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Show Them Jesus: Teaching the Gospel to Kids
Millions of church kids are growing up and deciding to leave the church. They listened attentively in Sunday school, made friends, and seemed committed. But one day, they quit. What happened?
The Bible says we love God because he first loved us. So if we are not primarily teaching our kids about God’s love for us in Christ, we may miss our opportunity to capture their hearts. But what does it look like to teach a gospel-centered lesson?
Show Them Jesus is an instruction manual for teachers of kids and teens written by a lay Bible teacher with 30 years’ experience. With a simple framework and lots of real-life examples, Klumpenhower’s book helps teachers to identify and communicate the heart of the gospel to each child in each lesson.
Conventional wisdom says, “Make class more fun!” Or just, “Make it easier!” But Show Them Jesus challenges the culture of low-stakes, low-expectations teaching and invites teachers to do nothing less than teach and treasure the good news of Jesus in every lesson.
Show Them Jesus ’s how-to approach will complement and enrich existing lessons or teaching materials and is appropriate for teachers of children and teens in any setting.
The Bible says we love God because he first loved us. So if we are not primarily teaching our kids about God’s love for us in Christ, we may miss our opportunity to capture their hearts. But what does it look like to teach a gospel-centered lesson?
Show Them Jesus is an instruction manual for teachers of kids and teens written by a lay Bible teacher with 30 years’ experience. With a simple framework and lots of real-life examples, Klumpenhower’s book helps teachers to identify and communicate the heart of the gospel to each child in each lesson.
Conventional wisdom says, “Make class more fun!” Or just, “Make it easier!” But Show Them Jesus challenges the culture of low-stakes, low-expectations teaching and invites teachers to do nothing less than teach and treasure the good news of Jesus in every lesson.
Show Them Jesus ’s how-to approach will complement and enrich existing lessons or teaching materials and is appropriate for teachers of children and teens in any setting.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2014
430 people are currently reading
2319 people want to read
About the author
Jack Klumpenhower
7 books9 followersJack Klumpenhower is a Bible teacher and a children s ministry curriculum writer with more than thirty years of experience. He has created Bible lessons and taught children about Jesus at churches, camps, clubs, conferences, and Christian schools all over the world, including Serge conferences. Currently he is working on a middle-school gospel curriculum in conjunction with Serge staff. He lives with his wife and two children in Durango, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
September 17, 2017
I love this book! I could read it over and over and over. If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher or anyone who cares about helping kids understand the gospel, you need this book. If you don't have the blessing of regular contact with children, you still need this book! I grew up in the church and have believed the gospel as long as I can remember, but this book encouraged me in my walk with Christ, gave me a clearer view of the gospel, and deepened my faith more than any other book I've read this year, except the Bible. I've already given out copies to several of my adult children and plan to give more to friends.
July 9, 2022
Regardless of if you have children of your own, everyone can benefit from reading this book. It points to the centrality of the person and work of Jesus in every page of Scripture and offers thoughtful examples and questions to help anyone who studies the Bible recognize and rejoice at the gospel truths that are present throughout.
July 18, 2014
This is a fantastic book on teaching children the heart of the gospel. It might be the best I've ever read on the subject. We don't teach kids merely so they change their outer actions, but we aim to show them the gospel and bring them in awe of the person and work of Jesus from both the OT and NT. And our teaching goes beyond the content, but also extends to the atmosphere and our relation to them. If you are involved in teaching children or youth within the church, this is a must read.
November 18, 2017
Helping kids treasure Jesus is far more difficult than getting them to just modify their behavior. But it is so worth it.
Jack Klumpenhower gets to the heart of not just teaching kids the gospel but of believing it ourselves. Moving beyond “funning” kids into faith (or at least to church) and focusing on seeing Jesus as the God-man worth marveling at and following to the ends of the earth.
This book is far more than a practical, heart-level handbook for children’s ministry. It’s a book about the gospel, raising kids who love Jesus, and a life of treasuring Jesus above all else.
Jack Klumpenhower gets to the heart of not just teaching kids the gospel but of believing it ourselves. Moving beyond “funning” kids into faith (or at least to church) and focusing on seeing Jesus as the God-man worth marveling at and following to the ends of the earth.
