Children In The Way?

The first years of a child's life are critical. During this pivotal time children have a powerful curiosity and exuberance for learning, and make strong connections through their experiences. This is also when a child's attitudes, values, and perceptions are formed: Do I belong here? Am I good enough?

In recent years, education researchers have developed a much deeper understanding of how children learn. While early learning teachers and schools constantly review their approach, churches frequently employ antiquated practices. Many churches alienate children because their teaching methods don't meet children’s needs and because churches don’t realize that some of the strongest messages are hidden. At worst, we are inoculating our children against church.

Children in the Way? challenges churches in their ministry to children, informs children's workers about the latest research, and provides practical ideas. The authors provide a two-year program and suggest dozens of ways of providing relevant experiences and developing children’s creativity so that children's encounters with church are positive and enriching.