The following questions can help to evaluate curriculum choices for use in childhood ministry:

• Is the curriculum in agreement with your church’s doctrine and theology? For example, the doctrine of salvation is presented by some publishers as being works-based (you are saved because you love God and follow His commands), which is not what Southern Baptists believe the Bible teaches!
• Is Bible content presented in age-appropriate ways?
• Are a variety of teaching methods used to reach preschoolers and children with different learning styles?
• Do the sessions actively involve the children in learning?
• Are children given choices of the learning activities in which they will be involved?
• Are resources provided to help teachers improve their teaching skills and understanding of children?
• Are additional resources available to help teachers present the lessons in creative and challenging ways?
• Are the children taught to build skills in the use of the Bible?
• Does the curriculum help children build the foundations needed to understand salvation?
• Are children encouraged to memorize Bible verses and apply those verses in everyday life?
• Do the sessions provide ways to teach children how the Bible content is related to the way they should act?
• What translation of the Bible does your church prefer?
• How many children does your ministry include, and how does the number differ within age categories?

Adapted from Beyond the Walls: Multiply Your Ministry

by Todd Capps and Roger Crew