IFDC120 – Teaching Theology to Children

Quick Info:

Number of weeks: 6

Price: $125

CEUs: 3.0

Required books?: Yes

Live video session?: No

Part of a certification or series of courses?: Yes (IFD Certification in Children’s Ministry)

Those who invest in the spiritual development of children desire the children to have a faith that sticks, one that lasts a lifetime.  This requires ministry programs to be intentional about building a strong foundation.  Building that foundation should include tackling theological topics that help children understand the basis of their faith.  If this is a desire of yours, this course is for you.

This course is a survey of theological concepts and their implications.  Primary emphasis will be on teaching these concepts to children in age-appropriate and creative ways.  Participants will learn how to use object lessons, story, games and discussion prompts to guide children in understanding theological concepts.

The course includes video teaching, interactive discussions with other course participants, learning from other course participants, practical downloads that you can use in your ministry and reading that will deepen your own understanding of these theological concepts

Together, we’ll explore God’s big story (the Bible, God’s Word), God’s sovereignty, sin and human nature, redemption, and grace.

There will be no class responsibilities during Holy week, April 15-19. Class will resume and finish up the next week.

Students are required to have the following books for this class:

• Children Matter: Celebrating Their Place in the Church, Family and Community, by Scottie May, Beth Posterski, Catherine Stonehouse and Linda Cannell
• Top 50 Object Lessons, Games and Activities, by Kathie R. Phillips

This course is eligible for 3.0 CEU.

You will need a password to enroll in this class as proof of pre-requisites.

About the Instructor

Kathie Phillips is currently the Director of Children’s Ministry at Central Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland. She grew up loving Sunday school as a child and wanted to grow up and help children love it just as much as she did. That passion still drives her today. She received her first Children’s Ministry training at age 13 when she began teaching backyard Bible clubs, and has served in Children’s Ministry ever since.

In addition to her staff role, Kathie is well-respected in the field of Children’s Ministry and has lent her voice to help other leaders through her blog, numerous published articles and podcasts, book contributions, and national conference workshops. She as recently ventured into curriculum writing, developing parenting classes and resource development. Her first book, Top 50 Object Lessons, was released in 2017.

Kathie met her husband, Lance, at Liberty University, where she studied Family and Consumer Sciences.  Married for 23 years, Kathie and Lance live in Baltimore, Maryland, and are the parents of two young adults. Kathie enjoys traveling, reading, watching cable news, and pinning fun things on Pinterest.

Past Students Said…

“I learned how to effectively teach big concept theology ideas to children in my ministry. I was given some great tools and ideas to teach age appropriate lessons on many different subjects, and ways to come up with these ideas myself!”

“There are tough concepts to teach to children, but the Bible has the stories that stand on their own. This course gave me additional tools, resources and tips to present the stories of the Bible in a way that it is engaging and age appropriate.”

“Through discussion [with my classmates], it occurred to me that theology is difficult for an adult but often Is much easier for a child to grasp – so we should never shy away from presenting it.”