What Children’s Ministry Resources Do Children’s Pastors Need Most?

As a children’s pastor, you work with some of the youngest members of the church. You have the opportunity to shape young hearts and cultivate lasting positive memories for children of God and the church. You get to speak about and experience the Gospel message through a child’s eyes. Your job is to introduce them to Jesus, engage them with Scripture, and assist parents as they take on the role of discipling their children. At Grace Theological Seminary, we believe ministry leaders should be equipped to faithfully teach God’s Word across every stage of life, including children’s ministry.

Your role is important, and faithful ministry requires wisdom, support, and strong biblical resources. Children’s ministry resources can provide insights for you as a leader, help you as you teach children, and support you as you reach out to parents. Here are some of our recommendations for children’s ministry resources as it pertains to three key categories: introducing them to the Gospel, engaging them with Scripture, and providing support for parents. 

How Do You Build an Effective Children’s Ministry?

Faithful children’s ministry begins with faithful handling of God’s Word. Teaching children the Gospel requires more than keeping their attention. It requires wisdom, biblical understanding, and a heart for discipleship. That’s why many ministry leaders pursue training through programs like those offered at Grace Theological Seminary, where students are equipped for effective ministry.

The Gospel message is the foundation of Christianity, and children of all ages need to understand the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. You are not responsible for their faith in Christ, but you do have the responsibility of sharing the Gospel with them. How do you present the Gospel in an age-appropriate and biblically accurate way? Here are a few children’s ministry resources that may be helpful for you:

• Leading Your Child to Christ: Biblical Direction for Sharing the Gospel by Marty Machowski

• The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross Storybook: The True Story of Why Jesus Died and Rose Again by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

• The Gospel Made Clear to Children by Jennifer Adams and Elizabeth Adams

• The Gospel: Big Theology for Little Hearts by Devin Provencher and Jessica Provencher

How Do You Engage Children With Scripture?

Just like adults, children should be taught directly from the Bible. Stories like Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, and Paul and Silas in prison demonstrate God’s character and how people can love God with their whole hearts. Children engage best when Scripture is taught in age-appropriate, memorable ways that connect biblical truth to everyday life. Help the kids engage with the Bible lesson through activities and opportunities to ask questions. Here are a few children’s ministry resources that might be helpful:

• I Am: 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God by Diane M. Stortz

• The Bible Made Easy for Kids by David Strehler and Laura Tucker

• NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible by Zondervan

• Busy Books: Bible Studies for Kids by Madison Schacht and Darlene Schacht

• Bible Questions and Answers for Kids by David Strehler

How Do You Support Parents?

Discipling children begins at home. As a pastor, your job is to encourage parents to be the primary disciplers of their children. Children grow best when conversations about Scripture continue throughout the week, not only on Sundays. Here are a few children’s ministry resources to help you encourage parents to prepare for discipling their children:

• I Am Devotional: 100 Devotions About the Names of God by Diane M. Stortz

• Grow at Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Family Discipleship by Winfield Bevans

• My Heart – Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger

• Discipleship for Kids: Helping Kids Grow in Christ by Rebecca Ruybalid Stone

• Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home Through Time, Moments, and Milestones by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin

What Degree Helps Prepare You for Children’s Ministry? 

Do you have a heart for discipling children and their parents? Do you want a seminary that will help you cultivate those skills and provide you with opportunities to serve? Then Grace Theological Seminary is the place for you! If God is calling you to invest in the next generation, theological training can help you lead children and families with biblical wisdom and practical ministry skills. 

Grace Theological Seminary offers a variety of programs to equip students with the knowledge and skills to serve effectively in ministry. Check out our program offerings to find a degree and delivery method that is the right fit. 

Read this blog to see how Joel and Lael used their degree from Grace Theological Seminary in their children’s ministry!