GRANDPARENTING MATTERS is a series of short books that address common grandparenting problems with biblical solutions and practical ideas. I have had the joy of talking with grandparents all over the country about their God-designed role in the lives of children and grandchildren. Regularly, questions arise about how to do what the Bible says in the midst of barriers, problems, and challenges.
Grandparenting is filled with many joys, but it can also be filled with unexpected pain and problems. Relational tensions, grandparenting restrictions, adult prodigals, grandparents as parents, divorce, long-distance relationships, and blended families all can cause the heart to ache. When brokenness touches our families, we naturally ask questions about how to navigate the challenges.
There are a growing number of resources for Christian grandparents that address the purpose of grandparenting, but few deal with the problem-solving side of family life. We created this series because problems are common, hope is needed, and God’s Word provides guidance that can be applied to our unique situations. This series aims simultaneously to comfort and encourage, to equip and edify, and also to point the way ahead. If you are discouraged or hurting, then I trust you will be blessed by this series. If you are looking for biblical solutions and practical how-tos, you will find them in these pages.
We’ve titled the series GRANDPARENTING MATTERS because we believe the Bible teaches that the grandparent-grandchild relationship is important and worthy of our time and attention. Grandparents have a significant impact on the spiritual lives of grandchildren that is second only to parents. Our prayer is that the gospel is proclaimed, God is honored, your family experiences healing and health, and your children and children’s children know, love, and serve Jesus.
Cavin Harper has been a friend and ministry partner for many years. I’ve had the joy of watching Cavin minister to grandparents nationally as well as faithfully serve his own family. He is a man of strong Christian character and great integrity. He practices what he preaches. He also is the founder and president of the Christian Grandparent Network that he has been leading for over two decades. Until recently, it was the only ministry in North America that was specifically focused on equipping Christian grandparents to reach and disciple their families. Before launching the Christian Grandparent Network, Cavin was a pastor for nearly two decades. Cavin has a lifetime of ministry experience. Cavin doesn’t chase the latest ministry fads but is fully committed to the gospel of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the power of prayer.
No one expects to be a grandparent raising a grandchild. Individuals who find themselves in this unexpected place of life arrive there not because of joyful circumstances but because of painful ones. Cavin has written a very practical book that is full of compassion and will help individuals find hope in Christ and strength for the journey ahead. If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild, you should read this book.
If you are new to the GRANDPARENTING MATTERS series, I want to encourage you to check out some of the other books in the series, such as Grandparenting, Biblical Grandparenting, Long-Distance Grandparenting, and Overcoming Grandparenting Barriers. I’m delighted by the high caliber of authors in this series and the impact these books will have on families for their good and for the glory of God. I trust you will be blessed by Cavin’s godly wisdom, gain a renewed hope in God, experience joy in Christ despite trying circumstances, and become better equipped to be a disciple-making grandparent who passes on a heritage of faith to future generations.
—Dr. Josh Mulvihill
Founding Member, the Legacy Coalition Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry, Renewanation Connect with me at GospelShapedFamily.com