Kidology Lab Notes: Henrietta Mears – Pioneer of Modern Sunday School and Children’s Ministry

You teach a little by what you say. You teach most by what you are. – Henrietta Mears

We minister today on the shoulders of those who came before us. There are leaders who paved the way, set an example and inspire us to devote our lives to the evangelization and education of children. My mother will always be my greatest influence in children’s ministry – but a woman who had a profound impact on my mom was Henrietta Mears, and so by extension, my ministry is a continuation of the ministry soil she broke, sowed and watered. Let me tell you about her – because whether you realize it or not, you minister in her shadow as well. Children’s Ministry might not be what it is today were it not for her timeless impact.

Henrietta Cornelia Mears (1890–1963) was one of the most influential Christian educators of the 20th century, shaping the future of Sunday School and profoundly impacting children’s ministry. As the founder of Gospel Light and the visionary behind Forest Home Christian Conference Center, Mears’ passion for biblical teaching and innovative methods revolutionized how churches approach education and discipleship. Her legacy continues to inspire children’s ministry leaders today, offering invaluable lessons in how we minister to kids and lead our ministries.

Henrietta Mears’ Early Life and Influences

Henrietta Mears was born on October 23, 1890, in Fargo, North Dakota, the seventh child of Alice and Enoch Mears. Her parents were devout Christians who prioritized faith and education, laying a strong spiritual foundation for Henrietta and her siblings. The family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Henrietta’s childhood was marked by curiosity, a thirst for learning, and a deep love for God.

From a young age, Henrietta demonstrated resilience and a strong will. A significant turning point in her life came at age 12 when she developed nearsightedness so severe that she was advised to discontinue her education. Unwilling to accept this limitation, Henrietta prayed earnestly for healing. Although her vision did not fully recover, she adapted by using glasses and magnifying lenses, and she pressed on with her studies. Her perseverance became a hallmark of her life and ministry, teaching her to trust God’s strength amid personal challenges.

Henrietta’s commitment to education led her to graduate from the University of Minnesota, where she earned a degree in chemistry. Though she initially pursued teaching in public schools, her passion for ministry grew as she volunteered in her local church’s Sunday School. It was during these years that she discovered her gift for teaching and her burden for children and young people.

Revolutionizing Sunday School Education

In 1928, Henrietta accepted a position as the Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, California. At the time, the Sunday School program was struggling, with fewer than 400 attendees. Within two years, the program exploded to over 4,000 students. What caused this dramatic growth? Mears’ innovative approach to Christian education combined a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, creative teaching methods, and an unwavering commitment to biblical truth.

Henrietta understood that children learn best when they are engaged and valued. She worked tirelessly to create curriculum and teaching materials that were age-appropriate, biblically sound, and visually appealing. In an era when many Sunday Schools relied on rote memorization, Mears introduced dynamic storytelling, hands-on activities, and visually stimulating resources to capture the attention and imagination of young learners.

Recognizing a lack of high-quality teaching materials, Mears founded Gospel Light Publications in 1933 to produce curriculum that reflected her educational philosophy. Gospel Light became one of the leading publishers of Christian education resources, equipping churches around the world with tools to disciple children effectively. Mears’ emphasis on Scripture as the foundation of all teaching ensured that the materials were not only engaging but also deeply rooted in biblical truth.

Impact on Children’s Ministry and Beyond

Henrietta Mears’ influence extended far beyond her local church. She trained thousands of teachers, emphasizing the importance of preparation, passion, and prayer in ministry. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: “Find out what God is doing in the world and join Him in it.” She believed every child was uniquely gifted and capable of understanding the deep truths of Scripture when taught in a meaningful and relatable way.

Her leadership also had a ripple effect on future generations of Christian leaders. Among those influenced by Mears were Billy Graham, Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ), and Richard Halverson (Chaplain of the U.S. Senate). These leaders often credited Mears with inspiring their commitment to evangelism and discipleship.

One of Mears’ most lasting contributions to children’s ministry was her insistence on excellence. She believed that children’s ministry deserved the same level of preparation, resources, and vision as any other aspect of church life. Her passion for equipping teachers and leaders set a standard for professionalism in children’s ministry that continues to this day.

