This practical, thought-provoking book presents a new paradigm for children’s ministry in the emerging 21ST century and explores how churches are currently putting that vision into practice. Advocating the need to regard children as full participants in their faith communities, the book provides strategies for building intergenerational community where children feel they belong and have the opportunity to serve.

"Easy-to-copy reproducibles included"--Cover.

There are many philosophies and strategies that drive today's youth ministry. To most people, they are variations on a single goal: to make faithful disciples of young people. However, digging deeper into various programs, books, and concepts reveals substantive differences among approaches. Bestselling author Chap Clark is one of the leading voices in youth ministry today. In this multiview work, he brings together a diverse group of leaders to present major views on youth ministry. Chapters are written in essay/response fashion by Fernando Arzola, Greg Stier, Ron Hunter, Brian Cosby, and Chap Clark. As the contributors present their views and respond to each of the other views, they discuss their task and calling, giving readers the resources they need to develop their own approach to youth ministry. Offering a model of critical thinking and respectful dialogue, this volume provides a balanced, irenic approach to a topic with which every church wrestles.

Research shows that by the time many children are thirteen years old they feel they know everything there is to know about the Bible and God, and feel no further need of attending church. Could this be because we have underestimated their spiritual potential, and been content to feed them a repetitive spiritual diet of basic Bible stories over and over again? Just how many ways can we repackage Noah's Ark anyway? It's time the collective body of Christ re-evaluate children's ministries and redefine what valid, disciple-making, equipping children's ministry really is.

This essential book provides clear, proven, step-by-step instructions to help youth workers change their youth group into a dynamic student ministry, as well as establish strategic approaches to growth at each level or size of youth ministry.

This collection of practical ideas turns outreach from an intimidating mandate into something that's actually enjoyable. How? By offering more than 200 ways to connect with people--ways that real people living in real churches will find engaging, effective, and doable. # Readers will find. . . ideas for making a church visible in a community, # ideas for preparing your church to embrace outreach, # movie night recommendations and outlines, # evangelism ideas to reach kids, work friends, and personal friends, # quick service ideas for kids, youth, and mixed groups, # long-term service ideas, # mission ideas, # complete, seeker-sensitive Bible studies, and # some ideas so unique they don't fit in a category! In short, this is literally an encyclopedia of outreach strategies, options, and ideas. It's designed so any church (or church group) can find a way to reach out to others. . . and have fun doing it. ways to connect with people--ways that real people living in real churches will find engaging, effective, and doable. # Readers will find. . . ideas for making a church visible in a community, # ideas for preparing your church to embrace outreach, # movie night recommendations and outlines, # evangelism ideas to reach kids, work friends, and personal friends, # quick service ideas for kids, youth, and mixed groups, # long-term service ideas, # mission ideas, # complete, seeker-sensitive Bible studies, and # some ideas so unique they don't fit in a category! In short, this is literally an encyclopedia of outreach strategies, options, and ideas. It's designed so any church (or church group) can find a way to reach out to others. . . and have fun doing it.

More than 600 ideas! Jumpstart your sermons, master your preaching, energize church worship, and find time to get away with the family, . . . okay, maybe not all in one breath. But, you'll discover inspiration and perspective in this collection of top techniques and activities to help you encourage community, refuel your ministry--and minister to yourself as well. Book includes time-saving, reproducible masters for baby dedications, funerals, weddings, visitor response, certificate of appreciation, sermon logs and more! # Organization includes eight sections: Sermon Sparks: Sermon jump-starts, illustrations, stories, movie clip ideas, and interactive object lessons # Preaching Techniques: Ways to use media and technology, organize old sermons and illustrations, and creatively prepare new sermons # Revitalize Church Worship: Ideas for informal worship, introducing new songs to your congregation, interactive prayer, creative sermon closings, and revitalizing your worship space # Worship Service Jump-Starts: Twenty ready-made services that focus on acts of service, honoring those in your congregation, and times of reflection and inspiration # Recharge Your Personal and Family Life: Self-directed retreats, creative ways to spend time with your spouse, getaways with your family, and quick spiritual boosters # Congregational Care: Tips for hospital visits, weddings, funerals, baby dedications, encouraging church members, and welcoming new people into fellowship # Develop Your Leaders and Volunteers: Lead effective meetings, try some adaptable meeting agendas, and strengthen your volunteers and staff # Community Service and Outreach: Motivate church members to join a local service project, take part in outreach, and support world missions and missionaries Bonus: Cross-reference notes link relating ideas!