Why Children Must Learn Church History (Simonetta Carr)

In the new issue of Credo Magazine, “Let the Children Come to Jesus,” Simonetta Carr has contributed an article called, “Why Children Must Learn Church History.”

Simonetta Carr, a former elementary school teacher, has been a home-schooling mother for many years. As a writer, she has contributed to newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several Christian authors into Italian. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and three of her eight children. She is a member and Sunday School teacher at Christ United Reformed Church. You can read more about her books and follow her blog at Christian Biographies For Young Readers (cbfyr.com). Some of her latest books include:

Lady Jane Grey (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)

John Owen [Christian Biographies for Young Readers]

John Calvin [Christian Biographies for Young Readers]

Augustine of Hippo [Christian Biographies for Young Readers]

Here is the start of Carr’s article:

With so much to teach our children and so little time, why should we include church history? What did Isaac Newton mean when he said he could look further because he stood on the shoulders of giants? Should we limit ourselves to stand there, taking advantage of the accomplishments of our great predecessors, and only look forward? This conclusion may seem natural in our age, when we’re told we should live in the present and look to the future. Newton’s reasoning, however, was most likely very different. There are many reasons why we should look to the past and guide our children in that discovery.

We Can’t Hide from the Past

When we read Newton’s quote, it’s easy to forget he could benefit from the discoveries of the giants who went before him because he thoroughly studied their teachings. The past is part of us. Church history is embedded in the doctrines we take for granted, in our interpretation of the Bible and in our liturgy. It even influences the way we see other Christians and the world around us, and the way we face certain choices and challenges. Studying church history helps us to understand what we believe and why, and to make informed decisions. …

Read the rest of this article today!

Click here to view the magazine as a PDF

Ministry is complex. Business meetings, sermons, youth group, small groups, counseling sessions—the list is endless. In the midst of these many important ministries, sometimes churches can neglect one of the most important ministries of all. That’s right, children’s ministry. This is a dangerous thing to neglect. After all, the children filling our churches will carry on the torch long after we are gone. Therefore, whether or not they are being taught sound doctrine should never be underestimated.

But where does this teaching really begin? It begins in the home, when mom and dad take time out of their busy schedule to sit down with their little ones and tell them about Jesus and the great things he has done for our salvation. If you’re anything like me, this is much easier said than done. Home life can be just as busy as church life. Yet, could there be a more important 15 minutes in the day than when dad and mom read the Bible, sing songs, and pray with their children? I think not. Ironically, in my experience it’s not just my kids who are spiritually nurtured during this family worship time, it’s me too!

Having in mind the importance of teaching our children the core doctrines of the faith, this issue of Credo Magazine brings together some outstanding contributors to teach both parents and those in ministry alike how to better approach children so that they know God in a saving way. Perhaps the words of Jesus should hang as a banner over this issue of the magazine: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14).

Contributors include: Nancy Guthrie, Sally Michael, Simonetta Carr, Jason Helopoulos, Starr Meade, Jessalyn Hutto, Bobby Jamieson, and many others.