One Generation from Extinction: How the church connects with the unchurched child

by Mark Griffiths

When Robert Raikes started his first Sunday School in 1780, he saw his idea grow to reach 300,000 unchurched children within five years - this in a nation widely ignorant of Christian ideas and values. Mark Griffiths has used Raikes' pioneering work in examining child evangelism in the UK. Working from extensive local and national research (leading to a PhD), he considers how children 'tick', what basic theology is at work in Christian outreach, and what constitutes best practice in child evangelism. His text is studded with insights and observations, and brings together the author's passion for his subject with the rigour of careful research. This is an unparalleled resource, laying the foundations of future growth.

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

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Reviews

[Mark Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little odd giving this five stars since I wrote it, but it did take me five years and I do like it!

[Sem]

A very good book. I've learnt so much from it; I have a much better understanding of Christianity in the lives of children.
Even if the book is about UK, and my Romanian context is quite different, I have been able to grasp the whole picture of Evangelism and our role in the life of children...

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the major UK Children's Outreach Projects and compares them with the principles and practice of the original Sunday School movement founded by Robert Raikes in the 18th century. It's an excellent piece of work from a skilled and intelligent practitioner. He provides a firm basis for a serious critique of the narrow conversionist approach so prevalent in evangelical outreach projects with children, whilst affirming the evident passion and commitment to reach children with the Christian gospel. It's an inspiring challenge to all churches and ministers to bring fresh energy and hope for reaching children in families who are not part of the church already. So many churches focus their children's work on the children of church families whilst the crying need in the 21st century as in the 18th is for the church to connect with children in the community.

[Roger Welch]

Some good material on projects, Raikes and other issues - poor conversion theology dominates the latter parts.