Day Four - God's Big, Big Church
Over 60% of U.S. 18–29-year-olds who grew up in church told Barna Group they have withdrawn from church involvement as adults after being active as children or teens. This statistic saddens us as it reiterates what we see in our churches today. Our kids are struggling to see the church’s value and its role in their growth in Christ.
The message of today’s book helps to change this issue. It’s the first book I’ve encountered that helps very young kids think deeply about what is “church” and what’s involved in going to church. Church isn’t merely a place we go to but is a community of people united in Christ. I also love that the authors did not stop at tackling “what is church” but continued to emphasize that the community of people in Christ can look very different depending on where you are in the World. It cleverly reiterates the truth that despite our differences in what we may do at church, we are all still a part of God’s big, big church.
What Our Kids Thought
My toddlers really enjoyed learning about different ways of “doing church.” They asked a lot of questions about the images in the book and the characters’ practices. This book is a fantastic tool for sparking engaging discussions with very young kids about this crucial aspect of our Christian identity. The authors, being from B&H Kids, have also included a Parent Connection to facilitate these discussions.
Summary
This book, in a hardcover board book format, is perfect for babies and toddlers. With a reading age of 1 – 5 years old, it’s designed to withstand the wear and tear of young readers. The vibrant colors and rich, diverse imagery make it a visual delight for children, ensuring an enjoyable reading experience.
You can purchase God’s Big Big Church for local pickup in Plover, WI, at our online store at littlediscoveriescenter.com. Reach out to us on our contage page with any questions.