Foreword by Josh Mulvihill, PHD
In this practical and biblical resource for grandparents, Larry McCall helps readers confidently carry out their mission of gospel-focused grandparenting. Grandparenting with Grace explores how to build a legacy of a life worth following and how to faithfully pray for grandchildren.
What does God say about grandparents and grandchildren? Rather than relying on personal stories and ideas alone, Grandparenting with Grace seeks to explain from Scripture the “what,” “why,” “who,” and “how” of grandparenting.
Readers hungry to know more about God’s calling for this role will find inspiration, encouragement, and gospel hope. As a parent to three and grandparent to six, the author shares his personal experiences coming alongside his children in supportive ways as they seek to raise their kids—his grandkids—in the ways of Christ.
Many people in our culture look at grandparenting primarily as an opportunity to make occasional fun memories with their grandkids. There’s often little thought given to the idea of intentionally and spiritually pouring into grandchildren.
McCall urges readers to look at grandparenting from an eternal perspective, considering how to be involved in their families in God-honoring ways. By applying biblical wisdom, grandparents can also strengthen the local church as they continue to see and pursue God’s calling to present the gospel to the coming generations.
AUTHOR
Larry E. McCall has served as a pastor at Christ's Covenant Church of Winona Lake, Indiana, since 1981. He has written a number of articles and is the author of Walking Like Jesus Did, Loving Your Wife as Christ Loves the Church, and Grandparenting with Grace. He is a graduate of Grace College, Grace Theological Seminary and has a doctor of ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Larry has been married to Gladine since 1975. They have three married children and seven grandchildren.
“As of this writing, I’ve been on this journey as a grandparent for only a couple of years, but what a wonderful pilgrimage it is! Truly ‘Grandchildren are the crown of the aged’ (Prov. 17:6). I am grateful to have read Grandparenting with Grace so early in this journey. But by the time most Christians become grandparents, they have also started to give thought to finishing well as followers of Jesus. Larry McCall’s book has given me greater biblical clarity to the role godly grandparenting plays in that pursuit, and has provided many practical tools for the process.”
Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY; author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Praying the Bible, and Family Worship
“Grandparents who care about both their grandkids and the gospel will find Larry McCall’s book full of biblical principles and practical advice. Larry gets it: the important role that grandparents can play in the spiritual development of their grandchildren, and the scriptural mandate to do so is a message every Christian grandparent needs to hear and act upon. I strongly recommend that grandparents not only read—but study—Grandparenting with Grace!”
Larry Fowler, Founder of The Legacy Coalition
“If you think being a ‘good’ grandparent is all there is to grandparenting, Larry McCall will challenge that thinking in a convincing way. Well-written and engaging, Grandparenting with Grace will forever change how you view your role as a biblical grandparent. Larry’s no-nonsense, biblical approach to grandparenting—centered in the gospel, not culture or traditions—will transform you and your impact as a parent and grandparent. Filled with practical action steps, Grandparenting with Grace ought to be in every grandparent’s toolbox for building a legacy worth outliving you generation to generation.”
Cavin T. Harper, Founder and President, The Christian Grandparenting Network
“I found out my daughter was pregnant with our first grandchild a week before reading Grandparenting with Grace. I thought I was excited before, but after reading Larry McCall’s book, my vision for grandparenting and excitement for my new role went off the charts. Larry has hit the sweet spot; he both inspires you in your role as a grandparent and gives you the practical steps you need to succeed. If you are a grandparent or soon will be, you should read this book.”
Marty Machowski, Pastor; author of The Gospel Story Bible, The Ology (a theology book for children), Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God, Parenting First Aid, and other gospel-rich resources for families and churches
“Being a grandparent is a wonderful privilege. It includes most of the joys of parenthood without some of the difficult challenges. Though multiple resources are available for parents seeking wisdom for godly parenting, advice for grandparents is practically nonexistent. This is a book every grandparent should read. It is refreshingly grounded in the gospel, essential for guidance in our relationships with our grandchildren, and is also filled with practical tips. If you are a grandparent, do not wait to profit from this invaluable resource.”
Tom Julien, Former Executive Director of Encompass World Partners
“Our grandchildren are gifts from God. With that gift, there is an enormous responsibility for grandparents to help nurture their grandchildren’s love for the Lord and their spiritual growth. Larry shows us how a gospel-centered lifestyle combined with intentional prayer play a key role for grandparents. In this practical, Scripture-based book, you will gain tools to remember the great purpose God has given you in this role and bless the generations that come after you.”
Lillian Penner, Author of Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren; co-director for the prayer ministry of Christian Grandparenting Network
“Our actions affect not only our personal lives but the lives of our children and grandchildren. It’s a joy to live in light of the gospel, but it’s an even greater joy to see the light of the gospel change those closest to you. Time and time again, Larry McCall writes and teaches with powerful and practical application. As a grandparent of thirteen, this is a book I have been waiting for!”
