Book of the Week

Here's how I'm planning these updates, so you can know what to expect from the blog and how often to come back for more or ignore altogether. There will be at least two posts per week: at the first of the week there will be a reflection on something I've been working on/thinking about relating to Children's ministry, and the second portion will be a recommendation of a book, film, music, website, sermon, or conference that will directly relate to parenting, ministry, children....and whatever else that strikes me that particular week. With each recommendation I will have a link to Amazon or another seller so that you will know how to find that particular recommendation.

In other words, the goal of each week is to share something that's percolating in my brain, followed by something I have learned from those who are much wiser and more experienced than I in ministry.

Book of the Week:

I have had a few people ask about the wrapped gift book that we gave to all of the amazing new Youth Communicants of Christ Church, and I have a feeling it's going to become a standard gift book for the Children's Ministry here at CC. This is a brand new book from Crossway that I can't recommend highly enough for some solid theological teaching that will certainly stretch our young people, but also is written in such a way that will not intimidate them once they begin. The chapters are incredibly succinct and precise (and also fairly short), with guides through each chapter to encourage the parents to help shepherd their kids toward a deeper understanding of the basic tenets of the reformed faith.

The Book: Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God, by Bruce Ware.



This is recommended for age 6-14, but honestly, I would recommend it also for parents, new believers, and apologists because it is like a seminary education expressed in a way that any person can understand.

Chapter 1: God's Word and God's Own Life
Chapter 2: God As Three in One
Chapter 3: Creator and Ruler of All (Sovereignty and General Revelation)
Chapter 4: Our Human Nature (Anthropology) and Our Sin (Hamartiology)
Chapter 5: Who Jesus Is (Christology)
Chapter 6: The Work Jesus Has Done (Christology/Soteriology)
Chapter 7: The Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)
Chapter 8: Our Great Salvation (Soteriology, Election, Sanctification)
Chapter 9: The Church of Jesus Christ (Ecclesiology)
Chapter 10: What Will Take Place in the End (Eschatology)