Customer Reviews

Offering the Gospel to Children

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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"

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."

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.