Product Description

Children today are no longer expected to be "seen and not heard," yet in many churches children are involved only in programs designated for them. "Children Matter" offers a full discussion of children's spirituality and shows how the faith community can effectively nurture its youngest members.

Speaking from their experience with children's ministry in a range of Protestant traditions, the authors draw on the Bible, history, and psychology to lay good foundations for such ministry before discussing the specific content and contexts of faith formation. Finally, they provide wise and practical advice on putting together interesting programs without losing sight of their main purpose. Rather than focusing on innovative ways to use technology, "Children Matter" emphasizes relationships between people and encourages the church to welcome all children as valued participants in the people of God. It will challenge and refresh anyone invested in ministry with children.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #116512 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 374 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780802822284
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Scottie May is assistant professor of Christian formation and ministry at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.

Beth Posterski is professor emeritus of Christian education at Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto, Ontario.

Catherine Stonehouse is Orlean Bullard Beeson Professor of Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky.

Linda Cannell is director of the Ph.D. Educational Studies program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, and president of iComm Inc.

Customer Reviews

Great ideas for refreshing pilgrimage of a child with God
Although this book is written by a group of educators it is one of the best books I have ever read on children's spirituality and show us with many examples how the faith community can nurture its youngest members. Children Matter emphasized relationships between people and encourages the church to welcome all children as valued participants in the people of God.
A wide range of examples from the Protestant traditions and drawing on the Bible, history and psychology to lay good foundations. The examples were excellent and evualated with strengths and weaknesses for all ages from toddler through grade school. The evidence of teaching is learning; how the children respond, the questions they ask, the attitudes they demonstrate in actual behavior and the way they use Scripture to inform their lives and decisions.

A wide ranges of examples were given from ancient times to the present. The book was exciting in the responses from the children. Anyone who works with children would find this an excellent tool, it has a great bibliography, footnotes, scripture list ---you couldn't ask for more.
It left me with a great sense of hope and urgency to give our teachers and parents great tools.

Imagine the faith journey with children as a pilgrimage or dance with God. Explore the contexts in which children live, make an informed and animated commitment to nurture a vibrant faith in your churchs youngest members. Theory and practice are interwoven ---if your church cares that children matter this is the book for you.

useful tool
Children Matter is a useful tool for church education committees to read and study together. It provides a broad overview of the componants of educational programing in a parish setting. It introduces aspects of educational ministry that lay persons need to develop an understanding and articulation of today's approach.

I would also reccomend it for college and seminary introduction courses.

Karen Cross
Church Educator

amazing in-depth intro to children's ministry
Everything I spent ten years learning about children's ministry, these authors have managed to boil down into a FANASTIC resource for church leaders and volunteers. This is an exceptional blending of theory and practice, covering both logistical and philosophical issues. If you want to read just one book about ministry to children, this is it!