This book is far more than a practical, heart-level handbook for children’s ministry. It’s a book about the gospel, raising kids who love Jesus, and a life of treasuring Jesus above all else.
January 9, 2024
Very helpful
March 17, 2023
The first audience are Sunday school teachers, but its treasures can hugely profit the parents, too.
I loved the humble tone, the examples (oh, the examples alone make the book worthwhile!), the importance of reading (and teaching) the Bible not as many moralistic pieces but as part of an overarching narrative, i loved how the author illustrated how the gospel message grows with us and translates into so many aspects in the children’s lives (I found myself stopping more often to point to the gospel in my every day talks with my children, and also found myself stopped more often in my drive to control behavior and instead nudged to reflect on how to approach their heart).
The book does a good job to underline the centrality of Jesus to which all of the Bible points to and to elevate the gospel message. I am still not sure it made as clear and as central the process of sanctification, the posture of genuine obedience and watchfulness, the taking of the cross and the following of Jesus - even though the author makes it clear that all these can only flow from a true understanding of the gospel. I wish he would have unwrapped it more.
I loved the humble tone, the examples (oh, the examples alone make the book worthwhile!), the importance of reading (and teaching) the Bible not as many moralistic pieces but as part of an overarching narrative, i loved how the author illustrated how the gospel message grows with us and translates into so many aspects in the children’s lives (I found myself stopping more often to point to the gospel in my every day talks with my children, and also found myself stopped more often in my drive to control behavior and instead nudged to reflect on how to approach their heart).
The book does a good job to underline the centrality of Jesus to which all of the Bible points to and to elevate the gospel message. I am still not sure it made as clear and as central the process of sanctification, the posture of genuine obedience and watchfulness, the taking of the cross and the following of Jesus - even though the author makes it clear that all these can only flow from a true understanding of the gospel. I wish he would have unwrapped it more.
January 22, 2021
UPDATE: Second read-through and not a moment's regret! I don't think I've ever read an entire nonfiction book twice in the span of half a year, but here we are. What's amazing is that so many of the habits and so much of the love this book awakened had already faded so much in such a short span of time. I'm grateful to have read it again; I think the second time through I absorbed more of his actual arguments and strategies because it wasn't AS much of an emotional rush. But I still had tears stinging my eyes sometimes for entire chapters!
______
I grew up a church kid, but as I started trying to explain the Gospel to my own kids, I came to the disconcerting realization that I felt like I didn't understand it well enough to explain it. At all.
My main problem was moralism: this never-dying feeling that I really do need to prove myself worthy or obey to get God's favor. Add to my own moralism the fact that most Christian children's literature is preaching moralism all the time: Share and get blessed. Be selfish and get a consequence. All part of the fabric of human life, sure, but NOT the Gospel.
So with my disconcerting feeling that I didn't quite understand the Gospel fully myself, and with so many books seemingly working against me too, how was I to show my kids that the Gospel was LIFE, was FREEDOM, was LOVE and JOY and PEACE, all the things "proving myself" can never give? How to show them that the Gospel was not just a worldview and not a self-improvement project wherein God becomes my accomplice at getting "the good life?" You guys, I had no idea how to make it attractive because I still didn't understand how scandalously great it is myself. Yes, even as a thirty-something who teaches children's ministry, reads her Bible, etc., etc. My human heart is hard-wired against receiving free grace.
So yes, this book is written for educators: parents, Sunday School teachers, and youth workers who want every tool available to make the Gospel attractive to the kids they teach. But *I* needed this book's emphasis on Christ's goodness. *I* needed his simple-enough-for-children-to-understand-yet-powerful-enough-to-save-any-hardhearted-human-soul teaching illustrations. Klumpenhower says kids need to be bombarded with the Gospel; *I* needed it pounded into my thick skull, too.
Now it's all I want to talk about. Seriously. I want to swing every conversation that way. The Gospel REALLY IS the life, joy, peace, freedom, and love that we so often sing about but can so infrequently miss out on with our constant efforts to save ourselves. I get it now! I love talking to my kids about it. I see the effects: Never before have our family Bible times ended with the 5yo saying, "Wow, God is SO KIND!" Never before has Mommy broken down crying for joy while explaining Ruth to her kids. I feel that, not completely but in a very real way, part of the dark mirror has been cleaned off a little more. What a glimpse of glory. I couldn't get enough. I grabbed this book in every spare few seconds to get another peek.
