A children’s ministry for the whole church
Love First aims to make religion, God, and their faith relevant to their lives today while anticipating the potentially rocky future that lies ahead. Each gathering aims to make a difference in their lives or in the lives of people they care about.
Have you read our book yet?
This must-have guide to rethinking your children’s ministry is informed and intelligent, with the lighthearted humor so helpful to working with children. Through storytelling, testimonials, and research-based creativity, you’ll be inspired and energized to use your church’s gifts, your children’s interests, and your families’ needs to develop a children’s ministry that fits your church and the people in it.
An appendix includes suggested Bible stories and contemporary books, as well as a sampling of ‘heartbeats.’
Praise for Love First
Love First should be required reading for anyone charged with childhood faith formation in the local church. The story of St. Barnabas’ journey toward meaningful and sustainable children’s ministry will inspire, challenge, and unstick many churches from the ‘what is’ to the ‘what could be.
The Rev. Ivy Beckwith, Ph.D.This is a game changer. As fewer families make time for Christian education programs that struggle to connect Bible stories with children’s experience, Colette Potts shows us how to focus on love, give parents the help they need and want, and energize the whole church. Practical and wise, Love First is just what our churches need now.
Lizabeth BougieColette Potts combines the keen insights of a pedagogue, the hands-on experience of a parish program director, and the wise and loving heart of a parent, to guide the reader to a new understanding of what families need and what churches can––and should––offer to them.
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. GatesLove First is a brave call to action for us all––to strip it all back to Jesus’ simple and profound message of love. More a master plan than a curriculum, Love First will transform and refresh the way you look at ministry to children and families.
Catherine MontgomeryLove First does not just teach us how to teach about love. It reminds us of love’s power, versatility, and actual ability to change the world. And Colette Potts does all of this in the most charming, readable, and helpful way.
Vanessa ZoltanColette Potts knows exactly what it takes to have a thriving children’s ministry. Take advantage of her wisdom and experience to make sure your congregation is doing all it can to put love first.
Katherine Gould