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Growing in Godliness: A Teen Girl's Guide to Maturing in Christ
"Hands down my favorite book for teen girls." ― Rosaria Butterfield, author, The Gospel Comes with a House Key
Your teen years matter.
Of all the ways you're learning and changing during the busy teenage years, your growth in Christ is the most important. God intends to use your teen years as a launching pad into a lifelong pursuit of looking more like Jesus.
This book will help you prioritize your Christian growth―pointing you to the resources God has given you in his Word, in prayer, and in the church; offering help for managing your emotions, watching your words, and bearing spiritual fruit; and challenging you with ways to center your life around this important task.
Even as a teenager, you have all it takes to grow in godliness.
Your teen years matter.
Of all the ways you're learning and changing during the busy teenage years, your growth in Christ is the most important. God intends to use your teen years as a launching pad into a lifelong pursuit of looking more like Jesus.
This book will help you prioritize your Christian growth―pointing you to the resources God has given you in his Word, in prayer, and in the church; offering help for managing your emotions, watching your words, and bearing spiritual fruit; and challenging you with ways to center your life around this important task.
Even as a teenager, you have all it takes to grow in godliness.
128 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
45 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Carlson
5 books20 followersLindsey Carlson is the mother of five children and has served alongside her husband in pastoral ministry for fourteen years, currently at Imprint Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland. She enjoys teaching and discipling women through writing and public speaking, but most often through the context of the local church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 5, 2025
I read this book with a group of young teen girls at my church, and it was the perfect springboard for many conversations about growth and spiritual maturity. I would definitely recommend it for that type of gathering!
July 2, 2020
I wasn't prepared for how good this would be. Lindsey Carlson's writing is clear and accessible, yet it takes teen girls seriously as the intelligent humans they are, not talking down to them or trying too hard to be hip and relevant in those ways that inevitably fall flat. I'm always looking for resources to use with kids at church, and though I mostly work with younger kids right now, I would be happy to use this book in the right situation.
Edit: I'm back with more thoughts.
Most of the books written for teenage girls that I remember from my own teen years dealt extensively with topics like not having sex before marriage, avoiding drugs and peer pressure, and dealing with problems with parents, teachers, and friends. Don't get me wrong, there's value in that, and I'm sure I learned things, but honestly, a lot of it wasn't too relevant to my life.
I never had a boyfriend and definitely didn't find the idea of sex with strangers appealing. I've still never had a friend pressure me to drink, smoke, or do drugs. I was homeschooled and wasn't around a bunch of other teenagers who might have questionable values all day every day. I worked hard for my good grades. I had good relationships with my parents and honestly can count on one hand the times I remember specifically wanting to rebel against rules. I didn't even know many swear words.
This is not to say I was perfect and never sinned. I did. But I wasn't struggling with the stereotypical teenage problems.
Instead of digging into specific sins that might not be relevant to someone's life experience, Growing in Godliness is a discussion of how sanctification works. It offers valuable suggestions of ways to grow and ways to evaluate your life, but it doesn't assume every teenager's sin struggles look the same.
I think teenage me could have benefited from this, and I bet there are teenage girls out there right now who are in the same boat. I hope some of them will find their way to this excellent resource.
Edit: I'm back with more thoughts.
Most of the books written for teenage girls that I remember from my own teen years dealt extensively with topics like not having sex before marriage, avoiding drugs and peer pressure, and dealing with problems with parents, teachers, and friends. Don't get me wrong, there's value in that, and I'm sure I learned things, but honestly, a lot of it wasn't too relevant to my life.
I never had a boyfriend and definitely didn't find the idea of sex with strangers appealing. I've still never had a friend pressure me to drink, smoke, or do drugs. I was homeschooled and wasn't around a bunch of other teenagers who might have questionable values all day every day. I worked hard for my good grades. I had good relationships with my parents and honestly can count on one hand the times I remember specifically wanting to rebel against rules. I didn't even know many swear words.
This is not to say I was perfect and never sinned. I did. But I wasn't struggling with the stereotypical teenage problems.
Instead of digging into specific sins that might not be relevant to someone's life experience, Growing in Godliness is a discussion of how sanctification works. It offers valuable suggestions of ways to grow and ways to evaluate your life, but it doesn't assume every teenager's sin struggles look the same.
