Offering the Gospel to Children [Paperback]

Gretchen Wolff Pritchard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 1992

Church education programs for children often substitute children’s Bibles for Holy Scripture and simple moralism for imagination. Gretchen Wolff Pritchard shows how to offer the gospel imaginatively to children, with practical ideas on children’s worship, liturgy, drama, pastoral care, and study of the Bible. The final chapter includes an exhaustive annotated bibliography of children’s books for the parish library, and resources for parents and teachers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Pritchard provides an encompassing vision for bringing our children up in the Gospel while refusing to substitute "simple moralism for imagination." (Deeper Walk )

Have you ever longed for a friend who had lots of experience, strong opinions (whether you agree with them or not), and an unswerving commitment to the Christian formation of children? Reading Gretchen Wolff Pritchard’s book is like adding just that kind of friend to one’s circle of Christian education colleagues. (Access Curriculum )

Gretchen Wolff Pritchard . . . writes with wit, sparkling prose, and an obvious love for children and a wealth of experience in celebrating with them. Pritchard challenges everyone who is engaged in religious education or children’s worship. (Church )

Gretchen Wolff Pritchard . . . has made another important contribution to the well-being of the church. (More Than Enough )

About the Author

GRETCHEN WOLFF PRITCHARD is the creator of The Sunday Paper, a series of materials for parish education and liturgy, and is a popular speaker and workshop leader in the areas of children’s spirituality, Christian education, and liturgy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 219 pages
• Publisher: Cowley Publications; 1st edition (January 5, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561010650
• ISBN-13: 978-1561010653
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #413,149 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Totally absorbing and full of great ideas!, March 13, 2002

By 

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

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Offering the Gospel to Children (Paperback)

After reading Amazon's "Look Inside" excerpts, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. I was not disappointed. Gretchen Wolff Pritchard has written a masterful work on what constitutes good Christian Formation for children -- and equally important, what does NOT. I was very surprised to discover that this book was actually published a decade ago, both because I'd never heard of it until recently, and because the tone and ideas are entirely fresh and applicable.

While those directly involved in planning and implementing ministry with children will find this most valuable, it is important reading for clergy and parents as well. In fact, there are many real life examples in this book of what happens all too frequently in the faith formation of children -- caused by clueless and/or uncommitted parents, and by clergy who are "too busy" to communicate with those leading programs for children.

As I read this book, one thing kept running through my mind: I've got to meet this woman! This book deserves at least six stars on a five-star scale.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for those who teach on Sunday!, July 18, 2001

By 

Helen E. Taylor (Los Fresnos, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Offering the Gospel to Children (Paperback)

Finally, a Christian educator who truly understands what it means to "let the children come..." Gretchen Pritchard has a remarkable grasp of what is important in developing spirituality in the lives of children. She offers a creative and forthright approach to the Gospels that is sure to capture children's minds and imaginations. Her writing is "down to earth" and enjoyable but offers a depth of possibilities that often is not found within subscribed sunday school curriculums. It is obvious from reading this book that the author understands the ability of children to assimilate the experience of literature and liturgy as they are given the freedom to form their faith through the fellowship of others in worship and work. Practical ideas are presented for telling the Gospel in which children can participate. This book should be a required reading for all who teach Sunday school or are involved with Christian education if we want our children sustained in a life with Christ and to have "an inquiring and discerning heart...the gift of joy and wonder in all God's works"

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for those who teach on Sunday!, July 18, 2001

By 

Helen E. Taylor (Los Fresnos, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Offering the Gospel to Children (Paperback)

Finally, a Christian educator who truly understands what it means to "let the children come..." Gretchen Pritchard has a remarkable grasp of what is important in developing spirituality in children. She offers a creative and forthright approach to the Gospel story that is sure to capture children's minds and imaginations. Her writing is "down to earth" and understandable but offers a depth of possibilities that often is not found in presribed sunday school curriculums. It is obvious from reading this book that the author understands the ability of children to assimilate the experience of literature and liturgy as they are given the freedom to form their faith through the fellowship of others in worship, in work, and in the world. Practical ideas are presented for telling the Gospel in which children can participate. This book should be required reading for all who teach Sunday school or are involved with Christian education if they want their children ""sustained in a life with Christ" and to have "an inquiring and diiscerning heart... the gift of joy and wonder in all God's works."