Byron Paulus, President, Life Action Ministries
“As an author and grandparent, Larry McCall has so many practical ideas and challenges for the parents of the parents. For all who get to love and provide fun and wisdom for their grandkids, Grandparenting with Grace offers insight ranging from the use of technology, ways to make memories together, and how to bless them in little but life-changing ways. Every mama and papa thinks about how their kids grow up so quickly. This manual of suggestions should be provided right away, every time a grandchild is born.”
Knute Larson, Grandparent; pastoral coach
“Don’t be mistaken. This book is not about how to give grace to your grandchildren. It’s about how to be full of grace as a grandparent, which is much better and far more powerful. It’s what makes this book so good.”
Jack Klumpenhower, Author of Show Them Jesus
“I thank God for Larry McCall and for this book that inspires, challenges, and equips us with biblical vision and practical guidance for making known to our children’s children ‘the glorious deeds of the Lord and his might and the wonders he has done.’”
David Michael, Cofounder of Truth78 (formerly Children Desiring God); pastor for the Next Generations, College Park Church, Indianapolis
“Who would’ve imagined that a sound, systematic, and practical theology of Grandparenting with Grace would ever be available in print? Well, thankfully, Larry McCall has now written such an important manual for us! And, in doing so, has literally left no stone unturned in addressing this vital, yet neglected, area of Christian living. His over four decades of solid marriage and parenting experience (he has many children and grandchildren), along with almost four decades of faithful pastoral ministry, make this book a veritable source of grandparenting wisdom. This is an important tool for discipling your family until you see Jesus!”
Jerry Marcellino, Preaching Pastor of Audubon Drive Bible Church in Laurel, Mississippi; cofounder of FIRE (The Fellowship of Independent Reformed Evangelicals)
“Biblically-grounded, gospel-centered, thoughtful, practical, reflective, and intentional are just a few descriptions that come to mind when thinking about this outstanding new resource designed for grandparents who desire to serve their families and make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren. This well-designed book, which includes helpful questions and action steps at the conclusion of each chapter, will be beneficial for many, whether read individually or studied in a small group setting. It provides a wonderful reminder of the special calling and responsibilities that come with grandparenting, including the relationships with grandchildren and their parents, in both good times and in moments of challenge. Larry McCall is to be commended for putting together this most applicable volume.”
David S. Dockery, President, Trinity International University/Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“This book is a must-read for grandparents. Every season of life could use gospel-centered counsel. With the grace of a pastor, the insight of a theologian, and the love of a gospel-filled grandparent, Larry has given us just that. Make sure you get an extra copy for your friends; they will love you for it and so will their grandchildren.”
Louis C. Love, Jr., Pastor, New Life Fellowship Church, Waukegan, IL
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Champ Thornton
"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged." Proverbs 17:6 This scripture certainly applies to me because I was in my early 60s before I became a grandparent for the first time! I am hoping that the maturity and wisdom that I now have will make up for the creaky knees, stiff joints, and my inability to be as active as a 40 year-old grandmother would be. I am also praying that I will continue to grow in grace and wisdom as I travel down this rode called grandparenting. Grandparenting with Grace is the answer to my prayers and it is an excellent resource for those of us who long to share the gospel with our grandchildren. Author Larry E. McCall offers advice and shares Bible scripture as he encourages, motivates, and cheers us on. I was especially drawn to chapter 7 and its subject of prayer. This chapter reminds us that we need to pray for our children, our grandchildren, and especially, ourselves. We need to pray for our understanding, wisdom, consistency, perseverance, and strength. At the end of this chapter and each of the other six chapters there are Discussion Questions and Action Steps; I also appreciate that there is a bilbiography with additional resources at the end of the book. I am so glad to have had the chance to read and review Grandparenting with Grace and I recommend it to all who have been blessed with grandchildren and want to help them know God's gospel message! I received a complimentary copy of this book from New Growth Press and was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.