I think teenage me could have benefited from this, and I bet there are teenage girls out there right now who are in the same boat. I hope some of them will find their way to this excellent resource.
June 29, 2022
Excellently written, especially for the age level of young teen girls! I was refreshed and encouraged by this read myself, and even more encouraged to see how it was encouraging the teen girls I know who are reading it 💛
4.5/5 🌟
4.5/5 🌟
April 16, 2019
First sentence: As a child, I was always in a hurry to grow up. I wanted the privileges and freedom that came with maturity, but I didn’t want to wait through the awkward period of growing.
Don't be like me. Don't judge a book by its cover, or by its topic.
There is a part of me that thinks it is a pity that this one is limited to such a narrow scope of readers: teen girls and perhaps mothers of teen girls. For the part that just applies to being a teen girl is so very, very tiny. Most of this one could be applicable--relevant--to readers of both genders and of all ages. For the topic is SANCTIFICATION.
I loved this one. God is good; God is sovereign. He makes all things beautiful in HIS time. I'm not doubting the WHEN of my birth, but if someone could have handed me this book when I was actually a teen girl....that would have been super-lovely and helpful. Because the truth it, teen me was a MESS of emotions and I just didn't get it--get the goodness of the whole gospel.
Every chapter of this one embraces the GOOD NEWS of the gospel. The doctrine is strong with this one--and nothing could be more needed. Doctrine is meant to be lived out and Carlson's book encourages teens to do just that.
Another thing that I appreciated about this one was how it challenges you to think by asking important questions. For example, "Do you give your time, attention, and focus to the pursuit of knowing more about God? Or does the pursuit of growing in godliness feel like an imposition to your plans?" and "Would your words show evidence of a tender, merciful, and compassionate heart? Or would they point to selfishness, anger, or bitterness? And let’s not stop with spoken words; what about the words you type and text? If it’s “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34), then you can trust that out of the abundance of the heart, the fingers also type and text. How do you speak, type, text, and communicate with your family, friends, neighbors, and teachers? Do your words display maturity or immaturity?"
These are the things Carlson encourages her readers to bring with them to church:
Bring humility. Leave your preferences, entitlements, and disappointments at the door and enter with humility. “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Pet. 5:5).
Bring a readiness to serve. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Bring compassion. “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:5).
Bring your gifts. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet. 4:10).
Don't be like me. Don't judge a book by its cover, or by its topic.
There is a part of me that thinks it is a pity that this one is limited to such a narrow scope of readers: teen girls and perhaps mothers of teen girls. For the part that just applies to being a teen girl is so very, very tiny. Most of this one could be applicable--relevant--to readers of both genders and of all ages. For the topic is SANCTIFICATION.
I loved this one. God is good; God is sovereign. He makes all things beautiful in HIS time. I'm not doubting the WHEN of my birth, but if someone could have handed me this book when I was actually a teen girl....that would have been super-lovely and helpful. Because the truth it, teen me was a MESS of emotions and I just didn't get it--get the goodness of the whole gospel.
Every chapter of this one embraces the GOOD NEWS of the gospel. The doctrine is strong with this one--and nothing could be more needed. Doctrine is meant to be lived out and Carlson's book encourages teens to do just that.
Another thing that I appreciated about this one was how it challenges you to think by asking important questions. For example, "Do you give your time, attention, and focus to the pursuit of knowing more about God? Or does the pursuit of growing in godliness feel like an imposition to your plans?" and "Would your words show evidence of a tender, merciful, and compassionate heart? Or would they point to selfishness, anger, or bitterness? And let’s not stop with spoken words; what about the words you type and text? If it’s “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34), then you can trust that out of the abundance of the heart, the fingers also type and text. How do you speak, type, text, and communicate with your family, friends, neighbors, and teachers? Do your words display maturity or immaturity?"
These are the things Carlson encourages her readers to bring with them to church:
Bring humility. Leave your preferences, entitlements, and disappointments at the door and enter with humility. “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Pet. 5:5).
Bring a readiness to serve. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Bring compassion. “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 5:5).
Bring your gifts. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet. 4:10).
May 6, 2019
Growing in Godliness is meant for teenagers which is important to realize before digging in. The tone, the attitude it is all about being a teenager...and it is all Bible based!!!
