Always in Rehearsal: The Practice of Worship and the Presence of Children, by James H. Ritchie, Jr. (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2005. ISBN 978-0-88177-42706). A foundational resource designed to help leaders think through the inclusion of children in the worshipping life of the congregation. Reading this book will not only bring laughter but a new awareness of how easy it is to include children (and all people) in acts of worship.

Director’s Manual for Weekday Ministries, by Barbara Snell McLain (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2003. ISBN 978-088177-383-5).  Excellent book to guide congregations and tuition based weekday ministries.

The First Three Years: A Guide for Ministry with Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds, by Mary Alice Donovan Gran, editor (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 1995, 2001. ISBN 978-0-88177-324-8). A comprehensive manual for the congregation’s ministry to young children and their families (childcare, recruiting and training workers, parent education, teaching, child development and more). Completely reproducible.

Real Kids Real Faith Practices for Nurturing Children’s Spiritual Lives, by Karen Marie Yust (Jossey-Bass, Families and Faith Series, ISBN 0-7879-6407-7). A thoughtful and practical book that helps parents and children ministry leaders enrich the spiritual lives of the children entrusted to them.

Sharing the Easter Faith with Children by Carolyn C. Brown (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005, ISBN 0-687-34424-7) This book provides excellent ideas for helping children experience Easter in an age-appropriate way. It contains program ideas that can be used throughout Lent and Holy Week.