Review written by Natalie Holmyard (2022)

This book first came to my attention in 2017 after David attended a conference in the US where Joseph Mattera was a guest speaker of Dennis and Jan Peacocke’s.

This book contains very worthwhile Foreword, Preface and Introductory sections (one of which is written by one of Joseph’s sons, Jason.) It is then followed by 18 clear, concise and scripture filled chapters which each contain a Question section at the end. The books ends with 3 compelling Appendices which I highly encourage you to not skip.

I greatly valued the introductory section written by son, Jason Mattera. It gives the reader a validity to the book – as a fruit of what Joseph Mattera is teaching in his book and indeed in all spheres of his life. To quote Jason:

“It’s sad actually. The number of young people today who were once ensconced in the Gospel only to turn their backs on their faith later on is one of the spectacular failures of modern Christianity. Newly minted adults are not prepared to live Christian lives amid work, hobbies, friendships, recreation, and relationships. Sure, they know Christian principles theoretically. But they fall short experientially.”

What I valued most about this book, what impacted me when I first read in 2017 and each subsequent reading since, is the practical way in which Joseph calls you to pull apart scripture and lay it down as the foundation for parenting and building a legacy family. He also doesn’t hold back – be prepared for some big truths that should cause you to “suck air” as you read………maybe cry, confess and repent too as did I.

“We must realise that the primary responsibility of discipling the children of Christian families’ rests not with the church leadership and church programs, but with the parents.”

“We should endeavour to see both our families and unbelievers serve Christ. If the Church would stop aborting their children in the spirit as well as in the natural and seek to perpetuate the generational blessing God commanded in Genesis 1:28, then we would take back our nation in two to three generations.”

I believe this book truly aligns with the heart of our beloved Strategic Resource Training Ministry. This is a very strategic resource that if the reader allows, will train, equip and encourage you to build into your family what is required to give them the very best of foundations to be an ongoing and fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ. This book is not just for those with natural families, it is for all of us as we are called to raise up the next generation.

Having now read this book for my own personal growth several times, along with the added blessing of leading several groups through this book in Australia and Singapore, I am convinced that this book is a solid resource for building a solid generational foundation for both our biological and spiritual families. I know that Bruce and David both have this book as a must read in their armoury of transforming materials to recommend. This book was designed in a way to become a life accompaniment tool for families looking to build mature adults in the faith. I am encouraged even now to study certain chapters again and work at implementing the spiritual truths into my personal life, family, spiritual community and vocation. I hope this book blesses and transforms you as the Holy Spirit has allowed it to do in me.

God bless.
Natalie Holmyard

You can purchase a copy of this book HERE