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How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith
How to Teach Kids Theology
by Sam Luce and Hunter Williams takes the deep truths of the Christian faith and gives practical, actionable direction for sharing them with children.
What comes to mind when you think about teaching theological truths to children? Glazed eyes? Over-their-head discussions? Theology doesn’t have to be “too deep for kids.” For kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder.
A child’s faith is only as strong as the God they believe in. For their faith to be great, they need to learn about their great God. In each chapter, the authors diagnose problems that hinder leaders from teaching kids theology, explain principles to combat these problems, and suggest practices for applying these principles to your ministry.
Equips Sunday School teachers, children’s ministry leaders, and parents to teach the theological truths that will be a foundation for a child’s growing faith in age-appropriate ways.Demystifies theology so readers are equipped to pass on to the next generation foundational truths about God.Authors with many years of experience in teaching children bring a fresh approach to timeless truths.
What comes to mind when you think about teaching theological truths to children? Glazed eyes? Over-their-head discussions? Theology doesn’t have to be “too deep for kids.” For kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder.
A child’s faith is only as strong as the God they believe in. For their faith to be great, they need to learn about their great God. In each chapter, the authors diagnose problems that hinder leaders from teaching kids theology, explain principles to combat these problems, and suggest practices for applying these principles to your ministry.
Equips Sunday School teachers, children’s ministry leaders, and parents to teach the theological truths that will be a foundation for a child’s growing faith in age-appropriate ways.Demystifies theology so readers are equipped to pass on to the next generation foundational truths about God.Authors with many years of experience in teaching children bring a fresh approach to timeless truths.
- GenresTheologyFamilyNonfiction
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2025
67 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 24, 2024
My endorsement: Sam Luce and Hunter Williams's message about the difference between simplifying truth (by watering it down and making it more palatable) and distilling truth (by making it more potent, sharp, and clear) is one every children's ministry leader and volunteer needs to hear. Their book inspires teachers to learn theology and apply it rightly. It also gives them the tools to communicate theology intentionally and with a clear plan. I highly recommend it to everyone who serves in church ministry with kids.
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October 20, 2025A wonderful resource for anyone teaching children about God. Clear, concise, and practically helpful.
Want to read
October 3, 2025Now I am pregnant lol
February 24, 2025
Fantastic! I’m gonna recommend this to all my Sunday School teachers.
For a Bible teacher, God’s glory needs to be the filter and motivation behind every didactic event/action. Teaching that glorifies God primarily asks, “How can I teach this faithfully?” Before it asks, “How can I teach this effectively.” It prioritizes what’s true over what’s practical and easy. Luce and Williams give a simple, manageable, and irenic guide for how to do this. Their definition of theology brings this out: “the application of God’s revelation to all of life.” (18) Although their context is children’s ministry, the book is applicable to every teaching context. Highly recommend to any teacher of God’s Word!
“If we want our kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder. Our children’s resolve is only as strong as the God they believe in…We can’t teach kids kitty-cat theology and expect them to have lion-like resolve.” (10)
“I think our culture’s hyperfixation on the practical has poorly impacted how we approach Scripture in children’s ministry. We immediately look for what’s useful. But making the practical primary undercuts God and can distort the meaning of Scripture. It makes him a means to an end and not the end of our means.” (14)
For a Bible teacher, God’s glory needs to be the filter and motivation behind every didactic event/action. Teaching that glorifies God primarily asks, “How can I teach this faithfully?” Before it asks, “How can I teach this effectively.” It prioritizes what’s true over what’s practical and easy. Luce and Williams give a simple, manageable, and irenic guide for how to do this. Their definition of theology brings this out: “the application of God’s revelation to all of life.” (18) Although their context is children’s ministry, the book is applicable to every teaching context. Highly recommend to any teacher of God’s Word!
