Reviews

Tears filled my eyes as I flipped every page. Thank goodness for an online version or I would have soaked the entire book! This review can’t give enough justice to what Rachael brought through this book – hope for the broken and challenge for the complacent.  

As Rachael takes the reader through her own journey with God in the outreach ministry, she bravely reveals her personal and ministry struggles, never sugar-coating the trials and uncertainties she encountered along the way. Instead, she uses those to point people to the only One who can bring true transformation in anyone: Jesus. And she just doesn’t leave you moved; she helps you with your practical next steps in every chapter. Complete with activities and ideas to help launch an effective outreach ministry, this book is worth reading whether you are a full-time minister, a volunteer, or simply a curious book lover.  

And if you have a pulse, you will be compelled to “GO.”

- Corey & Ivonne Norman

12 Chapters

1. All In

In this chapter, Rachael discusses the plan that she and her pastor created and how they went about laying the groundwork for this children’s ministry.

2. Qualified

Rachael talks about some of the problems many children deal with that we may not even realize exist. She also reflects on her disappointing relationship with her parents as a child.

3. What the What?

This chapter is all about answering frequently asked questions about Rachael, Rachael’s church, and Rachael’s ministry.

4. Love the Kids - Love Their Families

Rachael tells a story that addresses the issue that some people may not feel qualified to lead an outreach program. She states that if you are truly invested in the program and God, then God will give you the guidance you need. 

5. Lessons in Grace

In this chapter, Rachael explains that there will be kids who challenge you, and it’ll take time for you to figure out what those kids need.

6. Success or Significance

In this chapter, Rachael discusses what success and significance mean to her and how they are different.

7. Words

Rachael talks about how powerful words are in this chapter. She explains that they have the power to heal or destroy. And she shares how to explain this to children.

8. Fear or Fight

Rachael tells a story of when she encountered someone trying to put a stop to her ministry. She explains why she decided to fight back. It is likely that something similar could happen to you, and you have to decide whether it’s worth fighting.

9. Hungry

This chapter is about the children. Rachael discovered that these kids were starving, and that God was using her to help them.

10. Obedience and Expectation

Rachael explains that, although sometimes we aren’t as motivated as we should be, God always is. Even if our expectations are low, God has a plan, no matter what.

11. Remarkable

This chapter shows how important it is for us to find our calling. God has a plan for us, and it is important that we find it. 

12. Resilience

This chapter discusses obstacles that may be in your way to get someone to really open up to you. Rachael reflects on some of her relatable experiences.

Rachael Groll is a Children's and Outreach Pastor at Living Waters Church in Meadville, Pa. The outreach program received national attention when the Christian law group, Alliance Defending Freedom, stood behind the church when local governing agencies tried to shut the program down. 

ADF helped Living Waters regain the right to continue the outreach programs, and as a result, the ministry has grown, reaching even more areas of the community. 

Rachael has shared some of her experiences on social media and her blog, RachaelGroll.org. Networking with children's pastors across the nation, she has helped others start Sidewalk Sunday schools and outreach ministries, and has recently begun a new role in public speaking.

12 Sample Lessons Included

These 12 lessons are a sample from the Sidewalk Sunday school program. There is a new lesson each week. Every lesson incorporates each of the following categories. There is also a sample attendance form included.