Beilharz’s case for intergenerational ministry, which offers concrete strategies for meaningful integration of children into the broader faith community—an area where many of our churches have room to grow.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting many churches and talking to them about their youth and children’s ministry. In some places, there are full-time staff members looking after this, but it’s far more common that a part-time or a volunteer person is in charge. In many cases, there are no children or youth attending the church, and it can be hard to know how to start.

Recently, PYNSW has broadened its focus from equipping churches to disciple youth, to including children as part of that process of equipping. In that vein, I was glad to read Tim Beilharz’s new book, The Child in God’s Church.

Beilharz  offers a theologically robust and practically oriented framework for children’s ministry. For Presbyterian churches, this work helps us consider how we can nurture the faith of the youngest members of our covenant community. Drawing on sound theological principles and practical wisdom, Beilharz presents a holistic approach that will benefit ministers, children’s workers, and parents alike.

The first section establishes crucial theological groundwork, exploring the theology of the child and God’s church. Beilharz thoughtfully examines what it means for children to be part of the covenant community, avoiding both an over-emphasis on educational programming and an under-emphasis on intentional discipleship.

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