How to Teach Kids Theology

In How to Teach Kids Theology, Sam Luce and Hunter Williams present a plan for providing deep truths for growing faith. The book begins by calling us not to present caricatures of Christ to our kids—but to relentlessly focus on giving them God and His glory. To present our children mature in Christ is the goal.

We must show that theology is practical, and that what we believe about God has real implications on how we live in and see the world. I was challenged to develop theological discernment in my kids by presenting objections to the truths we teach in church and showing a quick yet competent defense.

Declaration and Retention

I was warned not to fall into moralizing when preaching, focusing on behavior rather than the gospel. Not skipping the hard stories and showing the redemptive aspects of these stories are ways to go deeper and not just glean moral lessons.

This book champions different pathways for teaching kids theology, including Scripture memorization, creeds, catechisms, and hymns. I was encouraged to see declaration and retention as the primary means by which God’s people are to teach theology to the next generation.

Compelling and Christ-Exalting

The book ends by reminding us that discipleship cannot be outsourced. The church is a partner, while the primary means of discipleship takes place in the home. I was motivated to encourage, exemplify, and equip families in their growth toward God.

This is an incredibly important book for those who preach and teach to children. There is much to learn for those in children’s ministry as well as for the parents of the children. It offers a compelling and Christ-exalting vision for bringing up our children in the Lord.

I received a media copy of How to Teach Kids Theology and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.