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Children of God Storybook Bible: A Review

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Children of God Storybook Bible is one of so many children’s Bibles. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the variety and unsure which is best for your bookshelf. So, here at ICM, we’ve compiled our thoughts in this blog series where we’ll be reviewing some of today’s most popular children’s Bibles. Once you find your fave children’s Bible, check out our post on ways of reading scripture with your kids to get the most out of it!

Children of God Storybook Bible

Quick Facts about Children of God Storybook Bible

  • 128 pages
  • Author: Archbishop Desmond Tutu
  • Illustrators: 20 renowned artists from around the world
  • Storybook format (a retelling of some of the Bible)
  • Age Range: 4-8 years old

A Closer Look

To begin, there’s no perfect choice for all children everywhere or even for your own child. Each children’s Bible is a mixture of aspects to love and those that invite palm to forehead moments. So, in this series of reviews, we’ll always include what we think to be the pros and cons of each Bible. And we’ll discuss whether or not we’d recommend it to our friends. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at Children of God Storybook Bible.

Children of God Storybook Bible

Pros of Children of God Storybook Bible

Name Plate Included: It contains a nameplate for gifting it to a child. A parent, children’s director, teacher, or family member would appreciate this.

Engaging Illustrations: This children’s Bible includes 20 internationally recognized illustrators’ work that’s beautiful.

Inclusively Illustrated Characters: Desmond Tutu invited illustrators to depict their own heritage in the stories. As a result, biblical characters are not all culturally accurate. However, this is fundamentally different than depicting all characters inaccurately as Caucasian. For, here it is done with the purpose of intentional inclusion rather than unintentional exclusion. Archbishop Desmond Tutu strives in this work to tell all children we each have a place in God’s story. Thus, we’ve included this as a pro.

Table of Contents Included: It has a very clear table of contents, which makes finding stories easy.

Classic Stories Included: It includes all the classic stories you’d hope for from a children’s Bible.

Digestible Story Length: With the exception of a few 4-pagers, all stories are 2 pages. So, it’s easy to hold young readers’ attention and integrate reading into faith education.

Biblical Passages Cited: Each story gives the biblical passages from which the author drew. This raises biblical literacy and makes for easy cross-referencing.

Familiar Titles: The stories have titles that are easily correlated with those in the Bible.

Ending Prayers: Each story ends with a short prayer. They either thank God or ask for God’s help and reinforce a theme from the story.

Audio Versions Available: This children’s Bible is available on CD and Audible, which would be great for use in the car, classroom, or at home.

Children of God Storybook BibleCons of Children of God Storybook Bible

Small, Obscured Page Numbers: First, the book’s page numbers are small, ultra-light, and printed over the illustrations. So, they can be difficult to see.

Gendered Language for God: Children of God Storybook Bible refers to the Divine as “he.” However, God is not male or female. All language for the Divine is metaphorical. Therefore, if we use one gender for God, then it follows that we would use all genders. If not, using non-gendered language for God is ideal. Most seminaries require this. Thus, there is no reason it shouldn’t be common practice in the pulpit and faith education of young ones.

Somewhat Deceptive Marketing: Zondervan placed a sticker on the front cover that says, “Free Audio Downloads at ChildrenofGodBible.com.” However, one is allowed only two free downloads out of the fifty-six stories in Children of God Storybook Bible. Readers may purchase the others.

Children of God Storybook Bible

Conclusion

To conclude, Children of God Storybook Bible has a lot going for it. First, it has a nameplate for easy gifting. Second, it has engaging and inclusive illustrations. Third, it has a table of contents for easy reference. Fourth, it includes all the classic stories, and they’re a digestible length. Fifth, it gives biblical passages for each story and uses familiar titles. Sixth, it offers short prayers with each story. Seventh, it has audio versions available.

Yet, Children of God Storybook Bible also possesses elements that could detract from it. First, its page numbers are hard to read, which makes finding stories challenging at times. Second, it uses only male language for God. Third, it includes a potentially misleading sticker on its front cover for free audio downloads.

Because we find this children’s Bible has far more pros than cons, we would recommend it. We would simply change the male language to be inclusive when reading aloud. And we’d use it as an opportunity to speak with children about it. For example, we’d discuss the power of our language, what it can communicate and why God is so often referred to as male.

