Welcome to our MBI Children and Family Ministry Newsletter!
We seek to support Children and Family Ministry by providing free or inexpensive resources that inspire and educate faith in Jesus.
Reformation Day
History
On October 31st of 1517, Martin Luther forever changed history by posting his 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg’s Castle Church in Germany. Many Protestant believers celebrate this day now as a time of remembrance for Luther’s call to action and God’s faithfulness to protect scripture’s clear message of salvation through faith alone by grace alone in Christ alone according to the scriptures alone for the glory of God alone (5 Solas of the Reformation). As it says in Proverbs 15:2, “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.” With the wisdom of the reformers at our fingertips, children and families can learn and solidify their faith through the truth that has been explained and defended throughout the centuries. This allows children to understand that Christian truth has a historical depth that surpasses this cultural moment.
Who What Why by Danika Cooley
The Who What Why series of books by Danika Cooley discusses the reformation at a 4th-6th grade level. These books teach about Martin Luther and some of the critical factors that led to the Reformation’s start in age-appropriate ways, engaging the child’s mind and interest. It can be challenging to keep a child’s attention as they learn the history of the church and the Christian faith. These books, however, make the history of the Reformation accessible to children so they understand where their faith has come from and how the gospel has been preserved. If teaching Christian history to your children (the Reformation, the Gutenburg Bible, Martin Luther) is an aim for your family, then these books provide an opportunity not to be missed. If you are interested in purchasing these books, you can find links to purchase them Here.
Church History
Acts: A Visual Guide by Kevin DeYoung and Chris Ranson is exactly as it sounds in the title – a visually engaging journey from the apostle Luke’s New Testament writing, Acts, so as to aid in a richer understanding of it. As Reformation Day approaches, and we contemplate church history, there is no better place to start than in the book of Acts where the church’s story begins. This book’s age range is for elementary school students and older (ages 6+). The visual guide is best accompanied by an open Bible next to it so the child can both read the story and look into it at the same time. Teachers, parents, pastors, and small group leaders are able to use the visual guide either as curriculum or to enhance lessons taught from the book of Acts. Additionally, DeYoung and Ranson have made a website where a sample pdf of the visual aid, a video of an example of how to use the visual aid, and the sermons of Kevin DeYoung that the visual aid were inspired from are available. Go ahead and click Here for the website, and Here for the book!
“The Life And The Times Of Martin Luther”
Have you ever wondered how children ages 7 – 10 can understand the rich history of the Christian faith and thus gain an appreciation for the church, biblical truth, and how we worship God today? This daunting task may be accomplished when the book, “The Life And The Times Of Martin Luther”, is read. Written by Meike Roth-Beck, an author and editor for radio broadcasters and educational publishing houses, and an educator for the Protestant Church in Central Germany, this book can be understood by children from the age of seven on up. Throughout this book, children will find elegant and colorful illustrations that will help them visualize what the book is narrating and enjoy rich content about the 95 theses that Luther published. Luther’s theses were a steppingstone for the Christian Church as they lead into an explosive rediscovery of the gospel. Parents may use this book as an opportunity to create an inquisitive, curious home environment where looking into the church’s past builds a vision for faith to move forward. If you are interested in acquiring this resource, you may access it here.
