One local church in East Asia, already engaged in trainings like Building Healthy Churches, recently began using our new Transformational Theology for Kids designs in their church. Designed specifically for children ages seven to 14 from Christian households, this holistic program quickly became a game-changer for their Sunday School ministry.
 

Breathing Life into Theological Learning

Teachers reported that prior to this point, Sunday School lessons had felt very dull and lifeless. But this new approach was a breath of fresh air because it was built with a focus on holistic transformation instead of a transfer of information.

This truth-based curriculum brings life and energy. The children really enjoy it! Before, they didn’t want to come because they felt it was boring and meaningless. Now, the Four Dynamic content is very rich and the truths are clearly laid out, making it easier to teach. The kids are gaining a lot.

Not only did this provide a starting point for the teachers, but the activities incorporated in the lessons left a deep impression on the kids – who would often share what they learned with their parents. 

The drama segments in the lessons are also very popular with the kids. They enjoy acting out the truths, and it helps them remember the lessons well. The atmosphere is great. 

After the first lesson, “God Is Spirit,” the kids realized they could worship God in everyday ways, like reading the Bible, doing chores, and obeying their parents. They became especially eager to read the Bible, saying that “reading the Bible is my way to worship God, and I want to worship God!”

A Practical Example: God Is Self-Existent Designs

The church shared with us how they used the “God Is Self-Existent” module over four weeks. They divided it into three sessions, with the final week focused on review and practice – integrating Scripture, experiments, stories, and reflection.

God has worked powerfully in the lives of the children as a result!

In the first week, they began with an experiment using a candle to demonstrate the self-existence of God. The leader lit the candle, then explained to the children how the presence of oxygen helped keep the flame glowing. Then she placed a glass jar over the candle, which went out due to the lack of oxygen. The candle, like many things in the world, needed something else to exist or function. In contrast, she explained, God doesn’t need anything to exist or stay alive. He is like a flame that will never go out!

When combined with the preaching of God’s Word and the story of David defeating Goliath, this not only sparked the children’s interest, but also helped them to understand the self-existence of God. It was eye-opening for the kids, and they were able to immediately apply it! One child said, “It's not that God needs me; it's that I need God. I will trust Him and depend on Him.”

After each lesson, the teachers assigned corresponding practice homework. The following week, they followed up to inquire about the children's practice and understanding. One child shared, “Every morning when I wake up, I say, ‘Lord, I need you. I trust you.’” Seeing the children take such ownership of their relationship with God was very encouraging to the teachers.

In the second week’s lesson, the children shared their personal struggles in small groups and prayed for each other. Then, during the week, they applied what they learned. Some prayed to God when they were sick, some trusted in God when they were nervous about exams, and some relied on God when dealing with classmates. They were learning to turn to God first.

In the third week of learning, the children were taught to live for God. Through an experiment using a flashlight to reflect light, the children were able to internalize reflecting God’s character and glory to those around them. Then, they explored what it might look like to glorify Him in daily life: being kind at school, honoring parents, not boasting, and doing well in their studies for God’s glory.

Seeing the children share in this way, we were very happy to see God's words enter their hearts, and the Spirit of God touch them deeply!

In the fourth week, the teachers reinforced the truth of God’s self-existence to help the children return to God regularly and put the truth they learned into practice.

The impact wasn’t limited to the students. The teachers themselves were also encouraged by the process. After each week’s lessons, they spent time in fellowship together, celebrating what they were seeing in the lives of the children: earnest Bible study, willing hearts to receive God’s Word, and lives that were continually growing.

This gives us even more motivation to serve. We really believe this curriculum is excellent – clear, rich, specific, practical – and it truly transforms lives. And the theology that changes our lives can change the lives of children!

Using Transformational Theology for Kids has not only impacted the children of this church deeply, but it has broadened the church’s vision for teaching and ministry.

We now see that proclaiming God's words can be expressed in various ways, and God's wisdom is revealed to us through the LeaderSource team. We thank you for serving us, building us up and blessing our lives!

Get the books:
Transformational Theology 1: What God Is Like
What God Is Like: Transformational Designs
What God Is Like: Designs for Ages 4-7
What God Is Like: Designs for Ages 8-12