Children and the Gospel: Excellence in Ministry with Children and Their Families Buckland, Ron

Ron Buckland challenges churches to stop treating children's ministry as babysitting and start seeing it as foundational spiritual formation. This isn't a craft activity manual — it's a theological and practical guide for anyone working with kids in a church context. Buckland argues that children are full participants in the gospel story, not mini-adults waiting to happen. He covers everything from understanding child development to building multi-generational worship, training volunteers, and equipping parents to lead spiritually at home. Written from years of hands-on ministry experience, it's direct, honest about what's broken in most children's programs, and full of actionable ideas. For pastors, children's workers, and parents who want kids to encounter God, not just color-in Bible worksheets.