We hope this review has been helpful and has given some food for thought. Share what children’s Bibles you have and love in the comments below!

8 Innovative Ways to Foster Intergenerational Ministry in Your Church

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intergenerational ministry

Intergenerational ministry is quite a buzz term in Christian circles these days. But we know from research that it’s more than a trend and massively helpful in the development of lasting faith. It creates fertile soil in which seedlings can flourish. And yet, your church may be like so many on Sunday mornings with different age groups scurrying to separate corners of buildings to learn on their own. So, how do we get away from this? What can you do as a ministry leader to forge a new path?

Intergenerational Ministry: More Than Just Planning More Fun Activities

If you’re a ministry leader, you may feel at times like your primary role is to pump out fun activity after fun activity. This can be particularly true for children’s and youth pastors. This is well and good…and fun. But do you ever get the sense that this isn’t all you’re called to and that you have far more to offer the congregation you serve? Here at ICM, we’ve been pondering how we can help you move from activities director to one who facilitates deep and lasting intergenerational relationships within your church. Really, doing so is church. In connecting across all ages your whole church will thrive, creating deep roots together that will last lifetimes.

Read on for eight ways to foster intergenerational ministry in your church.

Download a PDF List: If you’d like to download an easily-printable list of these eight ideas, click here to download and share with colleagues and friends.

intergenerational ministry

8 Ways to Foster Intergenerational Ministry

  1. Church Grandparents: Invite older adults to come alongside families and become a “grandparent” for a child. This person could take the child on fun outings, send birthday cards, attends sports games, help support parents on Sundays and beyond. This will foster cross-generational relationships, help families feel loved, and older adults feel needed and helpful. This could also be opened to all adults as church “aunts” and “uncles.” Even better if children are paired with adults who share their interests.
  2. Laundry Parents: Invite families to sign up to open their homes to college students who are living a great distance from their own families. Students can set up times with their “family” to go over for dinner and laundry. College is a formative and potentially lonely time. Having a family’s support can be wonderful. And these relationships may last for years after they have graduated and moved out of the area.
  3. Community Garden: Speak with the city about starting a community garden on church grounds. Donations are often plentiful from local stores. Children and adults of all ages can lend a helping hand and learn a whole lot about gardening and life while working together. And not only that, but this is a great way of providing fresh produce for your city.
  4. Food Pantry: Speak with your local food pantry about becoming a distribution site. This brings together children and adults of all ages to serve those in need in your city. There are sorting and bagging jobs even toddlers can do on distribution morning. And exposing our children to all different kinds of people encourages compassion and inclusion for the rest of their lives.
  5. Fix-It Kids: Invite youth to sign up to help older adults who need minor household tasks done. These could include office filing, decorating for holidays, light cleaning, window washing, etc. For more major repairs that the kids aren’t qualified to do, have a list of local referrals ready to give to homeowners.
  6. Most Important Thing Speakers: Invite adults of all ages to speak at Sunday school and youth group. Ask them to share the most important thing they’ve learned in their life thus far and a Bible verse or passage that speaks to that. This opens relationships between adults, children, and youth and makes for incredibly memorable lessons.
  7. Pen Pals: Pair congregation members with youth and young adults who are abroad, away at college or serving in the military. Invite them to write letters and send care packages, particularly around holidays and exam weeks. This makes a huge difference to those who are away, helping them feel important and loved.
  8. Confirmation Mentors: Invite congregation members to serve as mentors for youth involved in confirmation. Mentors can be present in class and available for questions and discussion anytime. Additionally, mentors can stand up with their students at confirmation and be a support to families in the years ahead. A child’s church “grandparent” would be a great confirmation mentor if they have one.

intergeneration ministry

We hope these ideas have given you food for thought as you find ways of becoming ever more intergenerational. Mix and match any of these to help foster deep, lasting relationships and sustaining faith in our church. Be sure to complete background checks for ALL adults working with children. In the comments section below, share with us what’s already working in your congregation!

10 Ways to Pray with Kids

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10 Ways to Pray with Kids
FREE BOOKMARK: We have a special gift for you. One of the prayer ideas below is a 5-Finger Prayer, and we have created a unique printable bookmark for you to use with your family, or perhaps you’d want to email it out to families in your church or community. If you would like to download it, click here.
FAMILY RESOURCE ON PRAYER: If you want to check out a brand new resource on prayer, be sure and look into An Illustrated Lent for Families: Reflections on Prayer. You can check it out and download a FREE sample here.

