REACHNG GENERATION ALPHA
AVAILABLE NOW
Each generation has had their ministerial focus. Many have witnessed the focus on Millennials as well as Generation Z. We are now in a time where the next generation (Generation Alpha) are just now old enough to enter student ministries. And just as we have seen a need for how to effectively reach millennials and Generation Z, Generation Alpha has their own unique needs. They are a generation raised exclusively in the technological age, where the decisions they make today can potentially follow them into adulthood. Many of their relationships are fostered via technology, but there are also those that have been raised in isolation as parents have chosen to remove their children more and more from traditional education.
This resource offers expertise provided by on-the-ground interaction from Shane Pruitt as the Next Generation Director at NAMB but will also be paired with scholarly research from Shelly Melia who oversees the Family Ministry and Children’s Ministry programs at Dallas Baptist University.
In Reaching Generation Alpha, Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia provide professional, personal, and well-researched insights into reaching the next generation. This book offers more than a guide on how to give wisdom to specific situations often associated with Generation Alpha. More importantly, this book discusses the ways for ministry leaders to effectively connect with this upcoming generation and present them with the gospel.
Children and Salvation: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Considerations
Children and Salvation: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Considerations
Children and Salvation: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Considerations
Children and Salvation is a comprehensive and up-to-date resource on the important topic of children and salvation from a Southern Baptist perspective. Written by a team of respected theology and Christian education professors, the book draws on a wide range of sources, including Scripture, church history, and contemporary research.
This book is an essential resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the relationship between children and salvation from a Southern Baptist perspective. It is a valuable tool for pastors, ministers, parents, and other adults who are involved in the spiritual formation of children.
Reimagining Church as Family
Children and Salvation: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Considerations
Children and Salvation: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Considerations
When you hear “family,” what comes to mind? Is it an idyllic Norman Rockwell setting— mom, dad, two kids, and a dog? For many, that image feels out of reach. Families today are diverse, complex, and often broken. Single parents juggle immense challenges. Adoptive families redefine belonging. Spiritual orphans long for connection. Empty nesters navigate shifting roles, and grandparents step in to parent. How does the church respond to these realities, and what does Scripture say about what family truly is?
Reimagining Church as Family dives into the theological foundations of family, showing how God’s design is broader, deeper, and more comprehensive than we often imagine. It addresses the role of the church not just in supporting families but in being family—a spiritual home for all believers. When someone becomes a follower of Christ, they’re adopted into God’s family, a truth that redefines belonging and purpose (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19–22). This book examines various family models through a biblical lens. It offers practical guidance for how churches can minister to spiritual orphans, empower grandparents stepping into parental roles, and disciple empty nesters in their new season. It challenges every believer to see their part in generational discipleship, whether through mentoring, prayer, or teaching. Reimagining Church as Family invites readers to embrace the church not only as a place to worship but as the family God designed—a community where every person belongs, grows, and develops.
Preschool Christian Education
Children and Salvation: Biblical, Theological, and Practical Considerations
Preschool Christian Education
Preschool Christian Education: 12 Essentials for Effective Church Ministry to Preschoolers and Their Families
This book fills the need for a fresh and comprehensive resource for doing the essentials for effective preschool Christian education in churches today. It has been written by a team of persons who have recognized expertise in their church ministry areas. Most have done extensive research in their subjects while others are experienced practitioners in the field of Christian education. All are active church members and leaders. This volume is designed to give sound biblical and theological foundations along with the best practices for preschool ministry in churches today. It includes a chapter on spiritual formation for the preschool age groups, gives guidelines for designing and conducting Bible teaching-learning for the age group, and provides guidance for developing, mentoring, leading and motivating volunteer leaders. The first chapter is given to the all age Bible teaching approach of Sunday School and small groups. An important chapter is provided on developing skills for securing support from the pastor, staff and the congregation. Additional chapters are provided on the essentials of ensuring quality teaching, attracting and reaching preschoolers and their families, providing facilities for an attractive learning environment, and developing a viable system of communications. A final chapter is on the essential of servant leadership and appropriate motivation of teachers and parents. WHO NEEDS THIS BOOK? University and seminary professors will find this volume a good choice for a supplemental textbook for preparing minister for church ministry. It will also be a valuable tool for pastors, staff leaders, and practitioners for training volunteer teachers and leaders in the local churches. Preschool Christian Education: 12 Essentials for Effective Church Ministry to Preschoolers and Their Families is part of a series that provides the essentials for effective church ministry to all age groups, as follows: Preschool Christian Education; Children’s Christian Education; Youth/Collegiate Christian Education; and Adult Christian Education.