Reviewed by: Reviewed by Kayla Houvenagle, a professional writing major at Taylor University.

Introduction

Title: Small Matters: How Churches and Parents Can Raise Up World-Changing Children

Author: Gregg Nettle and Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: 2016

Format: Print book

Length: 185 pages

OVERVIEW

The idea at the core of Small Matters is that children matter to God, and they all are at risk. Specifically, they are at risk of being exposed either to the poverty of too little, or, in a surprising twist of the word, the poverty of too much. Rather than having so little that survival is the only goal, many children in industrialized countries have so much they don’t even realize they’re privileged, or that God has given them everything.
Small Matters suggests having the over privileged meet the unprivileged, meeting the latter’s physical needs while opening the hearts of the former. The authors of the book, who have their own children and are leaders within Christian ministry, have years of experience to back up their ideologies. They have organized retreats, group meetings, study times, and fellowship opportunities for kids of similar ages but of diverse heritages and backgrounds and social levels to interact with one another. Through discussions, games, projects, and interviews, both privileged and less-privileged children have become more understanding of one another.
The authors provide multiple tips on how to show care to kids, including a picture aided way to show how God’s relationship with them works. Black and white photographs are also featured, as are the author’s journeys as fathers and people of God.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

While geared toward people in Christian ministries, anyone who is a parent or is involved with children can benefit from the tips of rearing children to love God and to have a heart for giving. The book is far from boring, as it offers entertaining stories of real people rearing their children and following the path of God.

Christian Impact

This book provides a God-centered approach to seeing children as the wonderful creation they are. It also shows how to treat children not only in the immediate family but all children in a way that expresses how much you value them, and how much God loves them.

Interested in reviewing a book, movie, album, or other type of media for our website? We would love to hear from you! Find out more about how to submit media reviews.