The only real essential for children’s ministry is the gospel, but the gospel has implications. Because of the gospel, we are on mission in a particular context, we celebrate (which often means that we have fun and attract a crowd), we relate in love, we equip parents to preach the gospel at home, etc. Here are some great resources on gospel implications for children’s ministry that I’ve been reflecting on lately:
On Mission and Contextualization:
Children’s Ministry in a Missional Paradigm, part 1 and part 2 by Henry Zonio, Elemental Children’s Ministry
Contend and Contextualize, part 1 and part 2 by Hunter Baumont, The Resurgence
Tim Keller’s Description of a Missional Church, Children’s Ministry and Culture
“That By All Means I Might Win Some”: Faithfulness and Flexibility in Gospel Proclamation (MP3)
by D. A. Carson, The Gospel Coalition
On Attractional/Relational Discipleship:
“If Jesus Led Children’s Church” by Karl Bastian, the original Kidologist
On Equipping Families
“Family Equipping Ministry- A Growing Movement” by Steve Wright, Lasting Divergence