(All this being said... Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers and The Heart Of Christ have been huge in this process, too.)
So I'd recommend this book to ANYONE who has ever attended a Sunday School, to everyone who ever has breathed or will ever breathe near a child, to anyone who, like me, gets to her thirties and still has this sense that God must be disappointed somehow. The book is not flashy, but it will point you to something that will capture all your heart. This book showed ME Jesus.
______
I grew up a church kid, but as I started trying to explain the Gospel to my own kids, I came to the disconcerting realization that I felt like I didn't understand it well enough to explain it. At all.
My main problem was moralism: this never-dying feeling that I really do need to prove myself worthy or obey to get God's favor. Add to my own moralism the fact that most Christian children's literature is preaching moralism all the time: Share and get blessed. Be selfish and get a consequence. All part of the fabric of human life, sure, but NOT the Gospel.
So with my disconcerting feeling that I didn't quite understand the Gospel fully myself, and with so many books seemingly working against me too, how was I to show my kids that the Gospel was LIFE, was FREEDOM, was LOVE and JOY and PEACE, all the things "proving myself" can never give? How to show them that the Gospel was not just a worldview and not a self-improvement project wherein God becomes my accomplice at getting "the good life?" You guys, I had no idea how to make it attractive because I still didn't understand how scandalously great it is myself. Yes, even as a thirty-something who teaches children's ministry, reads her Bible, etc., etc. My human heart is hard-wired against receiving free grace.
So yes, this book is written for educators: parents, Sunday School teachers, and youth workers who want every tool available to make the Gospel attractive to the kids they teach. But *I* needed this book's emphasis on Christ's goodness. *I* needed his simple-enough-for-children-to-understand-yet-powerful-enough-to-save-any-hardhearted-human-soul teaching illustrations. Klumpenhower says kids need to be bombarded with the Gospel; *I* needed it pounded into my thick skull, too.
Now it's all I want to talk about. Seriously. I want to swing every conversation that way. The Gospel REALLY IS the life, joy, peace, freedom, and love that we so often sing about but can so infrequently miss out on with our constant efforts to save ourselves. I get it now! I love talking to my kids about it. I see the effects: Never before have our family Bible times ended with the 5yo saying, "Wow, God is SO KIND!" Never before has Mommy broken down crying for joy while explaining Ruth to her kids. I feel that, not completely but in a very real way, part of the dark mirror has been cleaned off a little more. What a glimpse of glory. I couldn't get enough. I grabbed this book in every spare few seconds to get another peek.
(All this being said... Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers and The Heart Of Christ have been huge in this process, too.)
So I'd recommend this book to ANYONE who has ever attended a Sunday School, to everyone who ever has breathed or will ever breathe near a child, to anyone who, like me, gets to her thirties and still has this sense that God must be disappointed somehow. The book is not flashy, but it will point you to something that will capture all your heart. This book showed ME Jesus.
June 12, 2024
This is such a great book! It’s easy to understand but also seemed profound in its perspective. We don’t want kids to merely obey, but to come to understand the grace, goodness, and love of Jesus Christ. I loved the practical examples and personal stories from the author. I also appreciated his honesty and reminder at the end that it starts first with our own hearts breathing in and living out the truths of the gospel. This book is for Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, parents, and really anyone who works with kids! I highly recommend! (I listened to the audiobook)
August 16, 2024
This book is a must read for any Sunday school teacher, camp counselor, or parent. Essentially anyone who might at some point is teaching the Bible. The author gives clear examples of how to teach Jesus throughout all of scripture making him the focus even when it might seem difficult or “out of place.” I also loved his humility and vulnerability. A lot of his examples weren’t “here’s how I did this perfectly” but instead “here’s how I really missed the mark on this lesson and what you can do that would be better.” It’s a good reminder of yes the weight of our teaching but also the grace God gives when we don’t teach a perfect lesson time to time.
August 14, 2024
Slightly repetitive at times, but true, honest and helpful nonetheless.