Definitely a fun, fresh approach to growing and learning about God for teens and their parents! The best parts are that it really helps address issues that teenagers face in our current time and the thought provoking reflection questions are a huge help! I can see this a a teen Bible Study guide. There are ten lessons so it is easy to divide this up in sections. It includes how important the Bible is as well as the church. I think this is really important as we live in a world that has mixed feelings about church and religion. This book is a great way to dive deep into the relevance of God, Bible and church now.
Definitely a fun, fresh approach to growing and learning about God for teens and their parents! The best parts are that it really helps address issues that teenagers face in our current time and the thought provoking reflection questions are a huge help! I can see this a a teen Bible Study guide. There are ten lessons so it is easy to divide this up in sections. It includes how important the Bible is as well as the church. I think this is really important as we live in a world that has mixed feelings about church and religion. This book is a great way to dive deep into the relevance of God, Bible and church now.
March 29, 2023
A short, practical Biblical guide written specifically for Christian teenage girls on how to grow in godliness and spiritual maturity.
March 29, 2023
I loved the gentle tone of this book and the different ways to mature in Christ. With warm advice and encouragement, Linsey shows how to grow in your faith as a teen. I espeially enjoyed the focus on the person you're becoming. I am challenged to grow in godliness every day!
July 27, 2020
This is an amazing book for teenage girls. I love the way she writes-she has many stories, and that makes it a lot more fun to read. It's all Bible based, with many Bible verses.
The topics she talks about are well-chosen. She talks about how we are a work-in-progress, how the Holy Spirit works in our hearts throughout our lives. She gives helpful advice like that we should admit our limitations and how we feel, submit ourselves to God. Our words and fruit can help us tell if we are growing in spiritual maturity.
This book has helped me and will continue to help me to pray, read God's Word, and ultimately grow in godliness.
The topics she talks about are well-chosen. She talks about how we are a work-in-progress, how the Holy Spirit works in our hearts throughout our lives. She gives helpful advice like that we should admit our limitations and how we feel, submit ourselves to God. Our words and fruit can help us tell if we are growing in spiritual maturity.
This book has helped me and will continue to help me to pray, read God's Word, and ultimately grow in godliness.
September 15, 2020
I read this with my 13 year old daughter (P) and we both enjoyed it. She said since the author referenced school several times, she didn’t relate to those sections, but she would still give it 4.5 stars. It is geared to teen girls, but I benefited from focusing on growing in godliness as well. I will definitely reread with my other girls in the future.
August 6, 2024
Lindsey Carlson does an excellent job with writing to teens on how we should handle different situations in our lives. She point to Christ through this very helpful book on how to handle emotions, relationships, and how to Grow in Godliness.
February 14, 2025
I read this with my 17 year old daughter and we absolutely loved it! Since we're homeschoolers not every scenario applied to my daughter, but I still felt like we could apply the general principals taught. If you're a mom with a preteen/teen daughter read this book together!!!
August 2, 2019
I pre-read this for my teenage daughter. Very good. On growing spiritually by the means of grace God has given.
December 4, 2020
Girls are complex beautiful creatures, more when they are teens. I really like resources for girls, because I have one. I enjoyed the simpleness and truth shared in this book. It gives perspective and wisdom you young girls. I quote this part that I loved:
"Growing in godliness takes a lifetime. As you grow, you will be tempted to grow weary to lose sight of the goal of godliness and to wonder if God is really at work in your life at all (...) where you find death, pray for new life. Where you find immaturity, pray for maturity (...). When you die to yourself and come alive in Christ, you live to glorify God by growing in godliness. (...)As you grow to look more like Jesus, you will more clearly display God´s likeness to the watching world. God will use the fruits of righteousness in your life to plant seeds of faith in the lives of otheres. And in doing so, Christ builds his kingdom. (...) Fruitful maturity in Christ is the ultimate way your life can bring glory to God. Never stip growing". That is my prayer for my little pre-teen.
"Growing in godliness takes a lifetime. As you grow, you will be tempted to grow weary to lose sight of the goal of godliness and to wonder if God is really at work in your life at all (...) where you find death, pray for new life. Where you find immaturity, pray for maturity (...). When you die to yourself and come alive in Christ, you live to glorify God by growing in godliness. (...)As you grow to look more like Jesus, you will more clearly display God´s likeness to the watching world. God will use the fruits of righteousness in your life to plant seeds of faith in the lives of otheres. And in doing so, Christ builds his kingdom. (...) Fruitful maturity in Christ is the ultimate way your life can bring glory to God. Never stip growing". That is my prayer for my little pre-teen.
