Adoption

Adopted for Life:
The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches
By Russell D. Moore (Crossway, 2009)

This book is a manifesto calling Christians to adopt children and to equip Christian families going through the process. It offers biblical foundations for adoption and identifies adoption as a Great Commission priority.

To order from Amazon.com: Adopted for Life

Adoption as a Ministry, Adoption as a Blessing
By Michelle Gardner (Winepress, 2003)

Exploring what Scripture says about adoption and the value of children, Gardner demonstrates that adoption can be God’s first choice for some lives. Weaving her own children’s heartwarming adoption stories throughout the book, she presents a new challenge for believers to do something drastic for a child.

To order from Amazon.com: Adoption as a Ministry, Adoption as a Blessing

The Adoption Decision:
15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting
By Laura Christianson (Harvest House, 2007)

This quick-start resource will help prospective parents consider key emotional and spiritual issues up front—before they plunge into the near–overwhelming mass of details and start to run into roadblocks, even dead ends. Christianson—an adoption educator and mentor, and an adoptive mom herself—brings her experience and knowledge to address unspoken but crucial questions.

To order from Amazon.com: The Adoption Decision

Choosing to SEE:
A Journey of Struggle and Hope
By Mary Beth Chapman and Ellen Vaughn (Revell, 2010)

Mary Beth Chapman, the wife of recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman, shows how she wrestles with God even as she has allowed Him to write her story—both during times of happiness and those of tragedy. Readers will hear firsthand about the loss of her daughter, the struggle to heal, and the unexpected path God has placed her on.

To order from Amazon.com: Choosing to SEE

Parenting the Hurt Child:
Helping Adoptive Families Heal and Grow
By Gregory Keck and Regina Kupecky (NavPress, 2009)

Bringing a hurt child into your home can quickly derail the easy family life you once knew. Get effective suggestions, wisdom and advice to parent the hurt child in your life. The best hope for tragedy prevention is knowledge.

To order from Amazon.com: Parenting the Hurt Child

The Spirit of Adoption:
At Home in God’s Family
By Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner (Westminster John Knox, 2003)

Stevenson-Moessner writes a theology of adoption, exploring adoption as a central theme in Scripture, as a doctrine of faith and as a theological metaphor. The book is also a handbook to adoptive parents.

To order from Amazon.com: The Spirit of Adoption

Successful Adoption:
A Guide for Christian Families
By Natalie Nichols Gillespie (Thomas Nelson, 2006)

Successful Adoption brings a practical and spiritual view of adoption. Topics include: types of adoption, where to begin, necessary paperwork, finances required and how to raise them, listing of reputable adoption agencies, building strong bonds with an adopted child, when and how to tell a child she is adopted, the long-term affects of adoption, and God’s blessing through adoption.

To order from Amazon.com: Successful Adoption

The Whole Life Adoption Book:
Realistic Advice for Building a Healthy Adoptive Family
, Revised and Updated
By Jayne E. Schooler and Thomas Atwood (NavPress, 2008)

The authors share insights into every aspect of adoption. This powerful resource addresses the needs and concerns facing adoptive parents while offering encouragement for the journey ahead.

To order from Amazon.com: The Whole Life Adoption Book

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

“Adoption Ministry Finds Families for Foster Kids” Redman, Wash., church starts Antioch Adoptions to offer free adoption services

“Become an Adoption-Friendly Church” 5 Practical Tips to raise the congregation’s awareness

 Bethany Christian Services Largest U.S. adoption agency providing adoption services, orphan care, pregnancy and family counseling, foster care prgrams, refugee services and an infertility ministry called Stepping Stones.

 

DaveThomasFoundation.org Shares resources and materials for adopting within North America’s foster care systems.

HowToAdopt.org Linking willing families with waiting children.

KingdomKidsAdoption.org Encouraging the body of Christ to embrace and support adoption and foster parenting.

ShowHope.org Engaging the church to care for orphans and reduce the financial barriers to adoption.

TogetherForAdoption.org Providing Gospel-centered resources that explore our adoption in Christ and its profound implications for the global orphan crisis.

E Pluribus Unum?

God delights in our diversity and calls us to pursue reconciliation wherever needed.

How Does Church Planting Benefit the Sending Church?

Can giving away your best people be a good thing?

How Does Understanding God’s Happiness Change Lives?

As much as I believe in the holiness of God, I also believe in emphasizing God’s happiness as a legitimate and effective way to share the gospel with unbelievers or to help Christians regain a foothold in their faith.