Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions: Why Children Should Be Your Church's #1 Priority (Hardcover)

by George Barna (Author) "They are more numerous than the entire Hispanic and African-American populations of the nation combined..." (more)
Key Phrases: transforming children into spiritual champions, effective churches, biblical worldview, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Sunday School (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
No one can deny that our culture is opposed to Christian values, and the influences bombarding our children's moral development can be deadly. But few parents and church leaders realize how critical it is to start developing a child's biblical worldview from the very earliest years of life. The problem is complex: parents who themselves did not receive early spiritual training leave their children's training to the church. Yet the church often focuses on older children-not realizing that a child's moral development is set by the age of nine. The answer is for churches to recognize the need to come alongside parents to provide them biblical worldview training, parenting information, counseling, etc., that will equip them to help their children become the spiritually matuare Church of tomorrow. Profiles presented of churches who are effectively ministering to children and winning the war our enemy is waging against them\. Research orientated books on childhood spiritual development. Raising Heaven Bound Kids in a Hell Bent World by Eastman Curtis / What Your Kids Need to Know About God and When by John Trent / Introducing the Spiritual Side of Parenting by Ron Clarkson / Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson

About the Author
George Barna is the founder and Directing Leader of the Barna Research Group Ltd., a marketing research firm located in Ventura, California. Since 1984, the company has provided research and assistance to thousands of churches, parachurch ministries, non-profit organization and for-profit businesses. An award-winning author of more than 30 books, his work includes best-sellers such as The Frog in the Kettle, User Friendly Churches, Evangelism That Works, and A Fish Out of Water.He lives with his wife, Nancy, and their daughters, Samantha and Corban, in Southern California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Regal (November 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830732934
• ISBN-13: 978-0830732937
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,615 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Works Well, October 28, 2004

By	Joseph Valentine Dworak "JVD" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a good solid book. Too many churches treat children's ministry like a babysitting service and an afterthought. I work at a school that provides MA in Children's and Family ministries and the many many students we have in the program are getting a graduate education in Children's & Family ministries. They are taking this seriuosly, their churches are taking it seriously, and so is George Barna in this book.

There are many stats to back up what he is saying and it is done in plain english. I appreciate the way Barna shares his research and does not seem so profit driven as other Christian writers from big publishing companies.

This, is a good book. Every elder in any church that cares should pick this up and give it a look before the church budgets are set for the following year. I highly recommend it. Joseph Dworak

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, well-reasoned challenge, May 26, 2004

By	Thomas J (Dallas) - See all my reviews

Barna is known for writing books based on superb research - and this one is no exception. Drawing from several national studies conducted among children, as well as others among families and church pastors, this book really challenged me to re-think my own assumptions and behavior regarding the importance of ministry to children. The book was helpful to me personally, not only by giving useful insights into why focusing on substantive ministry to children is so critical - he offers some very eye-opening information in that regard - but also providing specifics on how to reach kids more effectively. The last few chapters outline what churches can do to facilitate parents being more effective and how churches can assist parents rather than replace them. A disturbing book in some ways - the spiritual state of children, as described, is frightening - but a hugely helpful, practical and needed book. Every parent and every pastor should read this one!!!

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for parents and children's workers!, March 8, 2004

By	Timothy McCracken "tbbucs5528" (Pelham, AL United States) - See all my reviews

An excellent book that challenges, encourges parents and churches to partner together to mentor children from the earliest years of their lives. Barna admits that for years his focus, and the churches, has been focused on adults when 80% of decisions for Christ are made before the age of 13. A strong case for churches to rethink where their priorities should be in ministry.