Changing Lives: The essential guide to ministry with children and families

This book offers practical insights and proven strategies for fostering a flourishing church community by transforming churches through effective family and kids ministry leadership. Changing Lives covers everything you need to know about working with children and families - the why to, the how to, the when to and the where to. Mark Griffiths examines the history, theology and practice of children's ministry and shares the wisdom he has gained from many years' experience of leading hundreds of groups, assemblies and youth services. In practical chapters, backed with sample resources, he shows how to communicate with children in the brave new postmodern world of church, school and community. This one stop resource covers everything from the vision for children's work to matters such as record keeping, home visits, timetables, child protection legislation and templates for lessons.

About the Author :
Revd Dr Mark Griffiths is a Practical Theologian. He is tutor in Missional Research and Practical Theology and also oversees Children, Young People and Family Ministry at St Padarn's Institute, the training arm of the Church in Wales. He has led and been involved in leading several growing churches, holding positions from Children's Pastor and Associate Minister, to Senior Leader and was New Wine's Head of Children and Family Ministry for 13 years. He has written 9 books primarily on family ministryand its links to church growth.

Review :
“Changing Lives is easy to read, covers all the key issues in lots of practical detail, and is full of great stories and wise advice. But that is only the start. What makes this book essential reading is that Mark not only shows clearly why children’s ministry is vital, but leaves you believing that it is possible. Great theology made practical, based on solid research, wrapped in infectious optimism.” “Changing Lives is a wonderfully reflective and practical book underpinned by useful theology, rich experience and superb storytelling. Mark’s reflections on his journey as a practitioner in Children & Family Ministry include much wisdom gained from his experience and studies making this book accessible and a `must read’ if you’re new to ministry or have been at it a while and need to reflect and refocus. `What else can God do?’ is an important question asked in this book and one every practitioner should be seeking the answer to in their own context. Great stuff, thanks Mark!” “Packed full of great stories, godly wisdom and good advice. This is a goldmine of tested resources for people who know the Father’s big heart for small people” “This book is about ministry in four dimensions… the key one of which is the fourth… that says, `Go and do it!’ For this reason alone I commend this book. It is written by a practitioner in children’s ministry calling on others to get involved in a way that includes the insights of children.” “This book shouldn’t be read by anyone hoping for a nice affirmation of the status quo in relation to the church’s ministry to the family, young people and children. In this pithy and persuasive book, Mark challenges us to be real about our priorities. He mixes an analysis of data with a sharp understanding of social media and a more discerning society than is often acknowledged to show we need not been despairing but rather re-oriented towards those who long for values and a way of belonging that should be at the heart of our mission. I’m delighted to commend this book.”