THE VALUE AND SPIRITUAL LIFE OF CHILDREN - COGOP.org (PDF)

THE VALUE AND SPIRITUAL LIFE OF CHILDREN RECOMMENDATION RESOURCES THE VALUE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE OF CHILDREN http://cogop.org/uploads/Assembly/pdf/2013ValueSpiritualLifeChildren.pdf RECOMMENDATION 1: PRIORITY IN GLOBAL VISION AND MISSION The Church of God of Prophecy prioritize this facet of ministry through its global vision and mission statements so that each local church values children and encourages their spiritual development. RECOMMENDATION 2: ASSESS Each local church assesses its present view of children and ministry to them using this diagnostic tool. Diagnostic Tool http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Childrens%20Ministry %20Evaluation.pdf RECOMMENDATION 3: DISCIPLESHIP OF CHILDREN ARTICLES “Bible Basics,” Karl Bastian. http://www.kidology.org/zones/zone_post.asp?post_id=600 “Developing a Ministry-Wide Strategy for Making Disciples,” Karl Bastian. http://www.kidology.org/zones/zone_post.asp?post_id=7633  “What Kids Really Need.” Mark Steiner. http://www.kidology.org/zones/zone_post.asp?post_id=4478 “Faith that Prevails,” Stephanie Martin. http://childrensministry.com/articles/faith-that-prevails/ “Kids with a Mission,” Tony Lane. http://childrensministry.com/articles/kids-with-a-mission/ “Design Your Master Plan” http://www.discipleland.com/Free-Resources/Teacher-Downloads “Build Lifelong Disciples” http://www.discipleland.com/Free-Resources/Teacher-Downloads “Whole Church Discipleship Strategy” http://lifewayblog.wpengine.netdna- cdn.com/growingdisciples/files/2013/08/Stepping_Stones-2008.pdf “Steps for Developing a Discipleship Strategy” (Whole Church) http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_PDF_DSC_Steps.pdf “Family Discipleship Strategy” *Includes Faith Talk Samples and Songs http://www.findinggrace.net/#/family-discipleship NexGen Discipleship Strategy, Roxbury Church of Christ http://www.churchrox.com/nextgen_discipleship 6 Keys: Jesus’ Disciplemaking Strategy for Kids http://www.discipleblog.com/2013/08/6-keys-jesus-disciple-making-strategy-for- kids/ Children’s Ministry Is Intentional Discipleship (4 Questions to Get You There) http://pastors.com/childrens-ministry-is-intentional-discipleship/ A Framework for Teaching Children and Youth http://www.hopeingod.org/document/vision-child-and-youth-discipleship “Lifepath Discipleship Plan for Children and Teens” www.lifepathhouston.com/assets/files/DiscipleshipPlan.pdf Changing Kids Lives Through Christian Education http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Changing%20Kids%2 0Lives%20Through%20Christian%20Education.2.pdf Ideas that Encourage Children to Grow as Disciples http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Ideas%20That%20En courage%20Children%20to%20Grow%20as%20Disciples.pdf  SURVEY “Measure Your Ministry” http://www.discipleland.com/Free-Resources/Teacher-Downloads NEWSLETTERS Master Planning: The Key to Effective Discipleship http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Master%20Planning- The%20Key%20to%20Effective%20Discipleship.pdf BOOKS Alexander, Donna et. al. SERVICE PROJECTS PRESCHOOLERS CAN DO! Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, 2001. ISBN: 978-0764424021 Barna, George. TRANSFORMING CHILDREN INTO SPIRITUAL CHAMPIONS. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light Publications, 2003. ISBN: 978-0830732937 Bastian, Karl et. al. THE ULTIMATE BIBLE GUIDE FOR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, 1999. ISBN: 978-0764420764 Fowler, Larry. RAISING A MODERN-DAY JOSEPH. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-4347-6705-9 Fowler, Larry. ROCK SOLID KIDS. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light Publications, 2005. ISBN: 978-0830737130 McDowell, Josh. AWESOME BOOK OF BIBLE ANSWERS FOR KIDS.Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2011. ISBN: 978-0736928724 McDowell, Josh and McDowell, Sean. JESUS IS ALIVE: EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION FOR KIDS. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light Publications, 2009. ISBN: 978-0820747863 Staal, David. LEADING KIDS TO JESUS. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006. ISBN: 978-0310263821 Staal, David. LEADING YOUR KIDS TO JESUS. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0310265375 Slattery, Kathryn. IF YOU COULD ASK GOD ANYTHING: AWESOME BIBLE ANSWERS FOR CURIOUS KIDS. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010. 978-1400316021 Strobel, Lee. THE CASE FOR…(FAITH, CREATOR, CHRIST) FOR KIDS. Eugene, OR: HarperCollins Publishing, 2010. Trent, John. PARENTS’ GUIDE TO THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF CHILDREN: HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP A PERSONAL FAITH. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishing. ISBN: 9781561797912 Weddle, Linda Massey. HOW TO RAISE A MODERN-DAY JOESPH: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR GROWING GREAT KIDS. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2010. ISBN: 978-1434765314 Weidmann, Jim. AN INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY NIGHTS: FAMILY NIGHTS TOOL CHEST. Heritage Builders Inc. 1997. ISBN: 978-0781400961. Available at http://www.amazon.com  WEBSITES Child Evangelism Fellowship website for kids to use: http://www.wonderzone.com/ Family Resources: D6: www.d6family.com Family Resources: http://familytimes.org Family Resources/Partnering with Parents: http://www.biblicalparenting.org Inexpensive devotional books for kids: http://www.cbhministries.org/kfk/home.php Online training lab: www.kidology.org; “Leadership Lab #4 Partnering with Parents” Sponsor a child: http://www.compassion.com CURRICULUM The Case for Christ for Kids Curriculum, Investigating the Truth about Jesus. DVD- ROM. Zondervan. 2013. ISBN 978-0310681182 What’s in the Bible (videos, curriculum, downloads, etc.) whatsinthebible.com See downloadable list at http://children.cogop.org FILES Discipleship Needs http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Discipleship%20Need s.pdf EVANGELISM OF CHILDREN ARTICLES “Sidewalk Sunday School: An exciting way to reach children and families with the message of the Gospel!” http://www.effective-evangelism-training.org/sidewalk_sunday_school.html Growing A Church or Impacting a Community? Dan Reiland, www.pneumafoundation.org/article.jsp?article=/article_guest0007.xml “21 Outreach Activities for Kids” http://childrensministry.com/articles/21-outreach-ideas-for-kids/  “Good News Events,” Ned and Joan Way. http://www.childrensministry.com/articles/good-news-events “Reaching Your Unchurched Community The New Testament Way,” Daryl Eldridge. http://www.lifeway.com/Article/ministry-evangelism-Reaching-Your-Unchurched- Community-the-New-Testament-Way “20 VBS Evangelism and Discipleship strategies for Children” http://www.ncbaptist.org/fileadmin/ministries/children/resources/2014/pdfs/files/vb s-evangelism-discipleship-strategies.pdf A Great Door Has Opened http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/A%20Great%20Door %20For%20Effective%20Work%20Has%20Opened.pdf Evangelism Strategies http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Evangelism%20Strat egies.pdf Let the Children Come http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Let%20the%20Childr en%20Come.pdf BOOKS Rohrer, Norman. The Indomitable Mr. O. Child Evangelism Fellowship Inc., 2012. ISBN: 978-1559761598 NEWSLETTERS Bringing Kids in with a Kids Krusade http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Bring%20Kids%20In %20With%20a%20Kids%20Krusade.pdf Reaching Unreached Kids http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Reaching%20Unreac hed%20Kids.pdf TRACTS AND WITNESSING TOOLS “The Born Again Birthday Book” This small booklet explains the six birthday gifts God gives to all who are born again as well as giving a special message to parents. It provides 6 cut-out memory verses to encourage Scripture memorization. Available at http://www.kidology.org  “Did You Know . . .?” A full-color children’s salvation tract that can be used in personal witnessing, outreach events, and altar ministry. Available in English, French, and Spanish at http://children.cogop.org “First Steps” Am I a sinner? Can I be saved another way than through Jesus? Answer these questions and many more with this full-color, eight-page tract. You can help a child take the first steps in becoming a Christian. Available at http://cefpress.com “Gospel Gloves” This plastic glove uses Wordless Book colors (one on each finger) to tell the salvation story. On the glove are fun pictures and corresponding verses. Gloves come in packets of twelve with instructions. Available at http://www.childrensbibleclub.com/gospelstoryvisaids/gospelstoryvisualaids.htm “Gospel Turnaround“ Simple tool using the Wordless Book colors and symbols. Kids can share the Gospel with their friends. Available at http://cefpress.com “Heaven…How To Get There!” This tract presents the Gospel in six steps children can easily follow. Available at http://cefpress.com “Leading a Child/Friend to Christ Training Pack” Provides you with tools to guide parents, leaders, and older children in how to share their faith. Available at http://www.lifeway.com “More Gospel at Your Fingertips!” Use these handy cards for planned presentations or to share the Gospel at a moment's notice. The 25 exciting salvation object lessons are great for any children's ministry. Each Gospel presentation establishes the child's NEED of salvation, shows him the WAY of salvation. And leads him to RECEIVE the gift of salvation! Available at http://cefpress.com “Steps in Growing” What should children do after they receive Jesus as Savior? This full-color tract gives steps for children to follow as they grow in their new life. Available at http://cefpress.com “The ABCs of Becoming a Christian” Leaflet provides helpful information about how to become a Christian. Hand them out to kids to encourage them to share their faith with others. Available at http://www.lifeway.com “The Wordless Book” The Wordless Book gives the salvation message using five colored pages to represent Heaven, the darkness of sin, the blood of Christ, a clean heart and Christian growth.  “How to Use the Wordless Book” instruction leaflet included free with each book ordered. Available at http://cefpress.com WEBSITES cefonline.com http://www.sidewalksundayschoolkids.com www.metroministries.org RECOMMENDATION 4: PASTORAL ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY ARTICLES “Why Does Children’s Ministry Matter?” http://ministry-to-children.com/benefits/ A Child Friendly Church http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/A%20Child%2 0Friendly%20Church.pdf Children’s Ministry at the CORE of the Church http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Childrens%20 Ministry%20at%20the%20CORE%20of%20the%20Local%20Church.pdf How Children’s Ministry Helps Build Strong Local Churches http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/How%20Childr ens%20Ministry%20Helps%20Build%20Strong%20Churches.pdf Raise the Value http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Raisie%20the %20Value.pdf Vision Starts with You http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Vision%20Starts%20 with%20You.pdf  VIDEOS The following videos are located at www.4to14window.com 4 To 14 Window It’s Time to Wake Up! The Great Omission You Lost Me! A Biblical Testimony The video below is located at www.max7.com Aim Lower NEWSLETTERS Is Your Church Kid Friendly http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Is%20Your%2 0Church%20Kid%20Friendly.pdf Raising the Value of Children’s Ministry http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Raising%20the %20Value%20of%20CM_2.pdf RECOMMENDATION 5: A SAFE ENVIRONMENT NEWSLETTERS Is Your Church a Safe Place for Kids http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Is%20Your%20Churc h%20a%20Safe%20Place%20for%20Kids_.pdf FILES Child, Youth, and Worker Protection Policy http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/ProtectionPolicy- EN.pdf  RECOMMENDATION 6: PROVISION OF ADEQUATE RESOURCES ARTICLES Tried and True Recruiting Ideas http://childrensministry.com/articles/tried-true-recruiting-secrets/ Recruiting that Adds Up http://childrensministry.com/articles/recruiting-that-adds-up/ 20 Ideas for Recruiting and Keeping Children’s Ministry Volunteers http://www.signupgenius.com/church/childrens-ministry-volunteers.cfm RECRUITING VIDEO How Important Is Children’s Ministry?, Trademark films http://vimeo.com/24490685 Children’s Ministry Recruitment Video 2012, Rolling Hills Covenant Church http://vimeo.com/42300578 I am the Future, Northland Church http://vimeo.com/29537886 Children’s Ministry Volunteer Promo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPxwx3J2WAU PORTION OF A BOOK “Children’s Ministry Facility Evaluation,” taken from pp. 42-42 of Growing A Healthy Children’s Ministry by Steve Alley. 