If you’re raising kids, you’re waging spiritual war. Over the past two weeks, that may have also meant talking about war over family dinner. My children are old enough now to follow Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our 12-year-old has come home from school rehearsing her friends’ questions and fears, and our 17-year-old is forming opinions about just war and foreign policy. 

But even if your kids are a little younger, that’s not necessarily a reason to avoid the dark subject. As Justin Whitmel Earley wrote this past week, “Someone is going to teach our kids about fighting and violence. Much better that it’s us, because no one is better suited to turn a conversation about war into a conversation about Jesus.” 

Earley outlines talking points that guide his conversations with his boys. He reminds them (and us) that peace is not the norm but is worth fighting for, that evil is real and should be lamented, and that as families, we can turn from fear and cry out in prayer to our just and sovereign God. 

The Gospel Coalition is committed to producing articles (like Earley’s) and resources to help parents and church leaders share Jesus with the next generation. This week, in partnership with Crossway, we’re releasing a new book I wrote, Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission. It’s chock full of tools and practices to help you disciple the kids and families in your care. Here is a sample chapter. I pray the Lord uses it to help kids stand firm, even as they face evil days (Eph. 6:13). 

Fighting for the next generation,