Contents Acknowledgments 10 Foreword by Bill Wilson 11 A Word from the Author 12 Introduction This is What it is All About 14 The Eighteenth Century was Drawing to a Close 18 A Brave New World 20 Ministering in a Postmodern Culture is Not as New as You May Think 21 We're Called to Preach Awe, Wonder and Mystery. The age of Information is Passing! 26 SECTION 1 - Children's Ministry in Four Dimensions 38 The First Dimension - Bah'ith 40 The Second Dimension - Mish-paw-khaw 50 The Challenge of Intergenerational Worship 53 Lost in Transition - Jo Foster 61 The Third Dimension - Child Evangelism 67 Robert Raikes Legacy 70 The Raikes Elements 73 A Case Study: Messy Church in Practice - Rachel Hill-Brown 118 A Three-Dimensional Conclusion 124 The Fourth Dimension - You're It! 126 None Greater 127 Did I Mention You're it! 130 What Do You See? 136 There's Only One Real Key 146 SECTION 2 - Communication 152 Learning A New Language 153 The Best Way to Communicate - The Art of the Story 160 Telling Real Bible Stories - Samuel Returned to Ramah 171 Salvation and Gifts from God 177 SECTION 3 - A Few Misconceptions 186 Let's Take a Break and Barbecue Some Sacred Cows 187 SECTION 4 - Practical Help 196 Safeguarding - Lisa Macbeth 197 The Beginner's Guide 204 The Timetable for the First Two Years 205 Timetable for a Normal Year 211 Timetable for the Southern Hemisphere - by Alison Champness 212 Timetable for a Normal Year (Southern Hemisphere) 216 The Children's Club 217 The People 217 The Programme 219 The Extra Stuff - Appendix 234 Sample Letter for Schools 235 Five-Year Planner 237 Sample Leaflet 238 Children's Club Colouring Competition 239 Lesson Format Template 240 Sample Lesson from Impact - Mark Griffiths 241 Recommended Resources 248.