“If we want our kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder. Our children’s resolve is only as strong as the God they believe in…We can’t teach kids kitty-cat theology and expect them to have lion-like resolve.” (10)
“I think our culture’s hyperfixation on the practical has poorly impacted how we approach Scripture in children’s ministry. We immediately look for what’s useful. But making the practical primary undercuts God and can distort the meaning of Scripture. It makes him a means to an end and not the end of our means.” (14)
June 17, 2025
How to Teach Kids Theology is a timely and valuable read for parents and for those who have the privilege of serving families in the church. The authors, Sam Luce and Hunter Williams, make the case that teaching kids theology is not just a good idea, but a necessity—so that children grow in their understanding of God and awe of Him. They offer clear explanations of theological ideas, practical applications, helpful resources, and a path forward to ensure the faith is passed on to future generations. Parents, grandparents, and children’s ministry workers would all benefit!
One section I found helpful encouraged making theological training feel more normal by keeping it less formal—just part of everyday life. The authors build on Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 6, where he urges parents to talk about God during regular opportunities with kids. They suggest moments like taking time to pray for a lost toy, where intentional conversations can happen naturally.
Reading this book is a great step forward for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping kids learn what the authors call “deep truths for growing faith.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
One section I found helpful encouraged making theological training feel more normal by keeping it less formal—just part of everyday life. The authors build on Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 6, where he urges parents to talk about God during regular opportunities with kids. They suggest moments like taking time to pray for a lost toy, where intentional conversations can happen naturally.
Reading this book is a great step forward for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping kids learn what the authors call “deep truths for growing faith.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
February 8, 2025
“…some children grow up and leave the church as young adults because they’ve been presented with a lackluster view of God that has no bearing on their lives. He is seen as a good idea that turns into an irrelevant memory once they are grown and experience the harsh realities of life.”
July 15, 2025
Targeted more toward children’s ministry teachers, but powerful for them and parents alike. This has challenged me to think differently, and I think I appreciate all the resources it shares the most. Great book and resource.
December 15, 2025
The first half was better than the second, but it is still a must read for church leaders and parents seeking to form their kids in Christ!
February 4, 2025
Teaching theology can feel like a heavy responsibility, but this book encourages anyone in children's ministry to have confidence in sharing the simple yet deep truths of God and making the most of everyday moments.
I loved the passion and relatability that the authors bring to this book, encouraging volunteers, parents, Sunday school teachers, and youth leaders, along the way. I especially liked how they stressed the importance of showing children an accurate picture of God and His attributes. We cannot teach children only about His love and neglect His holiness, goodness, mercy, justice, etc.
Under 200 pages including the appendixes, this book is concise and cuts to the heart of the matter, with suggestions for resources as well. I think that my favorite part of this book was how it encourages parents, children's ministry workers and volunteers to not shy away from tough topics, but teach about who God is and give our kids a solid foundation to build their own theology on.
Overall, a must-read for anyone working with children at church or at home. I found this book so encouraging, and before I was even finished I was recommending it to friends and talking over topics covered in the book. Now that I've finished it, I recommend it even more and want to read it again in the future!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved the passion and relatability that the authors bring to this book, encouraging volunteers, parents, Sunday school teachers, and youth leaders, along the way. I especially liked how they stressed the importance of showing children an accurate picture of God and His attributes. We cannot teach children only about His love and neglect His holiness, goodness, mercy, justice, etc.
Under 200 pages including the appendixes, this book is concise and cuts to the heart of the matter, with suggestions for resources as well. I think that my favorite part of this book was how it encourages parents, children's ministry workers and volunteers to not shy away from tough topics, but teach about who God is and give our kids a solid foundation to build their own theology on.
Overall, a must-read for anyone working with children at church or at home. I found this book so encouraging, and before I was even finished I was recommending it to friends and talking over topics covered in the book. Now that I've finished it, I recommend it even more and want to read it again in the future!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 1, 2025
This is written in a down-to-earth tone so anyone can understand, and apply it to their life as a parent, children’s ministry teacher, and even Christians not working with kids. We need to work through sharing our faith, theology, and how God still works today through life application stories. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter, would make a good book study or as a curriculum to encourage & empower the adults. As if the lessons learned thru reading aren’t enough, the conversations will take the experience to the next level. This is a must read and apply.
