Value and Spiritual
Life of Children
Download a complete copy of this resource list by clicking here.
ASSESS
Each local church assesses its present view of children and ministry to them using this diagnostic tool.
Diagnostic Tool
Click here to download.
DISCIPLESHIP OF CHILDREN
Articles
- “Bible Basics,” Karl Bastian.
- “Developing a Ministry-Wide Strategy for Making Disciples,” Karl Bastian.
- “What Kids Really Need.” Mark Steiner.
- “Faith that Prevails,” Stephanie Martin.
- “Kids with a Mission,” Tony Lane.
- “Design Your Master Plan” “Build Lifelong Disciples”
- “Whole Church Discipleship Strategy”
- “Steps for Developing a Discipleship Strategy” (Whole Church)
- “Family Discipleship Strategy” *Includes Faith Talk Samples and Songs
- NexGen Discipleship Strategy, Roxbury Church of Christ
- 6 Keys: Jesus’ Disciplemaking Strategy for Kids
- Children’s Ministry Is Intentional Discipleship (4 Questions to Get You There)
- A Framework for Teaching Children and Youth
- “Lifepath Discipleship Plan for Children and Teens”
- Changing Kids Lives Through Christian Education
- Ideas that Encourage Children to Grow as Disciples
Survey
“Measure Your Ministry”
Newsletters
Master Planning: The Key to Effective Discipleship
Books
Alexander, Donna et. al. SERVICE PROJECTS PRESCHOOLERS CAN DO! Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, 2001. ISBN: 978-0764424021
Barna, George. TRANSFORMING CHILDREN INTO SPIRITUAL CHAMPIONS. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light Publications, 2003. ISBN: 978-0830732937
Bastian, Karl et. al. THE ULTIMATE BIBLE GUIDE FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, 1999. ISBN: 978-0764420764
Fowler, Larry. RAISING A MODERN-DAY JOSEPH. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-4347-6705-9
Fowler, Larry. ROCK SOLID KIDS. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light Publications, 2005. ISBN: 978-0830737130
McDowell, Josh. AWESOME BOOK OF BIBLE ANSWERS FOR KIDS.Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2011. ISBN: 978-0736928724
McDowell, Josh and McDowell, Sean. JESUS IS ALIVE: EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION FOR KIDS. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light Publications, 2009. ISBN: 978-0820747863
Staal, David. LEADING KIDS TO JESUS. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006. ISBN: 978-0310263821
Staal, David. LEADING YOUR KIDS TO JESUS. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0310265375
Slattery, Kathryn. IF YOU COULD ASK GOD ANYTHING: AWESOME BIBLE ANSWERS FOR CURIOUS KIDS. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010. 978-1400316021
Strobel, Lee. THE CASE FOR…(FAITH, CREATOR, CHRIST) FOR KIDS. Eugene, OR: HarperCollins Publishing, 2010.
Trent, John. PARENTS’ GUIDE TO THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF CHILDREN: HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP A PERSONAL FAITH. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishing. ISBN: 9781561797912
Weddle, Linda Massey. HOW TO RAISE A MODERN-DAY JOESPH: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR GROWING GREAT KIDS. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2010. ISBN: 978-143476531
Weidmann, Jim. AN INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY NIGHTS: FAMILY NIGHTS TOOL CHEST. Heritage Builders Inc. 1997. ISBN: 978-0781400961. Available at http://www.amazon.com
Websites
Child Evangelism Fellowship website for kids
Family Resources: D6
Family Resources
Family Resources/Partnering with Parents
Inexpensive devotional books for kids
Online training lab: “Leadership Lab #4 Partnering with Parents”
Sponsor a child
Curriculum
The Case for Christ for Kids Curriculum, Investigating the Truth about Jesus. DVD- ROM. Zondervan. 2013. ISBN 978-0310681182
What’s in the Bible (videos, curriculum, downloads, etc.)
