A tool for teaching children about faith at an early age
Being a parent is hard. You keep your child safe. You send him to the right schools. You make sure she eats healthy foods. You make sure your child feels loved. The list goes on and on. But what do you do to ensure your child has a strong Christian faith?
“I think a lot of young parents don’t feel comfortable initiating faith-based conversations with their kids,” commented Linda Green, director of children’s ministry at First Christian Church in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Linda served as a public school teacher for 32 years before retiring to take care of her grandchildren and becoming more involved in children’s ministry at her church. While making the transition into her new responsibilities at church, Linda did some research about children’s faith. She realized that a large part of her job needed to focus on teaching parents how to spiritually train their children.
“I think parents feel inadequate in their biblical knowledge,” said Linda, “but they love God and want their kids to as well. Conversation is probably the most effective tool for that.”
To help Linda and other parents or grandparents in starting a faith-based conversation with children, CTA has created the book A Love Soooo BIG It’s Amazing. < LINK TO: http://www.ctainc.com/store/Valentine_s_Day___God_s_AMAZEing_Love___A_Love_Soooo_BIG_It_s_Amazing_Softcover_Book___ALAXSCTS?Args=newsletter> The book uses facts about the length of the Nile River, the width of the Earth, the depth of the ocean, and other examples as a way to demonstrate in concrete terms how much God loves each of us.
Linda raved about the book, saying, “This little book gives parents a way to tell their kids that Jesus loves them. Plus, they can use facts about their world to give the children examples. Those facts can lead the parents into talking about God’s creation. The book can really give parents the confidence they need to take a bigger step in that faith-based conversation. The text is written like kids talk, which makes it very kid-appealing, too. I see this book as being a favorite for both kids and parents.”
Since she babysits her grandchildren during the day, Linda knows just exactly how she can put the book into use. “I will read it to my three-year-old grandchild,” she said. “I have a world map ready for showing her the Nile River. She may be too young for that, but she knows the other references in the book like a football field and the stars in the sky. I think she’s ready to start learning in her faith.”
Linda also ordered over 100 copies to give to friends and to use with the children at her church. Wouldn’t you like to surprise the kids you’re discipling with their own copy of A Love So Big It’s Amazing? < LINK TO: http://www.ctainc.com/store/Valentine_s_Day___God_s_AMAZEing_Love___A_Love_Soooo_BIG_It_s_Amazing_Softcover_Book___ALAXSCTS?Args=newsletter >
Editor’s note: A Love So Big . . . < LINK TO: http://www.ctainc.com/store/Valentine_s_Day___God_s_AMAZEing_Love___A_Love_Soooo_BIG_It_s_Amazing_Softcover_Book___ALAXSCTS?Args=newsletter > is perfect for use at this year’s Valentine’s Party. Read it to your students and give everyone a copy to take home. Remember, Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday this year! CTA offers a number of new, fun Valentine’s items. < LINK TO: http://www.ctainc.com/store/Valentine_s_Day?Args=&page_number=1 > Sunday school teachers, Bible club leaders, and others who work with children will want to check them out! Don’t miss the free party guide < LINK TO: http://www.ctainc.com/store/article/524?Args=newsletter >—we’ve done most of your planning for you!
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