How to Build a Better Children's Ministry

Veteran children's pastor Chris Ammen shares practical, proven strategies for growing a thriving, sustainable children's ministry. Every church wants a strong kids' outreach, but here's the elephant in the room: Though church ministry teams love children and Jesus, they often lack the structure, resources, and specific tools necessary to inspire and serve the next generation the way they desire. If you're passionate about reaching kids for Christ, veteran children's ministry director Chris Ammen is here to equip you with the organizational leadership skills to support your vision in a scalable and sustainable way. Drawing from his own experience (thrown into the deep end, like so many others), Chris offers specific, actionable tools to build an effective, Christ-centered children's ministry. How to Build a Better Children's Ministry will help you . . . • clarify your ministry's vision, mission, and values • develop systems for sustained success • challenge yourself and your team to adapt and innovate Whether you're just starting out or working with a well-established team, you can lead your children's ministry with renewed purpose and strength. Veteran children's ministry director Chris Ammen shares practical, proven strategies for growing a thriving, sustainable children's program. Chris Ammen is a children's pastor, writer, former educator, and the parent of four children. He is the author of Raising Disciples at Home and the founder of Kaleidoscope, a company who specializes in creating biblical resources for children ages 3-12. Chris and his family live in Tennessee. "Children's ministry leaders rarely lack passion-but lasting impact requires more than enthusiasm and goldfish crackers. Chris combines years of experience and proven systems to help leaders build healthy, sustainable ministries. A needed resource for both new and seasoned leaders." -Hunter Williams, pastor, speaker, and coauthor of How to Teach Kids Theology "Practical and pastoral, How to Build a Better Children's Ministry brings clarity to the chaos of ministry and reminds us why this work matters. Drawing on years of experience and a heart for the local church, Chris offers wisdom that helps leaders build healthy, sustainable ministries centered on Jesus." -Ryan Frank, cofounder and publisher at KidzMatter "Insightful, wise, and practical, this is a must-have resource for ministry professionals, beginners, and lay leaders. With honesty and humility, Chris tackles finances, teamwork, and curriculum-showing that a thriving children's ministry isn't just possible but essential to the church's mission." -Sarah J. Hauser, speaker, editor, and author of All Who Are Weary "Chris's creative insights can help new and experienced leaders take their ministries to the next level. Do yourself a favor and give this resource a close look." -Ryan Coatney, founder and CEO of Cross Formed Kids "An exceptional book that helps church leaders rethink how they prioritize children's ministry." -Katie Flores, children's ministry coordinator for the PCA's Committee on Discipleship Ministries "Practical and theological, this book offers a clear blueprint for churches of any size. A must-have for staff, parents, and key lay leaders." -Daniel Darling, director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of The Characters of Christmas "Chris unites a passion for ministry with the realities of organizational leadership. With creativity, humor, and practical insight, he equips new leaders with tools to avoid frustration and gives seasoned leaders ideas to reconsider. His framework of survey, foundation, structure, and adjustments provides a strong trellis for your ministry-a valuable guide to align your efforts to make disciples." -Dr. Stephen Estock, coordinator for the PCA's