Thinking Through the Children’s Sermon (Book)
William H. Armstrong, Author.  Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 2006.

William Armstrong’s thoughtful resource on preparing and delivering children’s sermons begins with several chapters exploring how children think, the things they think about, and the respect and attention we must give to their thoughts and feelings if we are to truly understand them.

With that foundation established, he then explores some key factors in developing a sermon that will be both meaningful and edifying to children. The sermon, he says, is more than a lesson. He urges pastors to prepare sermons that engage children, invite their participation, and cultivate their interest and understanding.

While he cautions against underestimating the depth of children’s thought about life in general and spiritual and religious matters in particular, he at the same time cautions against speaking about these matters in ways that children can’t understand. "It is the language that needs to be simple," he writes.

He then provides clear examples illustrating how to engage children by telling stories, inviting them to use their imaginations, asking them questions, and relating the sermon topic to experiences from their own lives so that they can better understand the message of the sermon. He also explores the pros and cons of using objects and analogies in children’s sermons, showing how they can be beneficial or detrimental to conveying one’s message.

Any pastor wishing to learn how to better communicate matters of faith to children would appreciate this book.

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