SHERRY KENDRICK | GUEST

A year ago, I had the privilege of going on a Reformation tour with fifty people from my church. Several pastors who had both interest and training in church history served as guides. It was a wonderful learning experience for me and deepened my faith. The more I learned about the Reformation, the more I came to treasure the power of God’s Word, the gift of salvation by grace alone, and the steadfast courage needed to stand for gospel truth.

This year’s Reformation Sunday is October 26, and I find myself asking: how do we pass this history on to our children? The Protestant Reformation is a story of God’s faithfulness to His church—and it is a story worth telling them.

What Was the Reformation?
The beginning of the Reformation usually dates to October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther, a German monk, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The 95 Theses was a list of Luther’s arguments against the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences—which were like “get out of jail free” cards for sins—often sold for money to raise funds for the church.

The Protestant Reformation would continue for over 130 years throughout all of Europe. There were many “reformers,” men and women, who with courage stood in the face of persecution and death for believing the five key truths that came from the Reformation. They are known as the Five Solas:

• Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone
• Sola Fide – Faith alone
• Sola Gratia – Grace alone
• Solus Christus – Christ alone
• Soli Deo Gloria – To God alone be the glory

To prepare for the Reformation tour, my pastor recommended reading The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation by Michael Reeves. He describes the Reformation as a fire that could not be put out—a flame of gospel truth blazing across Europe. That imagery has stayed with me. It is my heart’s desire for the flame of these gospel truths to burn in me and into the hearts of the children we are discipling today.

Family Resources
Thankfully, we live in a time when there are incredible resources for introducing the Reformation to kids at every age. Here are some favorites (but certainly not all there are!), organized by format and age group. I highly recommend the two podcasts listed first.

Audiovisual Resources

• Here We Stand: A 31-Day Journey with Heroes of the Reformation (desiringgod.org) – podcast
• Luther in Real Time – podcast at Ligonier Ministries, like an audio story of Luther’s life
• Luther (2003 drama) and Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer (documentary, free on Ligonier) – movies
• Torchlighters: The Martin Luther Story (animated) and the Playmobil Story of Martin Luther – kids’ films

Books for Little Ones (Toddlers–Early Elementary)

• Reformation ABCs by Stephen J. Nichols – An illustrated A-to-Z introduction
• Martin Luther’s Reformation Day: The Story by Cari Haus – A simple, accessible picture book
• The Barber Who Wanted to Pray by R.C. Sproul – A creative story about prayer rooted in Luther’s writings
• The Life of Martin Luther: A Pop-Up Book by Agostino Traini – Fun and interactive
• I Know the Five Solas by Jolli Chaste – A playful way to teach theology through repetition

For Elementary and Middle School

• Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World by Paul Maier – A lively illustrated biography
• The Story of Martin Luther: The Monk Who Changed the World by Jared Kennedy – Accessible with maps and timelines
• Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr – Engaging volumes on Luther, Calvin, Knox, and more
• The Bible Smuggler by Louise Vernon – Historical fiction on William Tyndale
• Reformation Heroes by Diana Kleyn and Joel Beeke – Short stories about key figures

For Older Kids and Teens

• Here I Stand by Roland Bainton – A readable classic biography
• When Lightning Struck! by Danika Cooley – A dramatic novel-style retelling of Luther’s life
• Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church by the Withrows – Historical narratives for older readers
• Atlas of the European Reformations by Tim Dowley – Visual learners will love the maps

Family Activities
Children often remember stories, songs, and activities better than facts and dates. Here are some creative, family-friendly ways to bring the Reformation to life:

• Hammer the Theses – Write simple “theses” about God’s truth and tape them to a cardboard church door.
• Choose a different reformer to focus on each year. (Books by Simonetta Carr are a major help for this.)
• Learn the Five Solas and discuss what they mean.
• Family Timeline – Post key events on a wall chart to track the progress of the Reformation.
• Learn about the Gutenberg Bible and the printing press.
• Sing hymns together (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, All Glory Be to God Alone).
• Printing Press Craft – Use stamps or potato prints to mimic early printing.
• Act It Out – Host a family debate between “Martin Luther” and a church leader.
• Feather Pen Writing – Use craft feathers dipped in paint to copy the Five Solas or Bible verses.
• Scrolls and Seals – Coffee-dye paper and roll it into scrolls tied with string.
• Lego Scenes – Recreate moments like Luther nailing the Theses or Tyndale translating the Bible.
• Reformation Day (October 31) traditions: dress in Reformation costumes, sing hymns, and enjoy a German-themed meal (sauerbraten, pretzels, or potato pancakes make for a delicious family night).

Why This Matters
The Reformation is more than history. It is a living reminder that God’s Word is sufficient, salvation is by grace through faith, and Christ alone is our hope. Teaching our children these truths grounds them in the gospel and prepares them to stand firm in their own generation.

You do not have to be a historian to do this. Start small. Read one story this week. Sing one hymn together. Tape one thesis to your front door. Let God use even the simplest efforts to spark conversations and light the flame of gospel truth in your home.

This October, may the fire of the Reformation burn anew in our families—not as a relic of the past, but as a living call to love God, trust His Word, and glorify Him alone.

Photo by Wim van ‘t Einde on Unsplash