Organic Outreach for Families
Organic Outreach for Families by Kevin and Sherry Harney is a very powerful book. It is a guide to lead your family on a life-long, life changing journey to Jesus. If this book had been written a decade or two ago, I believe there would never have been a Marilyn Manson. Christian parents, church leaders, and pastors need to LISTEN to the word of God and actively practice what is says.
What is the biggest mistake of Christian parents and church goers? Hypocrisy. It is the lack of being salt and light to your children and community. Teaching your child to believe in Jesus, to love Him, obey Him, and serve Him alone IS NOT ENOUGH. You must live a life that shines Jesus through you. Organic Outreach explains how to do this on a daily basis while you are raising your children, as well as the importance of following the Great Commission.
The concept behind Organic Outreach is based on the conviction that the Harney’s had to share the love, grace, and message of Jesus in ways that feel natural. They share how each child is unique and different and regardless of their personality, life experience, or skill set should be taught how to connect with others and share Jesus.
Loving Jesus is not enough. Witnessing to your children and community is not enough. Saying you are a Christian is not enough. Believing you are a Christian is not enough. We need to be the salt and light shining into the dark world that is only choosing to become darker and farther from God.
Organic Outreach takes you through a 3-part process in helping you witness to your children, raise children to shine for Jesus, and becoming a house that shines for Jesus. If you are like me and you want more for your children in Christ then Organic Outreach for Families is just the book for you!
The Harney’s encourage parents to praise their children allowing them to grow more in the Lord. The reason being that the world is against you, your child, and family. In order to give your child the best start possible encourage them.
“Affirm what is unique and special in each of your children. Do this openly, repeatedly, and joyfully… Shout it, sing it, write it, text it, tweet it, and don’t stop.”
Boy did that hit home with me. I realize that growing up being taught about pride can really hinder my parenting and praising my children due to the fear of giving them “a big head”. I will definitively be giving thought to ways I can praise my children for their uniqueness. Thus allowing them to enjoy the way that God created them.
This book is filled with so many ideas and concepts that I have not read it entirely. I am reading it more slowly to allow time for all the ideas to sink in and be digested. This book is so rich it will not be a one time read, but a guide for many years to come. (Sorry folks I will not be offering a giveaway. Gonna Keep this one for myself!)
Organic Outreach For Families Book Page from Kevin Harney on Vimeo.
- Kevin Harney’s website – www.kevingharney.com
- Sherry Harney’s website – www.sherryharney.com
Do you read books to improve your parenting? Do you read books that encourage your faith? Do you usually grab a book that a friend recommends?
Please feel free to leave a comment, tweet, or share this review with your friends and pastor. This is a book definitely worth checking out. If you like this type of post and do not want to miss all the upcoming book reviews and product giveaways, then please be sure to subscribe via RSS or email!
Disclaimer: I received a free book for review from Cross Focused Reviews without compensation besides the free product. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. This review is my honest and accurate understanding of the book.
Wow, that is powerful! It’s so true that we can talk the talk as a Christian but if we don’t walk the walk people are going to see that more than anything.
Great review! I will def. have to check this book out. Thanks for sharing.
This book sounds like a good one. This definitely needs to be spread, to spread the light of Christ in our world today!
Wonderful truths. And the fear of the big head thingy? I’m thinking our parents may have raised us alike there. But what happened with me, is even though I’m older now and understand where they were coming from, I still struggle with feelings of not good enough. I think kids need to know that you ARE proud of them, that you are so happy they’re your child you could just burst.
Working with kids like I do now, I see it time and again, if the child knows their parent is going to love their art or what ever we are doing, they put a special effort into that project. Where-as the child who never hears good job, slops through their work so they can go play. Huge difference.
Thaleia,
Thanks for being a part of the Organic Outreach for Families blog tour. I’m glad the book was an ecouragement to you.
Shaun Tabatt
Cross Focused Reviews
Julie,
Thanks for commenting. It has been a pleasure working with you for Fashion Week and BGC!
Rebecca,
Does your local library offer this book? I am always searching for good new books and sometimes the library isn’t the best place to go:)
Cassondra,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Look forward to working with you for the Homeschooled Highschool Series!
Kendra,
too funny we have slightly different “religious” backgrouns but pride was still a big part of both of our upbringings.
Shaun,
Thanks for your patience in getting this book reviewed. Your encouragement and answering all my questions has made it much easier to do my first book review.
Thanks for sharing on the NOBH, I will look into getting this book:)