January 25, 2025
This a great resource to help parents, grandparents, and other teachers help children learn about God. The authors emphasize the priority of focusing Bible lessons on knowing and glorifying God rather than over emphasizing personal applications.
I particularly appreciated the explanation of dangers related to simplifying Scripture for children. The authors advocate for “distilling” Scripture for young minds so the core content isn’t lost in the teaching-learning process.
The authors also include numerous resources for readers to consider exploring and implementing in their own teaching contexts.
I particularly appreciated the explanation of dangers related to simplifying Scripture for children. The authors advocate for “distilling” Scripture for young minds so the core content isn’t lost in the teaching-learning process.
The authors also include numerous resources for readers to consider exploring and implementing in their own teaching contexts.
January 10, 2025
How do you take a HUGE topic and make it bite-sized for young hearts?
The authors did a great job of taking Biblical Theology and making it assessable and shareable with our kids. They include practical examples from their own lives and ministries and show the reader how to apply it to their own.
I go to church with Pastor Sam Luce so I am familiar with his Biblical teachings as an adult. In this book, he takes his usual Sunday sermon message and makes it kid-friendly. I think if readers try to apply everything in here all at once they will be overwhelmed, but if you take one idea at a time and gently apply them, it makes it manageable and livable.
This book is suitable for family members and anyone that serves in a children's ministry at church or elsewhere.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
The authors did a great job of taking Biblical Theology and making it assessable and shareable with our kids. They include practical examples from their own lives and ministries and show the reader how to apply it to their own.
I go to church with Pastor Sam Luce so I am familiar with his Biblical teachings as an adult. In this book, he takes his usual Sunday sermon message and makes it kid-friendly. I think if readers try to apply everything in here all at once they will be overwhelmed, but if you take one idea at a time and gently apply them, it makes it manageable and livable.
This book is suitable for family members and anyone that serves in a children's ministry at church or elsewhere.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
May 8, 2025
In How to Teach Kids Theology, Sam Luce and Hunter Williams present a plan for providing deep truths for growing faith. The book begins by calling us not to present caricatures of Christ to our kids—but to relentlessly focus on giving them God and His glory. To present our children mature in Christ is the goal.
We must show that theology is practical, and that what we believe about God has real implications on how we live in and see the world. I was challenged to develop theological discernment in my kids by presenting objections to the truths we teach in church and showing a quick yet competent defense.
Declaration and Retention
I was warned not to fall into moralizing when preaching, focusing on behavior rather than the gospel. Not skipping the hard stories and showing the redemptive aspects of these stories are ways to go deeper and not just glean moral lessons.
This book champions different pathways for teaching kids theology, including Scripture memorization, creeds, catechisms, and hymns. I was encouraged to see declaration and retention as the primary means by which God’s people are to teach theology to the next generation.
Compelling and Christ-Exalting
The book ends by reminding us that discipleship cannot be outsourced. The church is a partner, while the primary means of discipleship takes place in the home. I was motivated to encourage, exemplify, and equip families in their growth toward God.
This is an incredibly important book for those who preach and teach to children. There is much to learn for those in children’s ministry as well as for the parents of the children. It offers a compelling and Christ-exalting vision for bringing up our children in the Lord.
I received a media copy of How to Teach Kids Theology and this is my honest review.
We must show that theology is practical, and that what we believe about God has real implications on how we live in and see the world. I was challenged to develop theological discernment in my kids by presenting objections to the truths we teach in church and showing a quick yet competent defense.
Declaration and Retention
I was warned not to fall into moralizing when preaching, focusing on behavior rather than the gospel. Not skipping the hard stories and showing the redemptive aspects of these stories are ways to go deeper and not just glean moral lessons.