December 30, 2021
Super helpful book on teaching the gospel to kids. Geared toward Sunday School teachers, youth leaders and parents, but helpful to all who interact with kids regularly. Very practical and answers most any objections you’d have to teaching in this way (gospel centered, grace-forward).
March 4, 2018
Favorite quotes:
We know the kids we’re with have changes they need to make in their Christian lives, but often we don’t know what to say beyond “stop doing that” or “God wants you to do this.” At such a moment the issue is not what those kids should do--it’s how to reach their hearts. They need to rest in Jesus until they have such joy over his beauty and what he’s done for them that it spills out into the way they live. It sounds hokey, but our goal must be to build love for God.
The good-news teacher skillfully steers a kid’s heart by showing the breathtaking beauty of Jesus. Only Jesus can capture hearts that are bound to the approval of friends or the fun of video games. Only He is more worthy of their love.
A good-behavior kid is still seeking love and approval. A good-news kid knows he’s already loved forever by his heavenly Father, and actually behaves better.
We know the kids we’re with have changes they need to make in their Christian lives, but often we don’t know what to say beyond “stop doing that” or “God wants you to do this.” At such a moment the issue is not what those kids should do--it’s how to reach their hearts. They need to rest in Jesus until they have such joy over his beauty and what he’s done for them that it spills out into the way they live. It sounds hokey, but our goal must be to build love for God.
The good-news teacher skillfully steers a kid’s heart by showing the breathtaking beauty of Jesus. Only Jesus can capture hearts that are bound to the approval of friends or the fun of video games. Only He is more worthy of their love.
A good-behavior kid is still seeking love and approval. A good-news kid knows he’s already loved forever by his heavenly Father, and actually behaves better.
October 15, 2024
My thought progression as I read.
“These are good points. I can definitely see how there can be too much moralism in Sunday School teaching.”
“‘Focus on Jesus and the Gospel.’ Where have I heard that before? That sounds great on paper, but how does that actually play out in real life?”
“Ok, cool, some good illustrations of when it works out. But really? I bet it’s not always so picture perfect. But no one talks about all the times when it doesn’t work.”
“Wow… Negative personal illustrations? You don’t hear that very often.”
“Addressing and recognizing objections? Wow. Usually people just dismiss or ignore objections.”
“So good… ”
I started off a little skeptical. Not trying to be, but it’s easy to say “Let’s emphasize Jesus and gospel more!” How could anyone disagree with that? It’s easy to write a book that is idealistic and presents your method as flawless. If it doesn’t work for you, that means you aren't doing it right. But that is not what I found here. This book takes a serious and evaluative look at the current typical model teaching the Bible to children. “Is this really how we should be teaching the Bible?” It then highlights some serious dangers and pitfalls that are easy to fall into with the current model, and proposes a way that we can do a better job at making the main point, the main point.
That’s all well and good, but what makes this book stand out is the humble and realistic approach. It recognizes that it will not always work out perfectly. The author shares stories of times when things didn’t go the way he would have liked. How he has failed and regrets he has. He recognizes that this is no silver bullet. However, he shows clearly how this is a much more Biblical approach to teaching the Bible than the current popular alternative.
“These are good points. I can definitely see how there can be too much moralism in Sunday School teaching.”
“‘Focus on Jesus and the Gospel.’ Where have I heard that before? That sounds great on paper, but how does that actually play out in real life?”
“Ok, cool, some good illustrations of when it works out. But really? I bet it’s not always so picture perfect. But no one talks about all the times when it doesn’t work.”
“Wow… Negative personal illustrations? You don’t hear that very often.”
“Addressing and recognizing objections? Wow. Usually people just dismiss or ignore objections.”
“So good… ”
I started off a little skeptical. Not trying to be, but it’s easy to say “Let’s emphasize Jesus and gospel more!” How could anyone disagree with that? It’s easy to write a book that is idealistic and presents your method as flawless. If it doesn’t work for you, that means you aren't doing it right. But that is not what I found here. This book takes a serious and evaluative look at the current typical model teaching the Bible to children. “Is this really how we should be teaching the Bible?” It then highlights some serious dangers and pitfalls that are easy to fall into with the current model, and proposes a way that we can do a better job at making the main point, the main point.
