Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship

"Daddy, I’d like you to meet my children," is Castleman’s approach to worship on Sunday mornings.

Parents with little ones have a unique experience at church, and Castleman understands what it’s like to raise a family inside the church and what it means to parent in the pews. Castleman shares the story of her own adventures in leading children to worship every week. She is a true storyteller who has the ability to draw you into the story and will have you both laughing and crying at times.

Castleman starts her book off with the idea of what her Sunday mornings were like, taking her children to God’s house and introducing them to God. Castleman’s whole purpose of this book is to encourage you to train your children for "worship." This book does just that.

This is a very encouraging and practical book that will have you rethinking some ideas that you may be stuck on, and how to overcome them and teach your children how to truly worship.

No matter what phase of parenting you are in, you can benefit from the insights in this book. Castleman is a veteran mother with grown children and she understands the struggles parents face. Through every new phase your child goes through, Castleman has seen it all and can help!

From before diapers to after, this book is a gold mine of practical tips that will help engage your children during church - leading to an opportunity to stop counting bricks, and to start encountering God. Engaging children during worship services will help keep them focused on God, and not let their minds wander to doing something so menial as counting bricks.

Castleman encourages parents to explore every stage of children’s comprehension, from the way little children understand the world around them, to helping teens navigate this world. Castleman has done a wonderful job in giving parents the tools they need to teach their children true worship, and to encourage their upbringing in the church.

Castleman believes Sunday morning starts Saturday night, and in following that tradition you are able to set the mood for worship long before you enter the church doors. Not only does church start Saturday night, but by teaching prayer every day, children will learn true honesty in prayer and confession daily - not just once a week.

Parenting in the Pew takes a bold stance on what it means to worship in church with children. Should children just be pushed off into children’s church, or do they have a place among the adults to worship the Creator? After all, Jesus did say, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 19:14.

Castleman’s pleasant approach makes you feel like you’re sitting down with a friend. It is wise to listen to those who have gone before us and are willing to share their trials so that we may live a fuller life.

The book concludes with a section of questions perfect for a group study. The practicality of this book makes it perfect for every family.

About Robbie F. Castleman

Robbie F. Castleman (D.Min., University of Dubuque) is Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at John Brown University. Along with contributing to other Christian books, she has served as a staff member with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for several years.