This book champions different pathways for teaching kids theology, including Scripture memorization, creeds, catechisms, and hymns. I was encouraged to see declaration and retention as the primary means by which God’s people are to teach theology to the next generation.
Compelling and Christ-Exalting
The book ends by reminding us that discipleship cannot be outsourced. The church is a partner, while the primary means of discipleship takes place in the home. I was motivated to encourage, exemplify, and equip families in their growth toward God.
This is an incredibly important book for those who preach and teach to children. There is much to learn for those in children’s ministry as well as for the parents of the children. It offers a compelling and Christ-exalting vision for bringing up our children in the Lord.
I received a media copy of How to Teach Kids Theology and this is my honest review.
February 14, 2025
"We cannot teach kids kitty-cat theology and expect them to have lion-like resolve."
🎯 If you are a children's ministry worker or volunteer, this book is for you.
✉️ To the authors: Y'all packed this book with tons of foundational knowledge and guidance. Please write a "How to Teach YOUR Kids Theology".
🌱 Our kids do NOT need "simplified, watered-down language." Our kids' spiritual growth requires that what we teach reflects "the awe-inspiring, life-altering, heart-transforming greatness of God and the goodness of his gospel."
Takeaway points:
- guessing puts words in God's mouth
- an inconsistent faith is a dangerous faith
- if it's not Christ-centered then it's man-centered
- everyone is a theologian and a disciple maker
💭 I found this book very helpful and insightful. My TBR and resource list grew (this makes me giddy).
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Let me share a few for parents:
📒 Everything a Child Should Know About God by Kenneth Taylor
📒 The Ology by Marty Machowski
📒 Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware
📒 Christian Beliefs: Twenty Questions Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem
____________
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review .
With great Joy and Love,
Katie - MUD PIES WITH SPRINKLES
(Like my reviews follow along on IG or my newsletter at mudpieswithsprinkles.com)
🎯 If you are a children's ministry worker or volunteer, this book is for you.
✉️ To the authors: Y'all packed this book with tons of foundational knowledge and guidance. Please write a "How to Teach YOUR Kids Theology".
🌱 Our kids do NOT need "simplified, watered-down language." Our kids' spiritual growth requires that what we teach reflects "the awe-inspiring, life-altering, heart-transforming greatness of God and the goodness of his gospel."
Takeaway points:
- guessing puts words in God's mouth
- an inconsistent faith is a dangerous faith
- if it's not Christ-centered then it's man-centered
- everyone is a theologian and a disciple maker
💭 I found this book very helpful and insightful. My TBR and resource list grew (this makes me giddy).
⬇️⬇️⬇️
Let me share a few for parents:
📒 Everything a Child Should Know About God by Kenneth Taylor
📒 The Ology by Marty Machowski
📒 Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware
📒 Christian Beliefs: Twenty Questions Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem
____________
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review .
With great Joy and Love,
Katie - MUD PIES WITH SPRINKLES
(Like my reviews follow along on IG or my newsletter at mudpieswithsprinkles.com)
January 13, 2025
This is such an amazing tool. Not only does it clearly explain deeper theology truths but helps you to prepare to share it with kids. I have a college student who is studying Theology so I looked it over and so did he. We were impressed by the fact that the book doesn't want you to dumb down Theology for kids. We don't give kids enough credit. Important facets of our faith have deeper meanings and we should be teaching these to our kids. Our ultimate goal should be salvation, but our secondary goals should be deeper teachings. With these deeper teachings we can prepare kids to go out and also make disciples. This book will prepare you to present all of the important topics in the Bible and share it in a way that will deepen kids' faith. I thought it was easy to follow, well explained, and backed by the most important source-the Bible. I highly recommend it for anyone that has children in their lives.
April 18, 2025
In How to Teach Kids Theology, Sam Luce and Hunter Williams share practical ways to teach children about God. They explain what theology is and how to apply biblical truths to everyday life, helping to build a strong foundation of faith.
