Cheryl and I will have been married 35 years this May. I asked her the other day, “What would you have done differently in the last 35 years?” She said, “I would have had Hal Perkins write, If Jesus Were A Parent 30 years ago!”

When I need to talk to someone about making Christlike disciples, the first person I call is Hal Perkins. When he speaks it is with the authentic voice of personal experience as a disciple who makes disciples who make disciples. Hal’s knowledge, understanding, and wisdom make him a valuable resource to all who will listen. I find his comments insightful, his passion refreshing, and his integrity compelling. Those who have read his books, listened to his teachings, and experienced his gracious leadership understand why Hal Perkins is highly regarded as God’s man and servant for the mission of making Christlike disciples.

When Debbi joins Hal she brings a sparkle to the conversation and a delightful sense of humor that lifts everyone around. When you meet them you realize that you are with two very special people whom God is using in mighty ways to fulfill His purposes. As you plan for your next speakers, I unreservedly recommend you consider Hal and Debbi Perkins. You won’t be disappointed.

How I wish this book had been available to me forty years ago when my wife and I were anticipating beginning our family! This is the most helpful book I’ve ever read about how to invest in our children in ways that instill in them a right understanding of their worth in God’s eyes and of their purpose in life to be Christ’s disciples who become effective disciple makers and spiritual leaders.

I can’t decide whether If Jesus Were a Parent is more about Christian child-rearing or the church’s supreme task of disciple making. In showing, in practical ways, how to coach your child to follow Jesus Hal Perkins helps us develop children and grandchildren who have great hearts for Jesus. I’m buying many copies of this book to give to young parents.

We often tell friends and family that we learned more and grew more spiritually under the ministry of Pastor Hal than under any pastor before or since. Pastor Hal encourages people to meet daily with the Lord and to walk closely to Him in every aspect of their lives. But the most enlightening part of his ministry was/is an emphasis that discipling begins at home. He and Debbi set a wonderful example for us as they would meet individually with each of their children at least once a week and disciple them.

Rare are the fathers and mothers that sacrificially pursue parenting with the costly focus that Jesus so passionately modeled in leading and discipling. As firsthand witnesses of their ministry, we know Hal and Debbi Perkins – our parents – to be such rarities. God has put within their hearts a vision to see the fires of wholehearted love for Jesus sweep the earth. To that end, He has equipped them with practical tools for parents to coach their children, and pastors their people, into loving and following Jesus for a lifetime.

My friend, Joy, gave me a copy of If Jesus Were A Parent, by Hal Perkins and asked me to review it. I told her I would but I would be honest. (I did tell her that if I hated it I just wouldn’t say anything.) Since I’m saying something you know I didn’t hate it. In fact, I loved it. I do have two gripes, however.

Gripe one: I wasn’t initially knocked out with the title. I thought it was kinda cheesy. It makes sense once you read it but my initial reaction was, ‘Ewww..’

Gripe two: I have read tons of parenting books and have always been able to tell folks they only need one: Parenting With Love & Logic. Now, my response is more complicated because they need two. Throw this one in the mix.