February 21, 2024
Used this in a book study with the teen girls of our church and we all found it helpful for our growth in godliness (including us older gals). I really appreciate the thorough use of Scripture and the helpful exercises after every chapter, which apply the lesson through Scripture memorization, prayer, accountability, and godly mentorship.
May 30, 2025
Grāmata, kuru es būtu gribējusi sev pusaudžu gados.
Great Christian teen girl book! This is the best one I have read so far. Rarely do modern writers write so biblical books for teens (usually those books are dumbed down as if teen girls were not intelligent). This would have been a treasure of mine, if I had had it in my teen years. Hope it will be a blessing to my daughter in her teen years.
Great Christian teen girl book! This is the best one I have read so far. Rarely do modern writers write so biblical books for teens (usually those books are dumbed down as if teen girls were not intelligent). This would have been a treasure of mine, if I had had it in my teen years. Hope it will be a blessing to my daughter in her teen years.
April 25, 2019
Raising a teen girl is not for the faint of heart. Today's world is full of challenges that previous generations never dreamt of facing. And yet, the basic foundations of life remain the same. Foremost of which is how do we live to glorify our creator? Throw in teenage emotions and peer pressure, and you're in for a wild ride.
In Growing in Godliness, Lindsey Carlson leads teens through 10 lessons that address this tumultuous time, including:
*Who we are in Christ
*God's sovereignty in all situations
*The importance of the Bible
*The importance of the church
*and more!
When I first started reading this book, I was slightly put off by some of the language. The words weren't inappropriate. It was more the tone... the edge... and maybe some of the author's illustrations. But as I read, I realized I was viewing it through the eyes of a preteen mom. And as much as I'm protecting her now, she will one day be going through growing pains like these. As I began to read through a different lens, I realized I did like this book, but would suggest it for a slightly older audience... waiting until the later teenage years. I did appreciate the fact that Carlson takes time to touch on two important topics: identity and the role of the church. Identity for it grounds us in life and keeps us from being swayed by trends. And the importance of the church that seems to have been lost in a seeker sensitive culture. All in all, I would hesitantly recommend this book, but would caution that it's probably most useful as a mother/daughter study in the older teen years.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2019
This was a wonderful read to encourage personal reflection, growth, and maturity in tween and teen girls. Through real-life examples found in both in the Bible and modern times, the author illustrates how true growth doesn't happen overnight, but time, dedication, and perseverance can really pay off. Sometimes using small examples can help understand larger truths. How do you get to know a friend? You spend time with them. If you want to get to know God better, you need to spend time with Him. How do we do that? Praying, reading our Bible, going to church, being in fellowship, etc. Not only does this book encourage girls to build stronger individual relationships with their Heavenly Father, it encourage them to self-reflect and evaluate their personal walk and the areas they need more growth in. The author appeals to teens to mature in their personal walk with God without falling into the lie that they can't do anything for God until they're adults. This book speaks in a very real and practical way to girls without going over or under their heads.
My recommendation for this book is more for personal study than a group setting. While it could be a good tool for a group, I think it's a better resource on an individual basis. It's more of a read for self reflection than group discussion. It's still one that I highly recommend and would consider a must-read for young girls as they start to grow and mature in their personal walks with God.
*I received a copy of this book through Crossway Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
My recommendation for this book is more for personal study than a group setting. While it could be a good tool for a group, I think it's a better resource on an individual basis. It's more of a read for self reflection than group discussion. It's still one that I highly recommend and would consider a must-read for young girls as they start to grow and mature in their personal walks with God.
*I received a copy of this book through Crossway Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
May 14, 2019
Thank you to Crossway via NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own.
Refreshing, accessible, and insightful!
As a youth pastor's wife and volunteer, I enjoyed reading this text. Carlson addresses many of the struggles and challenges teenage girls face in growing in their faith and a deeper relationship with Christ. Topics include sanctification, limitations, the Bible, using our words, the Church (as in community of Christ-followers), prayer, etc.
Each chapter ends with scripture-based actionable ideas, practices, and challenges, that reinforce the topic of the chapter.
