest our time in learning how to raise them as Jesus followers. This book is an amazing summary of biblical and practical wisdom of how to do this. If you are a parent or soon-to-be parent, I cant imagine not reading every page to learn from those who have gone before us like Phil and Diane.

Dan Kimball, Vintage Faith Church and Western Seminary

Phil and Diane are passionate about equipping parents to inspire their children to walk in the way of love and helping families thrive. They openly share their failures, learnings, and successes with readers with the true aim of inspiring children to love and walk with God.