Children and the Gospel by Ron Buckland
A dangerous read!  It provides a careful, comprehensive and theological underpinning of kids’ ministry.  The second half includes 20 principles that lead to excellence, which is a great checklist for you and your team.

Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions: Why Children Should Be Your Church’s #1 Priority by George Barna
This is a must read for parents and church leaders, as well as children’s ministry leaders.  It’s a good one to pass around to those who don’t understand why you are so passionate about kids’ ministry.

Postmodern Children’s Ministry by Ivy Beckwith
This book offers a vision that meets children – preteen and younger – where they are and gives them the tools to sustain their faith into adulthood. It examines the cultural impact of post-modernism on the church and offers ideas that will keep children engaged today while preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow.

Lost In Transition…or Not? by David C. Goodwin
This is an attractive coffee table book outlining recent Australian research into why 50% of kids leave church in their teens and never come back.  It gives 30 recommendations to help churches fold kids into church life so they want to stay.

Dreaming of More for the Next Generation by Michelle Anthony
This book includes practical ways to equip parents to partner with the church in faith formation, inspiration and ideas for incorporating remembrance and celebration, creative ways to motivate children and teenagers to step out of their comfort zones and rely on the Holy Spirit, and insight into how God uses each person’s life as part of a unique story that is told throughout the generations.

Children Matter by Scottie May, Beth Posterski, Catherine Stonehouse & Linda Cannell
Children today are no longer expected to be “seen and not heard,” yet in many churches children are involved only in programs specifically designated for them.  Children Matter offers a full discussion of children’s spirituality and shows how the faith community can better nurture its youngest members.

Collide by Tammy Tolman
Ministry to children within a healthy intergenerational community can be incredibly transformational, not only to the child, but also the family and the wider community, and challenges the environment in which we raise our children.

This article will help you think through positioning your church for maximum impact

 in your community. Read HERE