Two things were overwhelming when I became a parent. First, the amount of poop I was dealing with (there’s still no end in sight). Second, the weight of the incredible task we have been given by God to raise and shape people.
Parents are entrusted with children, and thankfully God has not left us to figure this parenting thing out alone.
While we’ve collected a range of Australian resources that offer theologically rich and immensely practical wisdom to share in this article, these are only complements to the best resources God gives us in himself, his word and his church. God has given us a big task in raising children and, in his faithfulness and kindness, he equips us for it in so many ways.
Books
Parenting in God’s Family – edited by Harriet Connor (2024)
This book brings together a wide range of wisdom from trusted Christians across the life and work experience spectrum. Each chapter zooms in on an aspect of parenting that the Bible has something to say about. From parenting styles, to passing on the faith, to preparing for conversations about sex and screen time. As someone busy with young children, I appreciate that each chapter is stand-alone as it makes it easy for me to dip in whenever I have a spare half an hour.
Motherhood – Jocelyn Loane (2024)
Every mother I know is either reading this book, or has it on their to-be-read pile. Day to day, it can be hard to filter all of the parenting advice thrown at us from social media through the lens of the gospel. Loane’s work shows how the gospel shapes our purpose and priorities as mothers. I’ve been especially encouraged by her reframing of popular ideas about parenting and mothering, speaking about them with rich biblical wisdom and challenging where society has it wrong. I really appreciated her insights on “mum guilt”, countering the cultural assumption that feeling bad or inadequate as a mother is something to avoid. Instead, she suggests that mum guilt can be a good thing when our consciences are pricked and, when processed properly, can lead us to repentance and to find forgiveness in the Cross.
Fatherhood – Tony Payne (2017)
Although this one has been out for a while, it continues to be a great foundation for thinking theologically about what it is to be a godly father. As well as authoring many Christian books, Tony Payne is a father of five and writes both theologically and from experience. In a society confused about what true fatherhood should be, Payne paints a picture from the Bible of the kind of fatherhood we see in God and should aim for in our own lives.
The Child in God’s Church – Tim Beilharz (2025)
How can a book articulating the why and importance of children’s ministry be a useful tool in parenthood? Because Christian parenting doesn’t happen in isolation. Parents have the primary responsibility of raising children in the Lord, and we also have the immense privilege of sharing this task with our church family. Understanding the foundations and framework for children’s ministry in our church helps us as parents to partner well with those who serve our children, pray for them, support their programs and lessons, and work together to see children discipled and growing in faith. While chapter six particularly unpacks the ministry of the family, knowing and sharing the vision for children’s ministry will only help us in our parenting journey.
Digital resources
Christian Parenting Australia Facebook group
Ask questions, share wisdom, or simply lurk and learn. This Facebook group has become an additional support to more than a thousand Aussie families. Joining fills your Facebook feed with practical parenting wisdom from Christian families in similar contexts. It’s run by Mothers’ Union, which has been prayerfully and practically supporting families for more than 125 years.
This is the collaboration between Mothers’ Union Sydney and Youthworks that we needed! Monthly episodes feature interviews and conversations with a range of Christian thinkers, authors, parents and pastors. They cover a sweep of topics relevant to parenting in 2025, including managing technology and children, helping children stick with Jesus, holidaying well and rhythms of the home. Episode length averages at an hour, so it’s perfect for sticking in your ears during some of the day’s more mundane moments.
Instagram accounts
Leah McKenna is a former children’s minister and mum of four from Northmead who shares snippets of her family’s life and theology, with the hope of encouraging other families to also undertake the important work of not just raising kids, but raising disciples. She shows what intentional discipleship looks like for her family, and shares the principles behind what they do so that the same goals can be adapted into any context.
Chloe Muscat loves bringing Bible stories to life for her children through play. She shares ideas for engaging kids with God’s word through sensory activities, books, blocks, craft and more. It’s not just lots of inspiration for activities with younger kids – there’s openness and wisdom about the reality of Christian parenting in a busy world, too.
While studying at Moore Theological College, Alice Dickens thought, “There’s no reason why these big truths can’t be taught to kids and youth”. Her Instagram account showcases a ton of ideas for praying with children and helping them understand the big story of the Bible. She loves to create resources and equip others for family discipleship.
