Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions

Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful, well-reasoned challenge
Review: Barna is known for writing books based on superb research - and this one is no exception. Drawing from several national studies conducted among children, as well as others among families and church pastors, this book really challenged me to re-think my own assumptions and behavior regarding the importance of ministry to children. The book was helpful to me personally, not only by giving useful insights into why focusing on substantive ministry to children is so critical - he offers some very eye-opening information in that regard - but also providing specifics on how to reach kids more effectively. The last few chapters outline what churches can do to facilitate parents being more effective and how churches can assist parents rather than replace them. A disturbing book in some ways - the spiritual state of children, as described, is frightening - but a hugely helpful, practical and needed book. Every parent and every pastor should read this one!!!

Rating:
Summary: "Champions" Doesn't Make the Play-offs
Review: For many years, I have appreciated George Barna's research and writing. But this book is a severe disappointment, an egg, a dud. I'm afraid he whipped it out and his publisher put it out, hoping to sell books on George's reputation. Readers will quickly see through this charade, however, as Barna takes logical leaps more befitting a gymnast than a researcher. While I agree with some of his destinations, his tortuous route for getting there forced me off the road. For example, Barna compares the amount of money our government spends on "caring for the average felon" to the amount a church spends on a "spiritually hungry child." How ridiculous! Why not compare how much our government spends on highways or defense or paper, or how about contrasting a pro baseball player's salary with that of the average children's ministry director. His logic is worse than a politician's in an election year. And some of his research tables have the same leaps of logic. He should have done better. The Church deserves better from someone of his reputation and platform.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Bother
Review: When I read this book, I got the feeling that George Barna was speaking into a tape recorder, rambling on about his concerns. He has a reputation as a researcher, yet he bases his conclusions on his thoughts and feelings as a father of young children and not on any solid research. And when he does reference the research, he makes huge jumps in logic to reach some debatable conclusions. I think this book harms the cause, with readers, myself included, questioning all of Barna's conclusions, valid or not. Skip this book; it'll just make you mad.