That’s all well and good, but what makes this book stand out is the humble and realistic approach. It recognizes that it will not always work out perfectly. The author shares stories of times when things didn’t go the way he would have liked. How he has failed and regrets he has. He recognizes that this is no silver bullet. However, he shows clearly how this is a much more Biblical approach to teaching the Bible than the current popular alternative.
December 25, 2019
The BEST book I've read on teaching the Gospel to others... whether you are a Sunday school teacher like I am or a parent or even just a Christian wanting to be more effective at explaining the gospel to others - this is the book for you.
One of my favorite parts of this book is how to focus on who Jesus is - his works and Him as a person so that we might come to a more fuller realization on who He is and that we might love Him more. I truly believe that this is the secret ingredient. Often times I feel like the gospel feels so flat to us because we simply focus over and over on the fact that we have eternal life through Jesus. Yes that is so very true - but sometimes our hearts fail to overflow out of appreciation and love for who He is. This book helps us to show others how to fully appreciate Jesus.
I loved this book so much that I'm adding it directly to my 2020 Reading list! (it was a part of my 2019 Reading list and I'm so glad that it was!!)
One of my favorite parts of this book is how to focus on who Jesus is - his works and Him as a person so that we might come to a more fuller realization on who He is and that we might love Him more. I truly believe that this is the secret ingredient. Often times I feel like the gospel feels so flat to us because we simply focus over and over on the fact that we have eternal life through Jesus. Yes that is so very true - but sometimes our hearts fail to overflow out of appreciation and love for who He is. This book helps us to show others how to fully appreciate Jesus.
I loved this book so much that I'm adding it directly to my 2020 Reading list! (it was a part of my 2019 Reading list and I'm so glad that it was!!)
May 16, 2022
4.5 stars. This was a great book on teaching the gospel to kids. The author predominantly taught fourth grade so much of his material was more directed at that age than anything else. It's a book I'll keep on the shelf to reference as my kids get older.
In the meantime, I found this book to challenge my own opinions and beliefs on Christianity. I say I believe in a grace-giving Savior but my actions show that I believe in a works-requiring God. It was interesting for me to realize that much of what I do each day would imply that I think God needs me to do things in order for Him to love me. That I need to show off or perform for His love. Klumpenhower challenged me on that throughout this book and, for that, I am grateful.
In the meantime, I found this book to challenge my own opinions and beliefs on Christianity. I say I believe in a grace-giving Savior but my actions show that I believe in a works-requiring God. It was interesting for me to realize that much of what I do each day would imply that I think God needs me to do things in order for Him to love me. That I need to show off or perform for His love. Klumpenhower challenged me on that throughout this book and, for that, I am grateful.
February 4, 2023
Maybe the best book I read on teaching in Sunday school. The author's passion for the Gospel of Christ is contagious. I hoped this book would help me impact my students, instead I was myself impacted and transformed by the truth I was reminded of in these pages.
The author's purpose is to convince the teachers, parents or youth leaders that everything we teach from the Bible is incomplete without Jesus. Actually the whole Bible speaks of Jesus and we are also taught in this book how to correlate each Bible passage to the Good News.
The author does a great job convincing us how everyone needs the Gospel, and how everything we do or teach must gravitate around the Good News.
The sections with possible objections that might arise followed by the author's clarifications were really useful.
I loved it and will definitely re-read + apply, with God's grace.
The author's purpose is to convince the teachers, parents or youth leaders that everything we teach from the Bible is incomplete without Jesus. Actually the whole Bible speaks of Jesus and we are also taught in this book how to correlate each Bible passage to the Good News.
The author does a great job convincing us how everyone needs the Gospel, and how everything we do or teach must gravitate around the Good News.
The sections with possible objections that might arise followed by the author's clarifications were really useful.
I loved it and will definitely re-read + apply, with God's grace.
March 22, 2024
I loved this book! It’s easy to read and every chapter ends with practical application for parents and teachers of children and youth.
It’s all about Jesus! Understanding the narrative of the Bible, understanding how to teach and model the Gospel, and understanding how we are always pointing children to Jesus.
It’s all about Jesus! Understanding the narrative of the Bible, understanding how to teach and model the Gospel, and understanding how we are always pointing children to Jesus.
April 19, 2022
Wow! What an amazing book! I have learned so much about the Bible and the good news of Jesus from reading this book. If you are a Sunday School teacher or you work with children at your church, I would highly recommend reading this book! It’s an easy read and it’s full of amazing spiritual truths!
February 4, 2020
This is one worth coming back to again and again. Wonderful material
April 30, 2019
This book took me longer than normal to read. I’ve read experts and chapters out of context as both a parent and children’s ministry worker. However, I finally sat down to tackle the whole book. I found I really needed to savor the chapters and practice them before moving on to the next points, a sign of a thought provoking a thorough read! It was truly excellent. The author uses specific real world examples to explain what it should like to teach Jesus and the good news of the cross. And he also uses examples that nearly every parent or teacher can relate to, that reveal certain failures in showing Jesus or the good news. A book that combats moralism at its root, not just in the classroom but in our own hearts is a scary read. Unprepared teachers would sweat as they realize their failures to connect Jesus to segmented stories, while “praised parents” or beloved teachers sweat as they read how their merits do not earn them extra grace or special love from God. The author answers questions for the skeptics, and provides steps for implementing in the readers’ own sphere of influence. With a topic so weighty (teaching children to treasure Jesus and love God above all else) this book has huge potential to make its readers feel discouraged or even condemned in their failures as parents or teachers. However, I walked away feeling encouraged, not just as a parent or teacher, but as a christian! As we teach Jesus, His beauty, His promises, and rest SOLELY in what he’s done (not what we have done-a theme of this book) we can have confidence that our failures do not define us, nor do our successes: only Jesus. With a theme such as that, how could this book be any less than five stars?
March 5, 2016
Great book. Every parent, teacher, pastor, elder, leader (fill in the blank) of any age should read this book. Gospel, grace, hermeneutics, study tips, teaching tips, etc fill the pages of this book.
I actually found myself worshipping the Lord while reading it. Please, get this book and read it. Then buy copies for others.
I actually found myself worshipping the Lord while reading it. Please, get this book and read it. Then buy copies for others.
December 7, 2017
This is a truly wonderful book that has shone a light into so many areas of my life. While the book advertises helping us to show Jesus to children it does so much more. Get ready to be shown Jesus.
October 24, 2024
“Without constant revival from the good news, kids—and adults—start trying to obey God under their own strength and willpower. The good news was never meant to be background. It's foreground—THE source we look to for the power to do everything else.”
Honestly so good. Practical & helpful. Great resource for anyone trying to disciple kids. I was reminded to keep the main thing (the Gospel) the main thing. It was also just encouraging on a personal level. The Gospel is amazing.
A lot of this felt pretty straightforward and what I was expecting, but some of it was actually really profound. This quote, in particular, in his chapter about positive reinforcement, left me really thinking:
“A classroom culture built on rewards for performance wouldn’t fit the good news I planned to teach. It wouldn’t do to teach that God’s rewards in salvation come freely, by grace, but that rewards in the church come by being good and memorizing verses. Nor would it work to teach that God values faith over superior churchy behavior, and then give prizes to kids who excel in churchy behavior. I couldn’t say that Jesus is better than absolutely anything else, but reward what kids learned about him with a slip of paper redeemable for candy.”
I am still processing the book, but I am certainly re-considering some things in the context of teaching in Sunday school and public school settings: What does rewarding positive behavior communicate to kids about the Gospel? What does making church (or even school) “fun” as a way to draw them in communicate about the Gospel? Am I really preaching the Gospel of Jesus or the Gospel of Good Behavior?
Really just a great resource. I was very impressed! If you work with kids, I would highly recommend.
Honestly so good. Practical & helpful. Great resource for anyone trying to disciple kids. I was reminded to keep the main thing (the Gospel) the main thing. It was also just encouraging on a personal level. The Gospel is amazing.
A lot of this felt pretty straightforward and what I was expecting, but some of it was actually really profound. This quote, in particular, in his chapter about positive reinforcement, left me really thinking:
“A classroom culture built on rewards for performance wouldn’t fit the good news I planned to teach. It wouldn’t do to teach that God’s rewards in salvation come freely, by grace, but that rewards in the church come by being good and memorizing verses. Nor would it work to teach that God values faith over superior churchy behavior, and then give prizes to kids who excel in churchy behavior. I couldn’t say that Jesus is better than absolutely anything else, but reward what kids learned about him with a slip of paper redeemable for candy.”
