Following Jesus: More about Young Children and Worship [Paperback]

Sonja M. Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2000

This sequel to Young Children and Worship provides another educational resource for children. Sonja Stewart's method and approach are the same as in her earlier book. She provides careful and clear instructions for teachers on creating and using the children's worship center, a unique worship environment in which children are introduced to the meaning of worship through biblical stories and parables.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sonja M. Stewart was Professor Emerita of Christian Education at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Geneva Press (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664501230
• ISBN-13: 978-0664501235
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #197,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Some great ideas, if you can edit., February 27, 2002

By 

B. FILBERT (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Following Jesus: More about Young Children and Worship (Paperback)

I was very excited to hear that Sonja Stewart had published a follow-up to "Young Children and Worship." However, in actually looking through the book when I received it, I was disappointed to see that a certain amount of "Political Correctness" has been introduced, as well as some other elements that distract from the original Gospel accounts. Many of the stories have had a boy and girl added to the cast of characters. While I think I understand Ms. Stewart's intent (to draw young children into the stories in a "you are there" manner), I feel that it is actually a distraction. In some lessons there are more than twenty little wooden people to move around, which is difficult for the storyteller and confusing for the children. And some of the wondering questions, in particular, are hopelessly like something a school counselor leading a group discussion would come up with: (from the lesson entitled "Jesus' Trial") "I wonder why they want to kill Jesus just because they do not agree with him? I wonder how they could have settled their differences besides wanting to hurt or kill? I wonder what other ways Judas could have handled his guilt and sadness besides killing himself? I wonder how Judas could have been helped not to kill himself?" Perhaps I underestimate the wisdom of very young children, but I truly do not think they are yet ready to wrestle with the dynamics of first-century Jewish religious thought or the reasons why someone would end their own life.

Nevertheless, there are some excellent resources in this book, in particular the templates and instructions for making the materials. I just cannot imagine using this book "as is."

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Follow-up!, August 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Following Jesus: More about Young Children and Worship (Paperback)

This book contains stories from the New Testament that complements the original stories in Young Children in Worship. We converted our "children's church" to Godly Play about 4 years ago and these stories add a bit more spice to the original set. The previous book had a summer built in and these help to go through a year long program. Both of these books have been an invaluable resource. They give you every detail you need to complete and present each story. It has been such a blessing to our church and the spiritual growth of the children..

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Wonderful Bible Stories to Share with Children, August 19, 2001

By 

Evelyn M. Sykes (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Following Jesus: More about Young Children and Worship (Paperback)

This is an excellent follow-through to Young Children and Worship. Sonja Stewart continues to build on what was in the original book, and also Godly Play by Jerome Berryman.

This book contains 34 stories from the New Testament about Jesus' life, and also about how some of his Disciples teach us to follow Him too.

Not only does it offer the "words" to use in the presentation of the Biblical stories, but it also provides patterns and instructions for anyone interested in sharing these wonderful stories with children (primarily 3 through 7 or 8 or so).

Note that these stories can also apply to children of God of all ages! The children (or older participants) learn in a multi-sensory way - not only by hearing or seeing, but by being able to participate in the stories and respond to them.

Within the past year, I assumed responsibility for the Childrens' Worship ministry at my Church, and these books have been an invaluable resource. We have also presented these stories in nursing homes with wonderful responses.