Interview with Children's Author Joey Allen

Can 4-8 year old children learn about the Trinity? My kids certainly are – with the help of Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers. Author Joey Allen has carefully presented the central doctrines of Christianity in these four excellent children’s books. Titles include: The Trinity, The Bible, The Gospel, and The Mission. Each book is biblical sound and beautifully illustrated. My experience in using these with my children has been excellent. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Joey Allen.

From NEW LEAF PUBLISHING: Joey Allen is a missionary and artist who desires to see people all over the world worship God for who He truly is. Joey has traveled to China, India, the Philippines, and Russia to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia and was awarded the Cliff Chandler Graphic Design Scholarship. He is currently working on a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Joey and his wife Christy currently reside in Dallas, Texas.

Can you tell me how you came to Christ?

While I was still in the womb, my parents were telling me the gospel message. They had both become Christians in high school and wanted me to come to faith in Christ as early as possible. I knew that I was a sinner and deserved to be punished. I believed in Jesus when I was a little boy. I knew my parents loved me and wouldn't lie to me about something as important as that. As I grew up, I began to be enticed by the world, but after my junior year of high school, I went to the Philippines on a short-term missions trip. It was on that trip that the Lord did a work in my heart and opened my eyes to see how life altering the gospel truly is. Since that trip, it has been my heart-felt desire to direct other people into a personal relationship with Almighty God through God the Son, Jesus Christ.

Were there people in your life that encouraged you to use your talents as an artist to glorify God?

Yes. My parents recognized my talent for drawing and encouraged me to study art in college. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia. Many of my professors there pushed me to improve. They exposed me to sculpture and other art mediums.

When I was in college, I felt called into ministry, so studying art didn't make a lot of sense to me. I had no idea how God would use it in the future. But it was not a waste. Besides the children's books, I currently support my family by using my skills in graphic design.

How did you first become interested in writing Theology books for children?

My second semester at Dallas Theological Seminary, I took a class called "Trinitarianism" from Dr. Scott Horrell. One of the assignments was a creative project. We could do anything from a poem to a painting. I decided to do a children's book on the Trinity. Thanks to the direction of another professor, Dr. Reg Grant, a publisher showed interest in the book and partnered with me to published the Big Thoughts series.

Who are the major figures that have shaped your theology?

My parents and the Bible had the biggest impact on my belief in and understanding of God. Besides them, I have been influenced my professors, especially Dr. Jeffrey Bingham. Authors who have influenced me include A. W. Tozer, Jim Elliot, J. I. Packer, John Piper, Blaise Pascal, Plato, and C. S. Lewis, among others.

How has your experience as a missionary influence your children's books?

Our concept of God has a direct bearing on how we live. The story is told of a woman weeping at the door of her hut while her husband goes to the temple to consort with temple prostitutes. Later, the women is weeping at the door of her hut while her husband takes their only son to the temple to sacrifice him to his gods. The woman's makes an insightful comment, "If he had a different god, he would be a different man." The woman is exactly right. How we think about God is not an idea floating disconnected from everything else, but a highly practical doctrine that influences our daily lives. People all over the world are living out the ramifications of their views of God. Not only that, but people all over the world are living disconnected from God. Since God is the creator, he is the source of life. A life disconnected from God inevitably leads toward death. That's what makes the gospel so essential. The gospel is God's plan for getting us reconnected with him, the source of life.

The gospel is a revolutionary message! I have witnessed its power to change individual lives and as a result, impact collective societies. I have experienced the thrill of sharing the gospel message with people and seeing them experience freedom from fear of demons and fear of condemnation, and the joy of knowing the God is their Father and the joy of knowing that they have a home in heaven. I've never experienced anything so wonderful as directing another person toward faith in Christ.

How would you like to see this type book used?

I would love to see the books used to lead children to faith in Christ. I would love for children to receive a solid biblical and theological foundation that guides them the rest of their lives. I would love for children to avoid cults as a result of reading these books. I would love for the books to lead children to become fervent worshippers of God.

I would also love it if parents and teachers benefit from reading the books. If parents and teachers find a way to teach that there is one God who exists as three persons without comparing God to an egg, I will be very pleased. I hope the Scripture references on each page help, as well.

Do you have any other writing project on the horizon?

I am in dialogue with Evantell concerning a gospel tract project for kids. I also have plans to write and illustrate another book on the doctrine of God for an older audience (8-12 year olds).

What are your plans after you finish your degree at Dallas Theological Seminary?

My wife and I hope to serve in the 10/40 window sharing the gospel, organizing new believers into communities, and being involved in their discipleship process. We would be grateful for your prayers as we seek the Lord's direction.