I am still processing the book, but I am certainly re-considering some things in the context of teaching in Sunday school and public school settings: What does rewarding positive behavior communicate to kids about the Gospel? What does making church (or even school) “fun” as a way to draw them in communicate about the Gospel? Am I really preaching the Gospel of Jesus or the Gospel of Good Behavior?
Really just a great resource. I was very impressed! If you work with kids, I would highly recommend.
September 18, 2018
This book.
It changed the way I think about what Jesus actually did on the cross.
It changed the way I view salvation.
It changed the way I see grace.
It changed the way I see the gospel, for what it REALLY is.
It changed the way I approach teaching children about these things.
The truths in this book- pulled straight from the word of God- are targeted at teachers of children and youth leaders, as well as parents who want to teach their children about living for God. But the moral principles that Klumpenhower presents in this 'relentlessly moralistic' book are for everyone.
The real and powerful truths in this book are a must for EVERY single believer to understand about their relationship with God.
I recommend this book. No matter who you are, whether you usually teach kids or not, whether you PLAN on teaching kids, if you ever plan on HAVING kids, this book is an absolute must read.
-Amaris
It changed the way I think about what Jesus actually did on the cross.
It changed the way I view salvation.
It changed the way I see grace.
It changed the way I see the gospel, for what it REALLY is.
It changed the way I approach teaching children about these things.
The truths in this book- pulled straight from the word of God- are targeted at teachers of children and youth leaders, as well as parents who want to teach their children about living for God. But the moral principles that Klumpenhower presents in this 'relentlessly moralistic' book are for everyone.
The real and powerful truths in this book are a must for EVERY single believer to understand about their relationship with God.
I recommend this book. No matter who you are, whether you usually teach kids or not, whether you PLAN on teaching kids, if you ever plan on HAVING kids, this book is an absolute must read.
-Amaris
June 21, 2022
Probably the best book I’ve ever read on how to teach kids about Jesus and faith. Good for anyone who has interactions with kids (it’s written by a Sunday school teacher)…but it has extremely practical and actionable steps on how to teach kids. It also is great for simply teaching yourself. Something I’ve been thinking about lately is most of faith that is taught is actually disguised as works and all the things we need to do for God (even those teaching usually firmly believe in salvation through faith alone and claim to not believe in a works based or legalistic salvation)…and nothing could be further from the truth; we cannot do anything for God. Highly recommend for anyone who is a parent or has lots of interaction with kids…or just for the people who want to learn more about what real faith, salvation, security, and rest in Jesus looks like.
October 20, 2022
Excellent book! So much of what I read is from a parenting perspective and although that's included in this book, the main target audience is anyone who influences or teaches kids. My soul was refreshed by his humility, passion for Christ and big view of God's grace. It left me more aware of my faults and failures but excited about how God can work through those to touch the hearts of those around me. Now I just need to put some of those points in practice as I prep my teaching material and spend time with my kids.
April 27, 2023
Incredible. It’s intellectually instructive, it stirs the emotions, and it’s extremely practical. It takes aim at the head, the heart, AND the hands! It’s not just for people who teach kids either. Anyone involved in teaching the Bible at any level in any setting needs to read this book. It makes me excited to teach!
October 16, 2017
This was a very encouraging book, not because it taught me how I can better do my job as a parent, uncle, or teacher (which it did), but it helped me see more clearly how amazing Jesus truly is.
There are a handful of these kinds of books that I would make mandatory reading along side of seminary studies. This is one, Jesus Storybook Bible is another one.
There are a handful of these kinds of books that I would make mandatory reading along side of seminary studies. This is one, Jesus Storybook Bible is another one.
September 27, 2018
Really helpful book. Chuck full of great insight on teaching kids. The best part of the book is the way Jack is able to keep it about the gospel the whole time. I’ve never read a book on teaching that ministered to me personally as much as this book did.
July 1, 2024
Re-read for me but just love this book so much! A must for volunteers who interact with kiddos in a ministry setting, parent, or just ANYONE who wants a deeper understanding on what the gospel really is and how it can change a child’s (or our) life and eternity.
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