2002. Standard Publishing. ISBN 0-7847- 1390-1 RECOMMENDATION 7: CHILDREN'S MINISTRY TRAINING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ARTICLES Developing Leaders, What’s Our Strategy http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Developing%20Leade rs-Whats%20Our%20Strategy.pdf  Nurturing Your Children’s Ministry Leadership Team http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Nurturing%20Your%2 0Childrens%20Ministry%20Leadership%20Team.pdf FILES Children’s Ministry Training Strategies http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Childrens%20Ministry %20Training%20Strategies.pdf RECOMMENDATION 8: EQUIPPING FAMILIES TO DISCIPLE ARTICLES “Making Connection Between Home and Church.” http://childrensministry.com/articles/making-connections-between-home-and-church/ “Partnering With Parents,” Mike Sciarra. http://childrensministry.com/articles/partnering-with-parents/ “This is Family Ministry” http://childrensministry.com/articles/this-is-family-ministry-2/ “God Is In the Church Nursery” ministry-to-children.com/god-is-in-the-church-nursery/ “7 Reasons to Serve in the Church Nursery” www.ministry-to-children.com/church-nursery/ “Nursery Care Vs Nursery Ministry” http://www.religiousproductnews.com/articles/2006-June/Feature-Articles/Nursery-Care- vs-Nursery-Ministry.htm “Family Ministry Approaches: Three Models Toward a Lifestyle” http://www.chsource.org/en/articles/family-and-children/item/94-family-ministry- approaches-three- Family Activities http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Family%20Activities.p df Engaging Parents in Spiritual Nurture http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Engaging%20Parents %20in%20Spiritual%20Nurture.pdf  Family Ministry Approaches Touch Points that Equip and Engage Families http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Touch%20Points%20 that%20Equip%20and%20Engage%20Families.pdf Parents and Church Partnering Together to Disciple Children http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Parents%20and%20 Church%20Partnering%20Together%20to%20Disciple%20Children.pdf Blog (Oct. 19,2011) and PDF’s (Cradle Caregiver Information and Cradle Caregiver Expectant Parent Letter) theinclusivechurch.wordpress.com/.../creating-a-cradle-care-ministry/ Parent/Child Devotional Parent/Child Dedication Devotional mrmarksclassroom.com/wp.../Baby-Dedication-Devotional.docx Special Resource Covenant of Dedication http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Covenant%20of%20 Dedication.pdf NEWSLETTERS Partnering With Parents http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Partnering%20with% 20Parents.pdf Ministry to Families = Ministry to Kids http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Ministry%20to%20Fa miliesMinistry%20to%20Kids.pdf BOOKS Flower, Larry. RAISING A MODERN DAY JOSEPH. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, ISBN: 978-1434767314 Haynes, Brian. SHIFT. Group Publishing, 2009. ISBN: 978-0764438981 Holman, Mark. CHURCH + HOME: THE PROVEN FORMULA FOR BUILDING LIFELONG FAITH. Regal Publishers, 2010. ISBN 978-0830755684  Holman, Mark. FAITH BEGINS AT HOME. Regal Publishers, 2007. ISBN 978- 0830738137 Jointer, Reggie. THINK ORANGE: IMAGINE THE IMPACT WHEN CHURCH AND FAMILY COLLIDE… David C. Cook, 2009. ISBN: 978-1434764836 Trent, John. PARENTS’ GUIDE TO THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF CHILDREN: HELPING YOUR CHILD DEVELOP A PERSONAL FAITH. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishing. ISBN: 9781561797912 Weddle, Linda Massey. HOW TO RAISE A MODERN-DAY JOESPH: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR GROWING GREAT KIDS. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2010. ISBN: 978-1434765314 Weidmann, Jim. AN INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY NIGHTS: FAMILY NIGHTS TOOL CHEST. Heritage Builders Inc. 1997. ISBN: 978-0781400961. Available at http://www.amazon.com VIDEOS Global Awakening: Rooting faith in the Home, explained by Reverend Jonathan Cronkhite, www.4to14window.com Child Dedication, http://children.cogop.org/#/value-spiritual-life RECOMMENDATION 9: MINISTRY TO DIVERSE AND BROKEN FAMILIES ARTICLES “Building Faith at Home”, Children’s Ministry Magazine http://childrensministry.com/articles/building-faith-at-home/ “Healing for Wounded Children”, Doris Sanford, PhD http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Healing%20for%20E motionally%20Wounded%20Children_2.pdf “Meeting the Needs of Today’s Families”, Christine Yount Jones http://childrensministry.com/articles/meeting-the-needs-of-todays-families “When Families Fall Apart”, Linda Kondracki