Kids Ministry that Nourishes: Three Essential Nutrients of a Healthy Kids Ministry

by Jana Magruder

Does your Kids Ministry provide the nourishment needed for children and families to thrive in the gospel?  Much like healthy food is necessary for growth and sustenance, so is the biblical nutrition we serve to our young ones. Just as He said to Peter, Jesus commands us to “feed my lambs.” This means more than crackers and juice, attractional programming, and fun activities. All of these things can be part of Kids Ministry, but should not be the heart of it.  Kids Ministry that Nourishes  will help guide preschool, children, and preteen leaders in churches of all shapes and sizes to champion a ministry philosophy based on three essential nutrients. Author Jana Magruder shows how these are the nutrients that help Kids Ministries provide the nourishment needed for children and families to thrive in the gospel.

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2016

Reviews

[Anna Grace Paulovkin]

A short and sweet guide about how to have the greatest impact when serving/leading in the kids ministry of a church. It is all about going after heart transformation over behavior change, as well as presenting the gospel on a regular basis to the kids. I also liked the encouragement of caring for the parents of the kids you are serving as well.

“Leadership in your ministry often happens when no one is looking and this is precisely the servant leadership that must be modeled in order to implement a kingdom expanding ministry.”

“When our kids shine the light of Christ, darkness cannot help but disappear."

[Tanya Shearin]

Short and easy to read with real life anecdotes from author's own ministry experience, Kids Ministry that Nourishes is a great handbook detailing the "Three Essential Nutrients of a Healthy Kids Ministry." This was not only enjoyable to read, but applicable as well. Succinct, it went right to the point of what is crucial for children's ministry, from building the foundation to looking to the desired outcome. A must read for all in children's ministry. Great resources for additional reading and use in ministry are included as well.

[Jenna Hanna]

Really enjoyed this book as a good focusing tool. Amidst the details, the hustle and bustle of running a program or teaching a class, the managing volunteers, and navigating red tape around making changes, we are here to see children know and love the Lord. We are here to equip families to point their children to Him. We aren’t the Savior, but we know Him! I appreciate that there were examples in this book while leaving the concepts open to be implemented in each church context to fit their church.

[Natasha]

This is a great little book for setting a big picture vision for your church's Kids Ministry with your volunteers. The chapters are short so they're easy to go through each week and the questions at the end facilitate good conversations for team building. I would definitely recommend this resource.

[Jason Hoke]

It's ok, just gives Lifeway's philosophy of children's ministry.

[Eric Ortscheid]

Book is a quick read. It is a very well-written and well thought out introduction to children's ministry.

[Ross Rohrbough]

Short, insightful, and practical!

[Lindsay Tucker Smith]

Both a theological and practical read that all kids ministers should take time to digest. Magruder is insistent on keeping the main thing the main thing - and that's the Gospel!

[Jason McNair]

Chapter 3 relating to Spurgeon's passion for kids ministry is my favorite chapter

[Holly Minton]

This was a great book and may change your perspective on how your kids ministry is set up. I enjoyed the read and got a few ideas on how to shake things up a bit.

[Jared]

Kingdom advancing, heart transforming, culture shaping—essential nutrients of children’s ministry. Jana Magruder is a wise leader, and her wisdom shines in this quick read.