What people are saying about
Foundations of Childrens Evangelism
Dick is a legendary figure in kids ministry. His pioneering spirit and passionate heart have made an indelible imprint on the church in America and around the world. Dicks ministry will leave a lasting legacy because he is determined to equip those around him with better tools and resources than he had when he began in ministry. And that is why you need this book! Dick has packed decades of kids ministry wisdom into one resource! It will change your ministrybig time!
Brian Dollar, creator of High Voltage Kids Ministry Resources, author of I Blew It! and Talk Now and Later, associate and kids pastor at First Assembly of God, North Little Rock, AR
I have seen a lot of trends come and go in childrens ministry over the past four decades, yet for over four decades I have seen my friend Dick Gruber focus on the main thing, which is evangelizing kids and giving them the gospel. One of the first people I ever called with a question about childrens ministry was Dick Gruber. Dick has always been free to share whatever he knows to whoever wants to learn. This book will help you get focused, stay focused, and be focused on what really matters in childrens ministryreaching and discipling kids!
Jim Wideman, childrens ministry pioneer, author, and leadership coach, Jimwideman.com
Where did kids ministry originate? Im not sure, but Im confident that Dick Gruber must have been there. He has more than forty years of ministry experience in many contexts: childrens pastor in small and large churches, university childrens ministries specialist, speaker, and writer. Dick has spoken at our camps and training events all across our network for the fifteen years that I have served as Christian education director. His material is practical and Bible based. You can read any of his material and be confident that it will be well worth the read and investment of your time.
Wayne Rimmer, Christian education/childrens ministry director, Potomac Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God
Dick Gruber is constantly my greatest source of inspiration and foundation in ministering to kids. His methods are grounded in the Bible, tested in the real world, and flowing with creativity. His mission field for over forty years has been the hearts of children, and he has the stories and the wisdom to show for it! Besides being an encourager and mentor, hes a great dad and an awesome grandfather to my kidsit doesnt get any better than that!
Aaron Gruber, lead kids pastor, Emmanuel Christian Center, Spring Lake Park, MN
Dick Grubers forty-plus years of loving Jesus and loving children combine in this benchmark work. Be informed and be inspired by his reflections, gleaned from a lifetime of service to Gods kids.
Rob Evans, www.donutman.streamlinenettrial.co.uk
Dick Grubers many years of experience will provide helpful insights for anyone desiring to expand their understanding of childrens ministry.
Steve Adams, childrens pastor, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Dr. Dick Grubers take on evangelizing kids has to be the most promising work on the subject in years because, if for no other reason, his experience in this realm is vast. Since Bible college, I have seen him lead children to the Savior through local church ministries, Christian summer camps, and evangelistic rallies of all descriptions. In addition, Dick has been an in-demand speaker on childrens ministry around the world for decades. As a communicator he is captivating because he is just as focused on his listeners as he is on his message, and that is just one of the secrets to his success. Only eternity will tell of the impact his ministry has had on the countless boys and girls he has led to Christ and, beyond that, his influence through all those he has trained. One last word that must be said about Professor Gruber is the fact that, in spite of his talents and achievements, he is a humble servant of God with whom anyone can relate, if not count as a friend.
Bob Hahn, lead pastor, Peace Chapel, Morris, IL
I have had the pleasure of working with Dick Gruber in countless childrens summer camps and kids ministry trainings, and have observed him teaching childrens ministry students in the university setting. Dick has a unique gift of communicating the good news to children in a way that is not only easily understood, but also prompts a positive response. Dick teaches more than methods; he teaches us how to partner with the power of the Holy Spirit to reach children.
George Krebs, Christian education director, Pen/Del Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God
FOUNDATIONS
OF CHILDRENS
EVANGELISM
How to Lead
Kids to
Christ
FOUNDATIONS
OF CHILDRENS
EVANGELISM
How to Lead
Kids to
Christ
DICK GRUBER, DMin
Copyright 2017 by Dick Gruber
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Published by Logion Press
1445 N. Boonville Ave.
Springfield, Missouri 65802
www.myhealthychurch.com
No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Cover and interior design and formatting by Livingstone Corporation
(www.livingstonecorp.com)
All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-60731-478-3
Printed in the United States of America
21 20 19 18 17 1 2 3 4 5
CONTENTS
The term soul winning was commonly used when I came to Christ and began helping in childrens ministries in the mid-1970s. It wasnt unusual back then for a childrens leader to exclaim, We won five kids to Christ, or, We just won three children in an evangelist outreach. I even attended a conference entitled, Win a Child. Being literally minded, I wondered how many children would be given away as door prizes that week.
Terminology has morphed as much as methodology since the 70s. Now instead of win, we say reach. Instead of Kids Crusade, we say, Family Fun Fest, or Super Saturday. In years past, it was a common practice of churches to host annual Kids Crusades and vacation Bible school each summer. Childrens leaders were taught in workshops and at conventions to allow time for children to respond to the Gospel in every class and club meeting.
I witnessed this firsthand as I sat in the back of childrens church my first Sunday in a local evangelical church. After a variety-packed presentation of a singular theme, the woman leading the childrens church time encouraged boys and girls to respond to Christ and trust Him for their salvation. I was amazed and blessed by this experience. I knew in my heart that I must be allowed to participate in reaching children.