Sticky Faith by Powell & Clark

What is sticky faith?  It is a faith that is internal, as well as reflected in one's actions.  It is personal and expressed in relationship with others.  It is mature, yet always growing.  All Christian parents desire for their children to have this kind of faith....but we often wonder what we can do to transfer our faith to them in a way that sticks.  This book has done extensive research to help parents and youth leaders find the answers.  While the authors admit that there is no easy formula to follow, there are many factors that make the development of a sticky faith more likely.  This book shares those findings, ideas for practical application, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

I found this book to be very insightful...one that I will probably re-visit every five years or so to get fresh ideas as my boys grow older.  Right now (at ages 4, 6, & 8) I recognize the need for my husband and I to model and talk about our faith with our boys, also including them in serving others.  The book talks about the need to surround children with a web of healthy adult relationships who will encourage and care about them.  There are also many helpful suggestions for the later teenage years and to help with the transition to college.  While I feel a long way off from that phase, I can remember my own college experience, and the advice provided seems to be right on target.  The authors "top suggestion is this: trust the Lord with your kids and continue to ask - maybe at times beg - the Lord to build in them a sticky faith."   There are certainly things we as parents can do, but ultimately we need to trust them into His hands.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.