BOOK REVIEW: One Generation from Extinction, By Mark Griffiths

Ever wondered when a child is saved? At what age can a child be baptized? What happens to a child that is not “saved” and/or baptized?

Ever wondered how truly effective our efforts at child evangelism are? What is our practice of child evangelism based on? Is it biblical and theologically correct?

Big questions!

Mark Griffiths addresses these in his study of child evangelism. “When Robert Raikes started his first Sunday School in 1780, he saw his idea grow to reach 300,000 unchurched children within five years – this in a nation widely ignorant of Christian ideas and values.

Mark Griffths has used Raikes’ pioneering work in examining children evangelism in the UK. Working from extensive local and national research, he considers how children ‘tick’, what basic theology is at work in Christian outreach, and what constitutes best practice in child evangelism. His text is studded with insights and observations, and brings together the author’s passion for his subject with the rigour of careful research.” 

New Zealand ministry in child evangelism is also rooted in the Sunday School movement. This is an invaluable resource to help us better understand child evangelism and reflect on why we do things in the way we do them. I recommend it highly to all Children’s Pastors and Senior Pastors who want to see their churches grow in future generations.

– Elke Keeling