Safe Sanctuaries in a Virtual World, the latest addition to the Safe Sanctuaries series, addresses the challenges of ministry that have arisen in the face of rapidly changing technology, sometimes referred to as the digital age. Technology now pervades our lives on almost every level; it is nearly inescapable and, as Melton and Foster point out, easily accessible and increasingly user-friendly and intuitive, streamlining the way we work and interact with one another and the world around us. S...

What is the meaning of baptism? Why do United Methodists baptize babies? The authors explain the biblical and theological meanings of the sacrament of baptism through the words of the Baptismal Covenant of The United Methodist Church. This book is for parents and guardians preparing to present their children for baptism, and for those who seek a deeper knowledge of this sacrament. A great handbook for ministers.

A strong children's ministry is the foundation for the future vitality of any church—whether it is a small family community or a robust neighborhood church. In The Most Important Space in the Church, Rita Hays emphasizes that evangelism and spiritual formation begin in the nursery. It is in the nursery that many visitors first interact with church members and experience an outpouring of warmth and acceptance—known as radical hospitality. By building a rich, spiritually rooted ministry with in...

The Only Resource of Its Kind Is Now Two Bestsellers in One! Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children or youth or vulnerable adults. With this in mind, attorney, pastor, and author Melton outlines a process for developing policies and procedures to recognize and reduce the risk of abuse in the church. Safe Sanctuaries combines and expands information from two of her earlier groundbreaking books, which focused, separately, on children and teens. "Safe Sanctuaries is t...

Your church's outreach to children and their parents are top-notch. The nursery and Sunday school classes are full and offer great faith-learning experiences. The daycare and parents-day-out services are thriving. But what if a child who's a part of your church family reveals his dog just died? Her mom and dad are divorcing? The family is moving to another city? These are pastoral (not programming) issues. Is your church prepared to be in ministry with children? To relate with children where ...

Let the Children Give provides adults the resources to demonstrate and teach a stewardship lifestyle to kids. Stewardship is more than a church committee assigned to raise money for the budget. Christians are expected to act as responsible caretakers of everything we've been given by God. All have abilities to accomplish this work, and the apostle Paul reminds us that everyone, including children, must work together. Each of us holds an important role in Christ's mission. "With our abilities ...

Open a new world of possibilities for your kids, where making a difference for others becomes a way of life! Growing Compassionate Kids illustrates practical everyday ways for parents to help children develop empathy and seek justice in the world. As one reviewer says, "This book is a wonderful antidote to both 'compassion fatigue' and the frustrations of Christian parenting in a selfish society." Jan Johnson, a well-known author who deals with Christian spirituality, helps moms and dads and ...

Today, we're increasingly disconnected from one another. Our mobile society, with its incessant busyness, creates a tragic break in relationships and diminishes the sense of community — even within families. Some parents communicate with their children by texting or calling them — inside their home! With all of the activities children are involved in — school, sports, music, camp, and others — spiritual nurture often gets neglected. "Spirituality makes persons look beyond themselves to the we...