My initial thought upon reading the formal description of Grandparenting With Grace: living the gospel with the next generation by Larry E. McCall was that it looked really interesting and might have some good ideas to implement now, either myself or with my girls’ grandparents. Part of the description talks about building “a legacy worth following and how to faithfully pray for grandchildren.” Both of those ideas should be appealing to anyone of Christian faith. Grandparenting With Grace runs 111 pages and is a softback book. It includes a foreword, an introduction, seven chapters, a conclusion, an appendix, an annotated list of additional resources, and endnotes. The main thrust of the book is about how to live out a life of spiritual growth, influencing and assisting the same in children and grandchildren for the sake of salvation. This ministry is an important one and the book was born from the research behind teaching a class on grandparenting intentionally. Searching the scriptures for instruction and training (isn’t that the purpose of scripture?), the guide here is intended to be an encouragement tool and instructional tool for grandparents with their grandchildren. Each chapter delves into the scriptures that the author used to teach that idea, as well as the author’s thoughts and take on the topic. Each chapter ends with discussion questions to get the reader considering the topic more specifically and deeply. It also includes some action steps, allowing the reader to put ideas into practice. Salvation Discussion Something I always pay attention to when sharing a book about God’s word and living a Christian life of faith is the presentation of salvation. Many sources stop short of God’s word in the Bible on salvation. They do not state that baptism is a requirement of that. (I would be happy to discuss this part with you through email but I am not going into depth here since this is a book review.) I did find that this book talks about knowing God, studying God’s word, praying, believing in Jesus and his mission and purpose on earth, but it stops just short of stating that baptism is one of the requirements by God. There might be a misleading statement in one of the chapters that I didn’t get read thoroughly, but I did not see anything that caught my attention.
There are very few books written about spiritual grandparenting. Larry McCall has written a practical, biblical resource for grandparents, “Grandparenting With Grace”, to help us faithfully pray for our grandchildren and challenge us as grandparents to have a spiritual impact. Grandparents are not just people who spoil their grandchildren. They should also be imparting spiritual wisdom and teaching them how to live God-honoring lives. Each chapter ends with discussion questions that can be used as a basis for a small group and action steps for you to take that will help you become a grandparent who is intentional about his/her relationship with God and with his/her mission to teach their grandchildren about God. In a culture where grandparents are often raising their grandchildren, McCall’s book is a godsend. It is also helpful for those who need to know the value of being a grandparent and the importance they have in the family. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
A gospel soaked book that encourages grandparents to live lives that honour God, and to love their children and grandchildren faithfully. It is succinct, clear, gospel focussed, loving and gentle, and addresses numerous areas that Christian grandparents could be considering. Some of these include: realising grandchildren are sinners who needs saving, and that grandparents can play a key role in showing the love of God. Grandparents need to honour their grandchildren’s parents, and this may involve conversations and apologies. He challenges the idea of not having time for grandchildren and gives practical suggestions on how to be more intentional with activities, time, energy and using technology when needed. There are detailed suggestions for prayer (both with and for grandchildren), and time given to acknowledging some of the challenges raised by distance, divorce, remarriage, adoption and defiant relationships. McCall finishes with a challenge to grandparents to consider that their legacy to their grandchildren be of “faith, love, and dependence on Jesus.” Who should read it? Christian grandparents (and grandparents-to-be) who want to foster strong relationships with their children and grandchildren that are founded on the gospel of Christ. Highly recommended. I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I conjure up the picture of perfect grandparents, I think of people who invest and play with their grandkids. The sort of old folks kids see as people who will spoil them and be fun. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have grandparents like this? Larry McCall goes deeper than my imaginations by thinking about what scripture teaches regarding grandparenting. He writes about ultimate issues, namely the salvation and growth of children and grandchildren and then practically suggests how to be intentional, Christ-focused grandparents. A Biblical View of Grandchildren Created in God’s Image For grandparents to do this, they need to see grandchildren as God does. They are made in his image and made to depend on him. Grandparents can be involved in their lives to guide them to find and see that God has the answers to the questions and challenges of life. In Need of a Savior Understanding who they are from a biblical perspective, means that grandchildren need Jesus as their Savior. They need to be born again. As grandparents guide them, they will want to model a lifestyle of repentance and forgiveness and protect them from harmful influences. Larry McCall gives suggestions about how to guide grandchildren into thinking biblically about themselves and life around them. He then moves on to emphasis the importance of working on the relationships with the grandchildren’s parents and communicating and agreeing with them about how to relate to their children. Intentional Grandparenting God’s purpose for grandparents is that they pass the faith on to their grandchildren. To be able to do this, grandparents have to be intentional in relating to them. This will mean building relationships, praying, and modeling a Christian lifestyle. For this work of the Lord to occur in their hearts, grandparents have to be praying people. Wisely, Larry McCall provides suggestions about how to intentionally grandparent in today’s culture. This includes when they live long distance, when there has been divorce, when there are step children in the family, when the grandparent is the primary caregiver, and when there have been broken relationships. In closing, Larry McCall emphasizes that grandparents are called to leave the legacy of faith, love, and dependence on Jesus. Personal Reflections This is the first book I have read about grandparenting. It wisely looks at God’s purpose for grandparenting, who grandchildren are by nature according to the Bible, and then moves on to make practical suggestions about how to be intentionally involved in grandchildren’s lives in order to achieve God’s purpose. I was thankful that some family set ups in today’s culture were explored and wise suggestions were made. The book draws us out of the prevalent view of grandparents being there to spoil their grandchildren, to practically teach grandparents about how to intentionally relate as God has called them. It is a book I would highly recommend to any grandparent.