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5 Creative Ways to Use Books as Ministry Tools

 
Bethany McIlrath | July 28, 2020

“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” -Ephesians 4:11-12

One of the incredible privileges we have as a publisher is learning about the different ways churches, ministries, and ministry workers use books to share Jesus. We’re amazed at the creativity and gifts God has given his people. Here are some of our favorite examples of using books as ministry tools. 

Here are some of our favorite examples of using books as ministry tools. 

1. Putting the Good News Out There

During the start of the Coronavirus lockdown, we learned one church was placing crates of Where is God in a Coronavirus World? in parks with “free book” signs. Copies were disappearing as people who might never set foot in a church otherwise grabbed hold of the good news.

Some of our books, like Is God Anti-Gay?, Hope When It Hurts, and Together Through the Storms are recommended by Christian counseling ministries. Counselors find books like these help people engage with difficult topics they might struggle conversing about at first. 

2. Building Up The Body

Every three months, one of the churches we partner with orders a set of books to make available to its members. These books align with sermon topics, current issues, or counseling needs. As they update their selection, the congregation is constantly learning about and discussing what they’ve read recently to encourage and grow their faith.

Another church works with us to create discount codes for members. This makes a way for the church to recommend books they didn’t need in bulk, but that will help build up the body while reducing costs.  

3. Serving on the Same Page

The shared experience of reading through a book and talking about it can drive conversations into deeper, more meaningful avenues. Many churches use resources like Good Book Guides to help small groups, Bible Studies, and even pastoral teams stay on the same page and deepen discussions. 

4. Sharing Stories (Even Online)

Countless children’s ministry workers have shared storybooks, like God’s Very Good Idea and Jesus and the Lion’s Den, with kids. During lockdown, many kept kids engaged with God’s Word by reading stories online. We’ve loved seeing videos of kid’s workers creatively reaching out this way. Our children’s book illustration downloads made this simpler since the pictures can be viewed full-size on screens. 

5. Inviting All Ages to Grow In Faith

Some churches have turned our storybooks into the basis for their programs. One church told us they gave one of our coloring books and a copy of 5 Things to Pray for Your Kids to each family in their congregation. Other churches use materials like Epic Explorers to invite kids to know Christ, and resources like Christianity Explored for adult evangelistic courses. 

How Can We Help You Serve Creatively?

If you’re looking for creative ways to use our resources for ministry at your church or organization, we’re happy to chat with you. Give us a call or send us an email! Chances are, you’ll speak to someone like our amazing customer service manager, Abigail, who is passionate about the local church and regularly works with ministry leaders on discounts, ideas, and special orders. 

Do you serve a ministry or church? We'd love to support you through our free Ministry Partners Program. You'll get exclusive deals, access to free samples, free shipping, and 40% off orders of 10 or more. 

Bethany McIlrath

Bethany McIlrath loves to get lost in a book and to help others discover their next read in her marketing role at The Good Book Company. When she's not reading stories, she's usually writing them or dreaming about them as she comes up with real-life creative adventures for friends, her husband, and a doorbell-like dog named Indy. Serving in children's ministry is also one of her greatest joys.

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