Children Desiring God is excited to announce the release of two, brand new booklets for parents, pastors, and those involved in ministry to children.

Children and the Worship Service

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a common question asked of children and young people. Yet as interesting and insightful as their answers may be, this question pales in comparison to a more distinct and crucial one addressed in the Westminster Larger Catechism:

Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man? A. Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

This question and answer defines our being, identity, and purpose: Godward. It fundamentally grounds us in what is unique about us—that we have been created to reflect and image forth the awesome majesty and worth of our Creator. And, in that imaging forth, we are to pursue the highest purpose: glorifying God! We glorify God by giving Him the honor, respect, love, devotion, obedience, and worship He so rightly deserves. ... More

Children can memorize almost anything very quickly and easily, but they need encouragement and support from you as they memorize Scripture. Parent and teachers are crucial in challenging children to continue pursuing Scripture memory, developing a memory routine and helping children understand and apply the verses they learn. The best way to memorize is through repetition. There is no substitute for reviewing a verse repeatedly. However, specific memorization techniques can vary from age group to age group. The following are ideas that we have found helpful.

TIPS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

• Say the reference: First, clearly pronounce the reference (“address” may be easier for some young children to understand than “reference”). Then have the child repeat the reference.
• Repeat the passage in sections: Say the passage in several bite-sized sections, having children say each section after you. Repeat the sections.
• Repeat the reference again.
• Review the passage several more times, lengthening the sections each time.
• Discuss the passage. After the passage is remembered (usually in 3-4 repetitions), it is good to dissect it. Discuss the meaning of unfamiliar words. Rephrase the passage and try to help the child discover how the passage applies to his life.

Sunday school is a primary means for building intergenerational unity in the body of Christ. Discipleship on any level tends to knit hearts together, but Sunday school has the unique ability to partner all generations to bring the gospel joy of knowing Christ to the youngest in our churches. A strong partnership of parents (and grandparents) and Sunday school teams can begin now in your church.

If you are a parent, here are eight practical ways for you to partner with your child's teaching team. ... More

Another Sunday school year is upon us. For those of us involved in children’s and youth ministry, we have another season filled with opportunities and responsibilities to teach the next generation the glorious deeds of the Lord. Yes, this is joyful ministry—at least it should be—but when done with the diligence it deserves, it is also hard work. Here is a great reminder from Jerry Bridges:

A farmer plows his field, sows the seed, and fertilizes and cultivates—all the while knowing that in the final analysis he is utterly dependent on forces outside of himself. He knows he cannot cause the seed to germinate, nor can he produce the rain and sunshine for growing and harvesting the crop. For a successful harvest, he is dependent on these things from God.

Yet the farmer knows that unless he diligently pursues his responsibilities to plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate, he cannot expect a harvest at the end of the season. ... More