115 Jared Kennedy: Children's Ministry and Its Importance in the Church

The Disciple-Making Parent

On this episode of The Disciple-Making Parent podcast, we explore the critical balance between children's ministry and parental discipleship in the church. We speak with Jared Kennedy, author of "Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission: Practical Strategies for Discipling the Next Generation," who shares his journey from aspiring missionary to children's ministry leader.
We discuss how children's ministry is not merely childcare but a vital part of the church's mission to pass faith to the next generation. Kennedy challenges the notion that parents are the sole disciplers of children, arguing that Scripture places this responsibility on the entire covenant community.
The conversation highlights how even teaching toddlers is missional work, as they develop crucial vocabulary that forms the building blocks of faith. We also examine how children's ministry serves as a "subversive" training ground for parents to learn discipleship skills they can implement at home.
Join us as we navigate the complementary roles of church and family in raising the next generation of believers - not just as disciples, but as disciple makers with hearts for the nations.
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Resources From This Podcast:
Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission, by Jared Kennedy
Jared Kennedy at TGC
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, by Jared Kennedy
The Story of Martin Luther, by Jared Kennedy
Gospel-Centered Family
The Fallen Condition Focus, by Bryan Chapell
Read-Aloud Bible Stories, by Ella Lindvall
Managing Your Households Well, by Chap Bettis