Children’s Ministries Resource List
Files
EVANGELISM OF CHILDREN
Articles
- Sidewalk Sunday School: An exciting way to reach children and families with the message of the Gospel!
- Growing A Church or Impacting a Community? Dan Reiland
- 21 Outreach Activities for Kids
- Good News Events, Ned and Joan Way
- Reaching Your Unchurched Community The New Testament Way, Daryl Eldridge.
- 20 VBS Evangelism and Discipleship strategies for Children
- A Great Door Has Opened
- Evangelism Strategies
- Let the Children Come
Books
Rohrer, Norman. The Indomitable Mr. O. Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc., 2012. ISBN: 978-1559761598
Newsletters
Bringing Kids in with a Kids Krusade
Reaching Unreached Kids
Tracts and witnessing tools
“The Born Again Birthday Book”
This small booklet explains the six birthday gifts God gives to all who are born again as well as giving a special message to parents. It provides 6 cut-out memory verses to encourage Scripture memorization. Available here.
“Did You Know . . .?” A full-color children’s salvation tract that can be used in personal witnessing, outreach events, and altar ministry. Available in English, French, and Spanish here.
“First Steps” Am I a sinner? Can I be saved another way than through Jesus? Answer these questions and many more with this full-color, eight-page tract. You can help a child take the first steps in becoming a Christian. Available at http://cefpress.com
“Gospel Gloves” This plastic glove uses Wordless Book colors (one on each finger) to tell the salvation story. On the glove are fun pictures and corresponding verses. Gloves come in packets of twelve with instructions. Available at http://www.childrensbibleclub.com/gospelstoryvisaids/gospelstoryvisualaids.htm
“Gospel Turnaround “ Simple tool using the Wordless Book colors and symbols. Kids can share the Gospel with their friends. Available at http://cefpress.com
“Heaven…How To Get There!” This tract presents the Gospel in six steps children can easily follow. Available at http://cefpress.com
“Leading a Child/Friend to Christ Training Pack” Provides you with tools to guide parents, leaders, and older children in how to share their faith. Available at http://www.lifeway.com
“More Gospel at Your Fingertips!” Use these handy cards for planned presentations or to share the Gospel at a moment’s notice. The 25 exciting salvation object lessons are great for any children’s ministry. Each Gospel presentation establishes the child’s NEED of salvation, shows him the WAY of salvation. And leads him to RECEIVE the gift of salvation! Available at http://cefpress.com
“Steps in Growing” What should children do after they receive Jesus as Savior? This full-color tract gives steps for children to follow as they grow in their new life. Available at http://cefpress.com
“The ABCs of Becoming a Christian” Leaflet provides helpful information about how to become a Christian. Hand them out to kids to encourage them to share their faith with others. Available at http://www.lifeway.com
“The Wordless Book” The Wordless Book gives the salvation message using five colored pages to represent Heaven, the darkness of sin, the blood of Christ, a clean heart and Christian growth.
“How to Use the Wordless Book” instruction leaflet included free with each book ordered. Available at http://cefpress.com
Websites
Child Evangelism Fellowship
Sidewalk Sunday School
Metro Ministries
PASTORAL ADVOCACY
Articles
- “Why Does Children’s Ministry Matter?”
- A Child Friendly Church
- Children’s Ministry at the CORE of the Church
- How Children’s Ministry Helps Build Strong Local Churches
- Raise the Value
- Vision Starts with You
Videos
The following videos are located at www.4to14window.com
4 To 14 Window
It’s Time to Wake Up!
The Great Omission
You Lost Me!
A Biblical Testimony
The video below is located at www.max7.com
Aim Lower
Newsletters
Is Your Church Kid Friendly?
Raising the Value of Children’s Ministry
A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Each local church provides a safe environment using the Church of God of Prophecy Child, Youth and Worker Protection Policy.
Newsletters
ADEQUATE RESOURCES
Articles
- Tried and True Recruiting Ideas
- Recruiting that Adds Up
- 20 Ideas for Recruiting and Keeping Children’s Ministry Volunteers
Recruiting video
How Important Is Children’s Ministry?, Trademark films
Children’s Ministry Recruitment Video 2012, Rolling Hills Covenant Church
I am the Future, Northland Church
Children’s Ministry Volunteer Promo
Portion of a book
“Children’s Ministry Facility Evaluation,” taken from pp. 42-42 of Growing A Healthy Children’s Ministry by Steve Alley. 2002. Standard Publishing. ISBN 0-7847-1390-1
EQUIPPING FAMILIES TO DISCIPLE
Articles
- “Making Connection Between Home and Church.”
- “Partnering With Parents,” Mike Sciarra.
- “This is Family Ministry”
- “God Is In the Church Nursery”
- “7 Reasons to Serve in the Church Nursery”
- “Nursery Care Vs Nursery Ministry”
- “Family Ministry Approaches: Three Models Toward a Lifestyle”
- Family Activities
- Engaging Parents in Spiritual Nurture
- Family Ministry Approaches Touch Points that Equip and Engage Families
- Parents and Church Partnering Together to Disciple Children
Parent/Child Devotional
Parent/Child Dedication Devotional
Special Resource
Newsletters
Partnering With Parents
Ministry to Families = Ministry to Kids
Books
Flower, Larry. RAISING A MODERN DAY JOSEPH. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, ISBN: 978-1434767314
Haynes, Brian. SHIFT. Group Publishing, 2009. ISBN: 978-0764438981
Holman, Mark. CHURCH + HOME: THE PROVEN FORMULA FOR BUILDING LIFELONG FAITH. Regal Publishers, 2010. ISBN 978-0830755684
Holman, Mark. FAITH BEGINS AT HOME. Regal Publishers, 2007. ISBN 978-0830738137
Joiner, Reggie. THINK ORANGE: IMAGINE THE IMPACT WHEN CHURCH AND FAMILY COLLIDE… David C. Cook, 2009. ISBN: 978-1434764836
Trent, John. PARENTS’ GUIDE TO THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF CHILDREN: HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP A PERSONAL FAITH. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishing. ISBN: 9781561797912
Weddle, Linda Massey. HOW TO RAISE A MODERN-DAY JOESPH: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR GROWING GREAT KIDS. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2010. ISBN: 978-1434765314
Weidmann, Jim. AN INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY NIGHTS: FAMILY NIGHTS TOOL CHEST. Heritage Builders Inc. 1997. ISBN: 978-0781400961. Available at http://www.amazon.com
Videos
Global Awakening: Rooting faith in the Home, explained by Reverend Jonathan Cronkhite
Child Dedication
MINISTRY TO DIVERSE AND BROKEN FAMILIES
Articles
- “Building Faith at Home”, Children’s Ministry Magazine
- “Healing for Wounded Children”, Doris Sanford, PhD
- “Meeting the Needs of Today’s Families”, Christine Yount Jones
- “When Families Fall Apart”, Linda Kondracki Sibley
- “Inside Looking Out”, Larry Shallenberger
- “Helping Children Deal With Death”, Victor Parachin.
- “Lost…and Found”, Children’s Ministry Magazine.
- “Tipping Faith Points”, Stephanie Martin.
Newsletters
“Helping Hurting Children”, Children’s Ministry International Office
Books
Coleman, William. WHAT CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW WHEN PARENTS GET DIVORCED. Ada, MI: Bethany House Publishers, 1998. ISBN 978-0- 7642-2051-7
COMFORTING CHILDREN IN CRISIS. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing. ISBN 978-0- 7644-3829-5
EMERGENCY RESPONSE HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, 2008. ISBN 978-0-7644-3824-0
Floyd, Scott. CRISIS COUNSELING. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2008. ISBN 978-0-8254-2588-2
Grollman, Earl A. TALKING ABOUT DEATH. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1991. ISBN 978-0-8070-2363-1
Huntley, Theresa M. HELPING CHILDREN GRIEVE: WHEN SOMEONE THEY LOVE DIES. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2002. ISBN 978-0-8066-4265-9
Miller, Patricia A. and Keith R. QUICK SCRIPTURE REFERENCE FOR COUNSELING YOUTH. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2006. ISBN # 978-0-8010- 6608-5
Parrot , Dr. Les. HELPING THE STRUGGLING ADOLESCENT. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. ISBN 0-310-23407-7 *This book has rapid assessment tests to use for specific issues
Sanford, Doris. HELPING KIDS THROUGH TOUGH TIMES. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1995. ISBN 0-7847-0393-0
For children:
Boelts, Maribeth. SARAH’S GRANDMA GOES TO HEAVEN. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004. ISBN 978-0-3107-0656-4
Nordstrom, Carolyn. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE? Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2003. ISBN 978-0-8024-6845-1
Tangvald, Christine Harder. SOMEONE I LOVE DIED. Chariot Victor Publishing, 1988. ISBN 978-1-5551-3490-7. Available at http://www.amazon.com
Websites
Family Life Today
Focus on the Family
Thriving Family
Smart Stepfamilies
The Family Project
LEADING CHILDREN TO RECEIVE SALVATION, PURSUE HOLINESS, AND WALK IN THE SPIRIT
Articles
Salvation
- “All About the Big Step”, David Staal.
- “Lead Your Child to Christ”, Jim and Janet Weidmann with Kurt Bruner.
- “Leading a Child to Christ”, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Children’s Ministry.
- “Good News For Kids”
Sanctification
Helping Kids Live Holy Lives
Holy Spirit Baptism
“The Holy Spirit and You”
Do Children Need Holy Spirit Baptism?
Prayer Ministry with Children
Newsletters
Offering the Greatest Gift
Set Apart and Holy
Spirit Empowered Kids
Books
Pinnock, Charles. FLAME OF LOVE: A THEOLOGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1996. ISBN: 0-8308-1590-2
Smith, Daniel H. HOW TO LEAD A CHILD TO CHRIST. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1987. ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-4622-0
Staal, David. LEADING KIDS TO JESUS. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0-310-26382-1
Trent, John. FAITH LAUNCH: A SIMPLE PLAN TO IGNITE YOUR CHILD’S LOVE FOR JESUS. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008. ISBN: 978158997531. Available at www.christianbook.com.
Curriculum
Websites
“The Holy Spirit,” multiple articles on the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, and leading children to receive Holy Spirit baptism.
Video
INCLUDING CHILDREN IN THE SACRAMENTS
Articles
- Six Reasons Why I Share Communion with Kids
5 Ways You Can Make Every Rite And Sacrament Memorable to Children
The Church Involves Children in Rites and Sacraments
Books
Todd, Richard. Communion: A Bible Study Wordbook for Kids. Wingspread publishers
Todd, Richard E. Baptism: A Bible Study Wordbook for Kids. Wingspread Publishers
Barta, Dennis W. Hungry for More? What Communion is all About for Kids. Disciplezone Resources, 2013
Barta, Dennis W. Want Water? What Baptism is All About for Kids. Disciplezone Resources, 2013.
Videos
Newsletters
Don’t Spill The Grape Juice
Child Baptism
Baptism Activity Sheet
RECOGNIZE AND DEVELOP SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Articles
What About Children Using Spiritual Gifts
Books
Stadmiller, Adam. Discover Your Kid’s Spiritual Gifts. Ventura, CA. Gospel Light, 2012. ISBN 978-0-8307-5956-9
Spiritual gifts inventories
Early Signs of God’s Design. Waiting for permission from Lutheran Church.
Curriculum
So…What Are Your Spiritual Gifts. Andrew Ervin. Nazarene Publishing House.
Uniquely You: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts. Ginghamsburg Children’s Ministry. Abingdon Press. 2010. DVD
Files
Children in Ministry?
Let Me! Releasing Kids to Use Their Spiritual Gifts
Moving Kids from Me to Ministry
Overcoming the Barriers
Newsletters
