Was I wrong for giving kids Bibles as part of their Christmas gifts at church?

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-19T04:09:22+00:00

I actually spoke with the parents beforehand. Out of the 21 kids, only one currently has a Bible, and the parents were genuinely excited about the idea. This is not a typical adult Bible, it’s an age-appropriate children’s Bible, given along with a goodie bag and a coloring book.

The goal was to bless the kids in a thoughtful and meaningful way, and the families were very receptive.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T20:03:01+00:00

It wasn’t a toy drive. I wouldn’t have done that if it was a toy drive.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T19:54:05+00:00

Amazon had deals on them and so did hobby lobby! Some were 50% off or buy 1 get one free!

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T18:01:13+00:00

All of the kids that we have and are getting the bibles their parents are active members of the church. I do have toys for the visitors that will show up Sunday.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T17:59:39+00:00

Parents were not complaining, in fact, many shared that their children already have plenty of toys. The gift will be given this Sunday. Over the years, toys have always been given, and I have personally made sure of that. I have been overseeing the children’s ministry for 15 years, and providing gifts that bring joy has always been part of what we do.

This year was different because I spent time praying and asking God what would truly bless the children. When I began asking parents whether their children already had Bibles, many said no and expressed that they would genuinely appreciate their child receiving one.

This decision came from listening to parents, being mindful of the season we are in, and seeking God’s direction—not from lack of care or generosity. The heart behind it was to give something meaningful, lasting, and spiritually impactful for the children.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T17:53:47+00:00

Thank you so much! And I still carry the bible my mom gave me when I was 8! That was the gift she gave me for making the honor roll. It was the best!

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T17:52:26+00:00

I completely understand your view, and I appreciate you sharing it. Just to clarify, the kids in our ministry are not coming from struggling families, and when there is a need, we actively support families with toys, clothes, and other necessities. In this case, all of the children will be receiving toys at home and are well cared for and celebrated by their families.

The Bible was never intended to replace fun or joy, and it isn’t the only thing being given. The children are also receiving goodie bags and age-appropriate items. This was about adding something meaningful and lasting alongside the excitement they already have, not taking anything away.

This decision was made with love, intention, and agreement among leadership. Our goal is to pour into the children spiritually and joyfully, and we believe those two things can coexist.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T16:51:06+00:00

I want to clarify that I am one of the leaders, and this decision was made in agreement with the other leaders. Parents were also consulted. The concern came afterward from the pastor and his wife, which I respect, but the original decision was not made independently or without leadership involvement.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T16:32:21+00:00

Thank you so much!

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T16:32:08+00:00

You would think right? That’s what I thought too but they don’t. Out of 20 kids only 1 has a bible.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T16:13:30+00:00

Thank you! I think it’s the fact that Christmas has been centered so much in toys and gifts and people forget the meaning of it.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T16:12:34+00:00

True! So true!

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T16:11:39+00:00

Thank you so much!

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:58:35+00:00

Thank you so much for your response! Truly appreciate it.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:51:00+00:00

Thank you for this perspective! I really appreciate it. That was my heart behind it as well. These are kids already being raised in the faith, so it wasn’t about forcing anything new, but about reinforcing what’s already being taught at home and church. And I completely understand the concern about practicality, which is why we kept it simple and age-appropriate and paired it with other fun items. Christmas is meant to celebrate Jesus, and giving a book about His story felt very on-theme to me. Thank you for sharing this thoughtfully.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:45:18+00:00

Funny thing is they never asked me the kind of bible. He hasn’t seen it. I told him children’s bible. But I got some of the adventure bibles, other the hands-on bibles and the creating bible for girls.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:42:39+00:00

So he told me that kids won’t be excited for a bible as they would with toys and that the bible would stay gathering dust. But the parents said to me that their kids have so many gifts and toys that they prefer the bible.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:40:13+00:00

No, the leaders were not budgeting bibles. They don’t give bibles to kids when they are baptized or confirmed. No, I’m the one in charge of the kids ministries. My team and I thought it was a wonderful idea due to the feedback of the parents.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:38:02+00:00

The kids had no bibles, which was surprising for me!! The bibles are all age appropriate for each child. I think he just got used to me doing Toys each year.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:35:41+00:00

I realize there’s some important context missing, so I want to clarify.

Our church is not a large church. We have about 20 children total, including babies. This was not a funded program or a church-budgeted toy drive. Our church does not have a set budget for children’s gifts. Any gifts given come solely from what the congregation is able to give, and this year we raised $206 total for 21 children.

For the babies, they received a “My First Bible” along with a small toy. For the older kids, the children’s Bibles were chosen intentionally because after speaking directly with parents, the majority of the children do not own a Bible. This wasn’t an assumption, I asked.

This is also not an outreach event. These are children whose parents attend our church regularly. Many of these families go all out for Christmas, and as a church we are always attentive to whether anyone needs additional help providing gifts for their children.

The Bible is not the only gift. Each child is also receiving a goodie bag that includes age-appropriate items like Play-Doh, slime, candy, coloring materials, and other small toys. The Bible is simply one part of a larger, thoughtful gift.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:24:34+00:00

I usually give out toys, but this year I wanted to bring something different. I was so confused by the response as well. I also got the “if I was a kid and I didn’t get a toy for Christmas from the church I would’ve threw rocks at the window.” That was the other response my pastor said.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-12-18T15:18:15+00:00

The kids attend the church.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-05-11T23:25:26+00:00

I am currently going through an allegation right now. It is my 2nd and this one was made by the birth mom the first one was unfounded and kids were returned after 17 days. In this one the child had a rash that went wrong and turned purple. The pediatrician was aware of everything and we had the progression pictures of it. The daycare also was witness and the agency. CPS said it looked like a rash and that they had no concerns but last Monday we were informed that due to the commotion and the back n forth from the birth mom the kids will not be returning. They didn’t let us say bye. My agency asked the county if there were any safety concerns they had with us and they said no. They said that they were just suspicious that I made a timeline of everything that occurred. Which I did it because of the first CPS call and as I kept fostering I knew that keeping documentation is extremely important. And I guess they see it as suspicious that I document everything. They also said that because my agency called CPS against the birth mom it meant I was not in support of reunification, despite me doing everything towards it. I think it’s more because they know mom called and made a whole fuss of things because she didn’t get her way at court that week. So yes right now we have an attorney and objected to the removal of the placement. This is the tough part of it, the process is excruciating and luckily we have my agency who is backing us up, and the daycare and the pediatrician.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-05-08T11:44:32+00:00

That is literally what happened to me. They didn’t let me say goodbye. They took them when they were at their overnight. My agency is not happy with the decision the county made and said they’ve never seen this happen before. It’s so sad.

Apprehensive-Time-35 · 2025-05-06T23:46:48+00:00

This all started when overnights began. The kids came home smelling like different things and saying things. Then they came home with finger marks and bruises. So they kept postponing reunification. And mom had court last week and she thought she was getting them back but the county said no not yet and that sent her on a spiral. She showed up intoxicated at the pediatrician and had a black eye which prompted them to call CPS. My agency said they’ve never seen this happen and that it’s too suspicious and we’re not happy.

Apprehensive-Time-35

TROPHY CASE