10 Ways to Pray with Kids

Discovering ways to pray with children offers them space for connection with God and, not surprisingly, has been shown to improve well-being time and again. Consequently, we give our children an invaluable and timeless gift when we teach them how to pray. Additionally, it’s a gift they can carry with them throughout all of life. At ICM, we think this is so important we compiled a list of 10 ways to pray with kids. Pick and choose, mix and match any way you’d like.

Pray Through Art

Coloring Prayer: First, gather coloring utensils and coloring sheets. Second, decide what you’ll pray for with each color. For example, use purple while praying aloud for animals, green for family members, blue for the Earth and the environment. Tailor the categories to your own family or classroom. (Also, looking for some fresh coloring sheets? Grab a free sample pack here!)

Ways to Pray with Kids

Prayer in Song: One of the easiest ways to teach children to pray is through singing. There are several options out there. The doxology is one song used as a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. The lyrics are as follows:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father/Mother, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Prayer Journal: Invite your children to begin drawing and writing their prayers to God. Even little ones can draw their prayers. For those who are older, they may want to write letters to God. Additionally, giving children a prompt can offer needed structure. Perhaps encourage them to write God about their hopes for the coming school year.

Pray Using Your Body

Prayer through Movement: There are several ways to pray with kids that teach how their minds and bodies communicate with God. So, try this simple prayer below, especially useful for the kinesthetic learner. Additionally, yoga and dance are great options that can be done with children of all ages.

(3 deep breaths)
God, you are above (reach toward the sky), below (touch your toes), inside (hands to heart) and all around (big arm circles).
I worship you (reach toward the sky), and give my life to you (touch your toes).
And I love you (hands to heart) with all that I am (big arm circles).
(3 deep breaths)

Five-Finger Prayer: Developed by Pope Francis, this prayer practice assigns each finger something to pray for. The thumb is for those closest to us. The index finger for those who teach, instruct and heal us. The middle finger, our tallest, is for our leaders. The ring finger, our weakest, for those who are weak. The pinky is for ourselves. Click here to download your free printable bookmark version of this prayer.

Pray Through Conversation

Fill in the Blank Prayer:  Take turns going back and forth or from person to person, if you’re in a group, saying, “God is great, God is good, thank you God for ______________.” See how long you can keep it going. It’s fun (and sometimes breathtaking) to hear what your children say. Discussing what is inside our hearts and minds with each other is a crucial way to build relationships. Consequently, this practice builds both relationships with God and with each other.

Prayer Walk: Go for a walk together in search for the things you’re thankful to God for. Sidewalks, trees, bird songs, smiles from other pedestrians, flowers in bloom, passing cars and buses that make travel possible. So much to appreciate! Additionally, this is an excellent way to get outside, slow down the mind and get active together.

Pray Through Silence

Centering Prayer: Pray silently in this way to empty the mind and become open to God’s presence. Young children can struggle to sit quietly and still since their bodies often desire movement and activity. Therefore, two to five minutes can be plenty for young elementary children to start with. Now, for older children, try up to ten minutes once they’re acclimated to the practice. First, invite them to close their eyes and imagine that they are standing in a forest along the side of a stream. Second, explain that when a thought comes into their minds, they can imagine the thought landing on a leaf, floating down onto the surface of the stream and away until it’s out of view.

Ways to Pray with Kids

Breath Prayer: First, choose a word or brief phrase to repeat in one breath. Now, if it’s a phrase, say one part on the inhale and one part on the exhale. For example, invite your children to think in their minds or whisper to themselves Psalm 56:3. Next, on the inhale, think or say “When I am afraid.” Then, on the exhale, think or say “I will trust you.” Repeating breath prayers is a meditative practice that can be done with children of almost any age.

Scripture Prayer: First, choose a Bible verse and use it as a prayer to begin and end each day with your children. Try John 3:18, Psalm 46:1 or Romans 15:13. Additionally, it may be helpful to have it posted by their bed to read together.

Ways to Pray with Children

Tell Us Your Prayer Ideas for Kids

Phew, that was a lot to take in! We hope this has given you a few ways to pray with kids that help cultivate spiritual growth and connection. Also, how do you and your kids pray? We’d love to hear in the comments below!

Five Finger Prayer