Sibley http://childrensministry.com/articles/when-families-fall-apart?p=1  “Inside Looking Out”, Larry Shallenberger http://childrensministry.com/articles/inside-looking-out?p=1 “Helping Children Deal With Death”, Victor Parachin. http://childrensministry.com/articles/helping-children-deal-with-death “Lost…and Found”, Children’s Ministry Magazine. http://childrensministry.com/articles/lost-and-found “Tipping Faith Points”, Stephanie Martin. http://childrensministry.com/articles/tipping-faith-points NEWSLETTERS “Helping Hurting Children”, Children’s Ministry International Office http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Helping%20Hurting% 20Kids.pdf BOOKS Coleman, William. WHAT CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW WHEN PARENTS GET DIVORCED. Ada, MI: Bethany House Publishers, 1998. ISBN 978-0- 7642-2051-7 COMFORTING CHILDREN IN CRISIS. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing. ISBN 978-0- 7644-3829-5 EMERGENCY RESPONSE HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing, 2008. ISBN 978-0-7644-3824-0 Floyd, Scott. CRISIS COUNSELING. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2008. ISBN 978-0-8254-2588-2 Grollman, Earl A. TALKING ABOUT DEATH. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1991. ISBN 978-0-8070-2363-1 Huntley, Theresa M. HELPING CHILDREN GRIEVE: WHEN SOMEONE THEY LOVE DIES. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2002. ISBN 978- 0-8066-4265-9 Miller, Patricia A. and Keith R. QUICK SCRIPTURE REFERENCE FOR COUNSELING YOUTH. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2006. ISBN # 978-0-8010-6608-5 Parrot , Dr. Les. HELPING THE STRUGGLING ADOLESCENT. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000. ISBN 0-310-23407-7 *This book has rapid assessment tests to use for specific issues  Sanford, Doris. HELPING KIDS THROUGH TOUGH TIMES. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 1995. ISBN 0-7847-0393-0 For children: Boelts, Maribeth. SARAH’S GRANDMA GOES TO HEAVEN. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004. ISBN 978-0-3107-0656-4 Nordstrom, Carolyn. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE? Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2003. ISBN 978-0-8024-6845-1 Tangvald, Christine Harder. SOMEONE I LOVE DIED. Chariot Victor Publishing, 1988. ISBN 978-1-5551-3490-7. Available at http://www.amazon.com WEBSITES Family Life Today at: http://www.familylife.com Focus on the Family at: http://www.focusonthefamily.com Thriving Family at: http://www.thrivingfamily.com Smart Stepfamilies at: http://www.smartstepfamlies.com The Family Project at: http://www.familyproject.com RECOMMENDATION 10: LEADING CHILDREN TO RECEIVE SALVATION, PURSUE HOLINESS, AND WALK IN THE SPIRIT ARTICLES Salvation “All About the Big Step”, David Staal. http://www.christianitytoday.com/childrensministry/programmingteaching/allaboutthebigs tep.html “Lead Your Child to Christ”, Jim and Janet Weidmann with Kurt Bruner. http://www.ocfusa.org/articles/lead-your-child-christ/ “Leading a Child to Christ” (PDF), Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Children’s Ministry. http://children.cccm.com/resources/leading-a-child/  “Good News For Kids” http://www.discipleland.com/Free-Resources/Parent-Tools Santification Helping Kids Live Holy Lives http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Helping%20Kids%20 Live%20Holy%20Lives.pdf Holy Spirit Baptism “The Holy Spirit and You” http://agwebservices.org/Content/RSSResources/PGG-You&HS.pdf Do Children Need Holy Spirit Baptism? http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Do%20Children%20N eed%20Holy%20Spirit%20Baptism.pdf Prayer Ministry with Children http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Prayer%20Ministry% 20with%20Children.pdf NEWSLETTERS Offering the Greatest Gift http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Offering%20the%20G reatest%20Gift.pdf Set Apart and Holy http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Set%20Apart%20and %20Holy.pdf Spirit Empowered Kids http://storage.cloversites.com/churchofgodofprophecy/documents/Spirit- Empowered%20Kids.pdf BOOKS Pinnock, Charles. FLAME OF LOVE: A THEOLOGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1996. ISBN: 0-8308-1590-2 Smith, Daniel H. HOW TO LEAD A CHILD TO CHRIST. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1987. ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-4622-0