The story of Jesus interacting with the Emmaus disciples after his resurrection provides an outline for what a gospel-centered kids ministry looks like: gospel-centered teaching that points to Jesus in every session, gospel-centered transformation that positions the gospel to change a child’s heart and then his or her behavior, and gospel-centered mission where kids join in on the big story of Jesus that continues to unfold. 

Seven out of ten kids will walk away from church after they turn eighteen. About five will return when they have families of their own. But two will never return. Clearly, something isn’t connecting with our kids. As kids ministry leaders, we need to take a hard look at what we are missing in our kids ministries and provide kids the one thing that will satisfy them and keep them connected to the church—the gospel.

Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry also addresses how to communicate with and encourage gospel-centered leaders and parents as part of your ministry.

“Brian has had a big impact on our family. My kids have been in a kids ministry the last several years that uses The Gospel Project—a curriculum that is centered on the gospel that Brian helps form every week. Not only are they learning stories in the Bible, but also they are learning how these point us to Jesus. And my kids, like me, need Him to change and refresh their hearts. As a dad, I am very thankful for the ministry philosophy outlines in this book.”

Eric Geiger, senior pastor, Mariners Church

“I’m thrilled whenever I see veteran kidmin leaders like Brian Dembowczyk sounding the alarm against a moralistic substitute for the gospel, and leading the charge to give our children the Story of the Bible, not just the stories of the Bible. Transformation of the heart, brought about only by an encounter with Jesus through the gospel, should be our goal when we serve our children. I’m thankful for the way Brian steers us in the right direction.”

Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resource development, North American Mission Board

“Every Christian leader and parent understands the tremendous privilege and responsibility of passing on the faith to the next generation. The statistics tell us that only 30 percent of kids will remain steadfast in the faith as adults. These numbers should both alarm us and bolster our commitment to disciple our children. In Gospel-Centered Kids Ministry, Brian Dembowczyk offers a clarion call to the church that is not full of gimmicks and fads. The answer isn’t guilt-heavy moralism or behavior modification. The answer is found in applying the beauty and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to little hearts. Dembowczyk makes this case with deep theology and a warm pastoral hearty. This book is a gift to the entire church.”

Matthew Z. Capps, senior pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, Apex, North Carolina