Lessons for Today’s Children’s Ministry Leaders

Mears’ life and ministry hold timeless lessons for those leading children’s ministries today.

  1. Value Every Child
     
    Henrietta Mears believed that every child mattered to God and deserved to hear the gospel in a way they could understand. This perspective drove her to develop curriculum and teaching methods that met children where they were. Today, children’s ministry leaders can honor her legacy by creating environments where every child feels valued, seen, and loved. This includes being intentional about inclusivity and accessibility for children with special needs, as well as finding creative ways to engage kids from diverse backgrounds.
  2. Commit to Excellence


    Mears’ commitment to excellence serves as a challenge to resist mediocrity in ministry. From preparing lessons thoroughly to recruiting and training capable volunteers, children’s ministry leaders should strive for the highest standards in every aspect of their work. Excellence not only honors God but also communicates to children and parents that ministry is a priority.
  3. Focus on Discipleship

     

    For Henrietta Mears, Sunday School was more than a weekly activity; it was a platform for life-changing discipleship. She emphasized teaching children to love God’s Word and apply it to their lives. Today, children’s ministry leaders can follow her example by moving beyond entertainment-driven programs to focus on intentional discipleship that equips kids to live out their faith.

     

  4. Invest in Teachers and Volunteers

    Mears understood that the effectiveness of children’s ministry depended on the quality of its leaders. She poured into teachers, equipping them with training, resources, and encouragement. Children’s ministry leaders today can prioritize volunteer development by offering ongoing training, clear communication, and opportunities for spiritual growth.

  5. Innovate with Purpose
     
    Henrietta Mears was a pioneer who wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Whether it was creating new curriculum or introducing fresh teaching methods, she continually sought better ways to reach children with the gospel. In today’s rapidly changing world, ministry leaders can embrace innovation — whether through technology, creative storytelling, or interactive learning — while remaining anchored in biblical truth.
  6. Rely on God’s Strength
     
    One of the most inspiring aspects of Mears’ life was her unwavering faith in God, even in the face of personal challenges. Her determination to overcome obstacles, such as her poor eyesight, reminds ministry leaders to depend on God’s strength rather than their own. Prayer, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a deep commitment to God’s Word should remain the foundation of all ministry efforts.

A Final Word…

Henrietta Mears’ legacy as a Christian educator and children’s ministry pioneer continues to inspire leaders around the world. Her vision for Sunday School, her innovative teaching methods, and her passion for discipleship transformed countless lives and laid the groundwork for modern children’s ministry.

As today’s children’s ministry leaders strive to impact the next generation, we can draw strength and inspiration from Mears’ example. By valuing every child, committing to excellence, prioritizing discipleship, investing in volunteers, embracing innovation, and relying on God’s strength, we can carry forward her mission of equipping young hearts and minds with the life-changing truth of the gospel.

Henrietta Mears’ life reminds us that no effort in ministry is too small when it is done for the glory of God and the sake of His kingdom. As she once said, “What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God.” May her words and her legacy inspire us to give our very best in the service of the children we are called to shepherd.

I know you, too, would like to leave a legacy and have a lasting impact on the world of children’s ministry. You don’t need to be well-known or lead a large ministry to have a lasting impact.

Can I challenge you to SHARE WHAT YOU LEARN?

Kidology.org is a collection of creative ideas, curriculum, lessons and leadership tools collected and shared between those who, like Henrietta want to equip and encourage others who minister to children. If you write lessons, stories, object lessons, or create amazing events, we encourage you to share them through Kidology so that others can use them with their kids in their ministries. Your amazing ideas can be a blessing to other leaders and their kids for years to come, even years after you are no longer active in children’s ministry. That is one of my passions in starting Kidology.org – that it would be a permanent source of creative ideas for those who reach and teach children for Jesus!

Submit your creative ideas today and help us continue Henrietta’s legacy of creatively reaching children for Jesus for generations to come!

And don’t miss Karl’s latest podcast as he discusses the legacy of Henrietta Mears as a Pioneer of Children’s Ministry!

 

 

Because Jesus Loves Children,

Pastor Karl Bastian
Founder, Kidology.org

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