From January to April 2026, a group of parents from Hope Church Tolworth met on four occasions to discuss the book Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles by Paul Tripp. Each session created space for conversation, reflection, and encouragement as we worked through the themes of the book together.
The book proved both helpful and challenging. It pushed us to think more deeply about our role as parents and to consider how the gospel shapes not just what we say, but how we live day to day. Many of us found that it exposed areas where we rely on our own strength rather than God’s grace, while also offering hope and practical wisdom for change.
Here are a few reflections from local Tolworth parents who took part. Their comments highlight both the encouragement and the challenge of engaging with this book in a supportive and thoughtful environment.
"This book reminds me that parenting is grace-filled discipleship for the glory of God. My opportunities to point my child to his need of God's grace may come in the guise of unwelcome behaviour. I am encouraged to gladly and patiently be used as God's instrument of grace, and to trust God to bring about the heart change! It was a joy to do the book club with the church family."
"We found the book posed a helpful challenge to our parenting. It showed how our children need heart change (as do we), not just behaviour control, and it was humbling to be shown that this is ultimately God's work and not ours."
We run a Tolworth tots group in Sunray Community Centre every Tuesday morning during term time.
27th April 2026