I enjoyed the organization, topics, anecdotes, and scriptural support within the text, and I will be suggesting this text for our summer bible study for our high school female students.
Refreshing, accessible, and insightful!
As a youth pastor's wife and volunteer, I enjoyed reading this text. Carlson addresses many of the struggles and challenges teenage girls face in growing in their faith and a deeper relationship with Christ. Topics include sanctification, limitations, the Bible, using our words, the Church (as in community of Christ-followers), prayer, etc.
Each chapter ends with scripture-based actionable ideas, practices, and challenges, that reinforce the topic of the chapter.
I enjoyed the organization, topics, anecdotes, and scriptural support within the text, and I will be suggesting this text for our summer bible study for our high school female students.
July 23, 2019
This book can be foundational for teen girls learning what it means to follow Christ. The author does a great job connecting theology to real life. Example: I keep thinking about her chapter on God's sovereignty and goodness, where she points out that being discontent with our bodies is saying God shouldn't have made us the way He did instead of trusting that He does what is best. She talks about why Scripture, prayer, and church are important; what the purpose of life is; the role of our feelings, etc. It's easy to read, somehow striking the balance of rich theology, relevant examples, and brevity.
February 11, 2021
This book is good for all believers! Clear, excellent Biblical wisdom on growing in godliness; growing toward holiness.
Specifically tailored to teenage girls, the examples and questions to the author poses directly to the reader are meaningful and relevant.
This book is straightforward and simple to read, And very clear on application to life. As a mom with a teenage daughter, I could relate to every single chapter in this book, and truly appreciate the wisdom, clarity, and help that this book will provide in walking together through these next few years with my daughter.
An excellent book for studying together if discipline a teenage girl.
Specifically tailored to teenage girls, the examples and questions to the author poses directly to the reader are meaningful and relevant.
This book is straightforward and simple to read, And very clear on application to life. As a mom with a teenage daughter, I could relate to every single chapter in this book, and truly appreciate the wisdom, clarity, and help that this book will provide in walking together through these next few years with my daughter.
An excellent book for studying together if discipline a teenage girl.
August 1, 2019
This book had a lot to teach about how to grow in godliness. It broke down the concept of godliness by explaining what it was and giving concrete, easy-to-follow ways that one can learn to pursue God. It also includes a section to guide the readers in understanding if growth has taken place or not. Read my full review: https://www.hebrews12endurance.com/ho...
I received a copy of this book as part of Crossway’s Blog Review Program; a positive review was not required.
I received a copy of this book as part of Crossway’s Blog Review Program; a positive review was not required.
November 8, 2024
If you're looking for a Bible study for your teenage daughter, I can recommend this one. One of the best I've read (so far, not finished yet). It is filled with scripture and, while written in a way that is accessible to young adults, it is not babyish or overly simplified. It skips the platitudes and the adult who is trying overly hard to relate and focuses on the truths of who God is while providing practical guidance for growing in Godliness.
September 4, 2019
There’s nothing too flashy about this book, but it is chalk full of solid biblical content about growing in Christ. The format is excellent for small group use and the topics are easily adaptable to discuss real life scenarios and application. Looking forward to using this resource in my local church this year!
December 31, 2019
Before handing this off to my almost 13 year old daughter I wanted to read it. What a privilege! It is wonderful - even for 50’year old moms. Relevant. Biblical. Engaging. Praying that more teen girls will be interested in the book and subsequently blessed by the content. May they grow in godliness and engagement with scripture, prayer and the church as God matures them.
June 17, 2020
I read this book myself and then went through it with my teen girls. It is very helpful. I found myself thinking every woman in the church ought to read this. It is an easy read for teenagers, though. It has a greater impact with discussion.
September 19, 2023
This book was SOLID! I came across it while looking for books to use while mentoring a teen. I did NOT expect it to be this good. I would suggest this book for anyone and will definitely be using it for the teen girls in our church.
November 7, 2019
This was a good book explaining what it means to grow in godliness to teenage girls. I will be recommending it to my daughters as well as to the teens at church.
April 29, 2020
Simple, practical book for teen girls.
May 4, 2025
Did it’s job. Some new revelations. Like the Lord’s Prayer section
July 31, 2023
Even though this book is for teens, I definitely think this book is worth a read. This book contains things that we can use as adults as well as that is how we are growing in Godliness. Happy I read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews