Reviews

It’s important to find the right children’s bible for your family. Zonderkidz has released a new edition of their kid-friendly NIrV translation.  This Bible is inspired by the popular Minecraft video game. It features block style cartoon illustrations that children will enjoy. To help get the word out about this book, they sent me a free review copy. The “Minecrafters Bible” is … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Recently, I received a copy of Daniel Darling’s new book, The Original Jesus: Trading the Myths We Create for the Savior Who Is.  (Available on Amazon.com) Published by Baker Books, Darling takes on an interesting subject–the  Christian’s concept of Jesus. If your shopping for a children’s Bible, be sure to see the our new articles reviewing the top choices for your kids. … More Children’s Ministry Resources

I’m trying to keep clear of posting too many book reviews. That’s because our website is really focused on helping churches and ministry leaders with zero budget. But I do make some exceptions, especially for ministry friends like Glenys NELLIST. She’s written a beautiful and engaging book for children titled, “Love Letters from God.” It’s something of a story Bible, … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Last week I received a copy of the new CD from Seeds Family Worship. From the first listen, I was impressed. This is the 8th volume of their scripture based praise music for children & families. All the songs in this edition relate to the theme of God’s Word. Here’s a track listing. The Word of God (Hebrews 4:12) Your … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Fellow children’s pastor Mark Jones just sent me a copy of his book, “A Dad’s Gotta Do What a Dad’s Gotta Do.” I normally don’t write book reviews, but Mark is a friend and this book was a fun read with my kids. So, here’s what I like about this book: I’m a grouchy dad, especially in the morning. This … More Children’s Ministry Resources

There are lists of Kidmin books that every personal in children’s ministry should have.  They include titles from people like Jim Wideman, Sue Miller, Reggie Joiner, Dale Hudson, Ryan Frank and many more.  Chances are that you have some or all of them on your shelves already.  The purpose of this post is to give you a list of books … More Children’s Ministry Resources

There is a brand new resource that you need to order today, if you haven’t already. Children’s ministry pioneer, Jim Wideman, has released Kidmin Leadership.  This book is unique because it is filled with leadership lessons for children’s ministers written by children’s ministers, based on what was learned in two years of mentoring with Jim. I was privileged to be … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Most of us in kids ministry get excited about sharing the Gospel with the next generation. In fact, telling about Jesus and his love is the #1 motivation for me. But sometimes in the busyness of church work, our message can become compromised. There are forces in the world at work to marginalize, distort, and replace the biblical good news with … More Children’s Ministry Resources

On the heels of her incredible book Spiritual Parenting, author Michelle Anthony has a new DVD resource series now available through David C. Cook Publishing. Dr. Michelle Anthony is Pastor of Family Ministries at ROCKHARBOR Church in Costa Mesa, California. A former professor at Biola University and Talbot School of Theology, Dr. Anthony has written over a dozen resources for … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Jeffery Smith, author of Four Panels: A Prayer Pups Compilation and creator of the Prayer Pups, a Comic strip starring 5 adorable pups each sporting their own unique personality. This Christian comic is a fun way to introduce Bible truth to children. Several years ago, Jeff was working on a comic strip idea … More Children’s Ministry Resources

24 Hours That Changed the World is Adam Hamilton’s acclaimed study, taking us through Jesus last week on Earth. A church-wide study available for adults, youth, 9 – 12 year olds, and 4 – 8 year olds. In this review, we will take a look at the 7-lesson curriculum for the 4-8 year olds. The lessons are broken down into … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Flyte, the new preteen curriculum from Lifeway is described by Lifeway’s Jeff Land on their website as “a curriculum to call their (preteens) own. If you ask them, preteens would tell you they’re not “in between” anything. They are facing puberty, drugs, sex, acceptance, and self-esteem issues every day. They do not need a “sophisticized” children’s curriculum, nor do they … More Children’s Ministry Resources

As I walked into the classroom, I noticed the simple white shelves that blended right into the walls. I was drawn like a magnet to the materials on these invisible shelves. The different hues of the natural woods, the heft of the brass, the richness of the velvet. Each material was placed on its own tray, organized and respected in … More Children’s Ministry Resources

9 Things They Didn’t teach Me in College about Children’s Ministry promises “practical advice, inspiring stories, and interesting interviews with others involved in children’s ministry.” This pocket-sized composition book look-alike is a cute little package, but inside, it’s spot on and sobering. Author, Ryan Frank, strikes a chord with statistics like “the probability of five-to-twelve-year-old children accepting Christ as Savior … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Long Story Short is written to present a Biblical Gospel from cover to cover to aid parents in passing the Bible on to their children, day by day. To pass on a clear Gospel message showing children how every story in the bible points forward or back to the gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s story of salvation.” Author Marty … More Children’s Ministry Resources

I just finished watching four online preview videos of Theo Presents. The following statements in quotes are included in the press kit prepared by Whitestone Media. I respond to each paragraph based on my observations. Theo Presents is centered around the adventures and teachings of the main character, Theo, a student of God’s Word and a theologian. Theo lives in a cozy corner … More Children’s Ministry Resources

Overview: Journey to the Cross is a powerfully moving, multisensory family event that guides people along the path that Jesus walked during his last days on Earth. Activities focused on Jesus’ love and forgiveness demonstrate the real meaning of Easter: our risen Christ’s victory over death! Designed specifically for parents and their children to experience together, this even teaches about … More Children’s Ministry Resources

This story of a little girl who turns to God to clean her heart so she can see others through God’s eyes is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day! What better way to say “I love you” to your kids than to give them insight into how to have their heart feel love and joy! Jackie Chirco Cogswell is a … More Children’s Ministry Resources

When I first received this book I immediately thought, “this could be the perfect holiday book.” Soon I discovered it was even better after the holidays. This is not just another Christmas book. It’s the story of a young man who understood how Jesus wanted us to reflect Him in our lives; to love others, to help others and to … More Children’s Ministry Resources

This book begins with a personal invitation to the reader. “He is waiting… Not just for anyone, God is waiting for you!” Make no mistake, this book is about more than information. It’s about God and helping kids to know Him in their everyday lives. Ten Things Every Kid Should Know About God – Life Applications to Build Your Child’s Confidence in … More Children’s Ministry Resources

The Spark Story Bible, published by Augsburg Fortress is a hardcover 550 page Bible Story book for children ages 2 – 8. It is a great resource to consider for, not only the Sunday School classroom, but as a family treasure at home. The book contains 150 of the best-loved bible stories from both the new and old testament. Old … More Children’s Ministry Resources

“The Big God Story” is a children’s picture book beautifully written by Dr. Michelle Anthony, and exquisitely illustrated by Cory Godbey. A great enrichment resource to “Spiritual Parenting,” or a stand alone story for children to see God at work through history. The text is very simple and focuses on the flow of the story as opposed to great detail. … More Children’s Ministry Resources