This guide is useful for Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, or anyone involved in children’s ministry. It includes tips on delivery, potential issues, well-designed teaching plans, and preparation sheets. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter encourage deeper exploration and understanding.
First Line: The question shot out like a rocket and filled our classroom with silence.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children’s Ministry
Authors: Sam Luce, Hunter Williams
Page Count: 208
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
This guide is useful for Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, or anyone involved in children’s ministry. It includes tips on delivery, potential issues, well-designed teaching plans, and preparation sheets. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter encourage deeper exploration and understanding.
First Line: The question shot out like a rocket and filled our classroom with silence.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children’s Ministry
Authors: Sam Luce, Hunter Williams
Page Count: 208
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
January 13, 2025
I found that How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith by Sam Luce and Hunter Williams to be a must have for families. It is full of commentary, scriptures, illustrations, and inspiration. I like that after each chapter, there are discussion questions for readers can answer. It gave me new tools to use to help teach my own children Biblical truths, principles, and theology. I thought it was a great guide and extremely useful.
I am going to give How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith five stars. I highly recommend it for parents and / or children youth paster and ministers.
I received a paperback copy of Luce and Williams' How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am going to give How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith five stars. I highly recommend it for parents and / or children youth paster and ministers.
I received a paperback copy of Luce and Williams' How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
February 24, 2025
I thought this was a good resource. Happy to recommend it to Sunday School teachers.
Chapter 3: Theological Fluency
Helpful thoughts on applying theology to all of life and thinking about worldview formation in teaching kids.
Chapter 5: Simplifying vs. Distilling Theology
This was a helpful differentiation between simplifying and distilling. We don't want to simplify the truth when the truth demands complexity. But we can distill the truth down to what must be communicated to the kids.
Chapter 3: Theological Fluency
Helpful thoughts on applying theology to all of life and thinking about worldview formation in teaching kids.
Chapter 5: Simplifying vs. Distilling Theology
This was a helpful differentiation between simplifying and distilling. We don't want to simplify the truth when the truth demands complexity. But we can distill the truth down to what must be communicated to the kids.
September 15, 2025
This is great for anyone in ministry as well as parents (who, whether they like it or not, are in kids ministry via parenthood). Discipling children shouldn't be taken lightly but doesn't have to be a daunting task. Show them Jesus, the real Jesus, every day. Luce and Williams do a good job of giving practical guidance on how exactly we can be showing our children Jesus. I'd love to make this book required reading for every kid ministry leader, although the ones I trust my children with most are already powerhouses in this department.
February 4, 2025
A nice encouragement and guide on how to make sure theology is present and taught in a good manner with any kid ministry. This book gives some broad principles to be used with teaching kids as well as gives space and examples to help think through how to apply these principles. I will most likely be gifting this book to our children's minister.
April 19, 2025
I asked my Pastor to pick this up whilst on a trip to America, because the delivery time was ridiculous to have it shipped to the UK, but in hindsight it would have been a worthwhile wait. So much treasure in such a short read. I picked up a lot that I will be implementing in our church kids work, and it also helped put meat on the bones of some of the stuff we already do.
December 20, 2025
Definitely a good read for a primer on the subject which I think was how it was intended with the plethora of additional readings were included. Definitely some areas I personally wanted deeper writing on but I think could be pursued through the recommended books/podcasts. Makes a very good case for catechisms for kids.
March 8, 2025
Helpful book with a good perspective on the "whys" and "hows" of teaching theology to children. It is addressed to teachers, leaders, and parents, which made some of its practical guidance a little confusing to think about applying, because of the different contexts.
January 29, 2025
Highly recommend for other children’s ministry leaders
February 19, 2025
Great resource for churches and families!
December 8, 2025
Very helpful and practical. Will definitely be revisiting.
August 22, 2025
Good stuff! I was reminded of some things I need to emphasize more in my work and I learned how to better carry out my goals in some areas :)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews