Distinctively Christian: A Christ-centered Worldview Approach to Early Childhood Ministry

This edition of the Distinctively Christian Series was written in response to the desire to address the content within Distinctively Christian: A Christ-centered Approach to Early Childhood Spiritual Development from the perspective of an early childhood ministry within the church. The needs related to spiritual growth and development, as addressed in the first book, are even greater when considering the limited amount of contact time with children, and the need to equip volunteers and parents. The book not only focuses on the importance of reaching children through effective Bible teaching but also understanding that children are quickly developing the foundation for their worldview during early childhood. Readers will be encouraged to:

• Understand and apply insights related to faith development
• Develop a greater focus on desired outcomes
• Teach the Bible as God’s one story and discover the nature of God and His redemptive plan as the context for the Gospel
• Understand their role as “living curriculum”
• Uncover the answers to life’s great questions, worldview, through their teaching, relationships with students, and classroom experiences.
• Create a greater synergy between the church and home through communication, instruction, and support for one another.
• Begin assessing the effectiveness of the program’s efforts through ongoing assessment of spiritual growth.

“When I read the Christian school edition of Milt’s work, I shared with him that his book is needed in churches today as well as schools. I am thankful for this new ministry edition. There are serious early education teachers in churches who want to impact young children for the Lord and want to lay a foundation for understanding a biblical worldview. To that end, this edition for churches is a must read for church EC teachers who want a scholarly work on early education and spiritual development in the very young.”
Dr. Martha MacCullough
Distinguished Dean and Professor Emeritus
Cairn University, PA

“Distinctively Christian” is a one of a kind book. In three decades of teaching early childhood in public and private school settings, volunteering in children’s ministry at my local church, as well as serving on staff in children’s ministry for the past 14 years, I have never encountered a book of this nature and caliber! Reaching the next generation in their early, most formative years is the most crucial and strategic ministry on which the local church can focus. Dr. Uecker offers a comprehensive tool for children’s ministers! I love his approach to ministry that keeps the whole child in mind. “Distinctively Christian” is a step by step resource to early childhood ministry, beginning with the need for ministry to young children, establishing the mission, vision and values, setting goals, curriculum and then finally assessment. Dr. Uecker closes each chapter with application points, as well as questions for discussion amongst a team. The depth and breadth of the wisdom and practicality is invaluable. His book is a must read for all children’s ministers in the local church!
Rachel Nelson
Children’s Ministry Director
New City Church, Charlotte, NC

This thought provoking book would be a benefit to any church or school that is looking to open or evaluate an early childhood ministry or educational program. I found myself taking notes and wanting my teachers and preschool board to read it. In our changing world it is necessary for our children to know that Jesus loves them from an early age---the root that will hold fast as they go into the ever changing world.
Judi Matalik
Director at St John’s Lutheran Preschool
South Carolina