Mailbag: Dear Rick, I have been in search of some sound Children’s Ministry material. Do you know of any good, Gospel-centered and theologically-precise material?
A few years ago I did what you are doing as far as researching material and the results were slim. It is quite amazing at all the material that is out there, but yet lacking in Gospel-centeredness. At the end of the day I found two, which you have probably already discovered, that we ended up using. Our best thought was to write our own, but to do that is easier thought about than accomplished due to what is involved in writing and publishing children’s material.
The two that we were most pleased with were:
John Piper’s Children Desiring God Curriculum
Covenant Fellowship’s God’s Story Curriculum
We use both and have found them to be theologically precise. The Piper curriculum is more involved and will require more from the teachers as far as prep is concerned, but it is very good. There is a lot to process and apply.
The God’s Story curriculum is very Gospel-centered. It is easier to prepare for and teach. We use the Piper material for the older classes and the God’s Story material for the younger classes. We have not been dissatisfied with either.
I hope this helps. I realize it is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Thank you for asking. Maybe my readers have some material they like that they would be willing to share. If so, I’ll let you know.
I’ve been impressed with Children Desiring God.
You might also check out http://kids4truth.com/hometwo.asp
I am using “Suffer Little Children” by Gertrude Hoeksema (from Reformed Free Publishing). http://www.rfpa.org/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=46
Even at the primary levels, the Biblical insights are brilliant and the children grasp them easily. My 5-year-old and 8-year-old beg me each night for Bible study and when we are finished ask if they can do another lesson. They currently both have maps of Canaan that they have been updated every few lessons, tracking the progress of the Israelites through the wilderness.
Great Commission Publications has EXCELLENT children’s material that is Christ-centered and Gospel-driven. It’s much easier to prepare than DG. They have Toddler, Preschool, 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-6th grade material–all very age-appropriate!