Buyer's guide · Mixed-faith families
For mixed-faith households, non-denominational churches, and families who move between traditions — a guide to interdenominational Christian devotionals and five books that fit.
Direct answer: An interdenominational (non-denominational) Christian devotional for kids is one that focuses on shared Christian essentials — the Trinity, scripture, and love of neighbor — and avoids denominational specifics like baptism mode, communion frequency, or eschatology. This makes it usable across evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, and non-denominational families. Look for kid-friendly framing without doctrinal specifics.
My family is mixed. My mother-in-law is Catholic. My mother is Baptist. My cousins are Pentecostal, and my closest friends across the last decade have been non-denominational. Every Christmas we exchange kids books across all four traditions, and the ones that circulate best are the ones that do not tag themselves into any single denomination.
This post explains what makes a Christian kids devotional interdenominational, how to spot one when you shop, and five books that qualify for the mixed-faith household.
Interdenominational means the book is designed to work across Christian traditions. It focuses on what unites Christian denominations rather than what divides them. For a kids devotional, that typically means:
The goal is not theological blandness. It is respect for the fact that a 4-year-old should be introduced to Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit before being introduced to the topics that divide adult Christians.
If one parent is Catholic and one is evangelical, an interdenominational devotional can be read by either parent without hesitation. Both traditions can then bring their own richness into the follow-up conversation ("This is what mommy does at church; this is what daddy does — both love Jesus").
Grandparents often want to gift a Christian book to grandkids whose parents may be a different denomination. An interdenominational devotional is the safe, respectful, and generous choice.
Many families move between churches, or attend a non-denominational church that mixes traditions. An interdenominational devotional gives kids continuity across the moves.
The best gift I ever gave my mother-in-law was a devotional she could read to her grandchildren without worrying that "the other side" of the family would object. She still reads it to them when they visit. That is the whole point.
Publishers sometimes market books as "for all Christians" while the content leans clearly in one direction. Here is the shortcut for spotting the difference:
Written specifically to be readable across evangelical, Catholic, and non-denominational families. No baptism specifics, no eschatology, no saint veneration. Focus on Jesus, Papa God, kindness, and identity. NIrV translation. Ages 3-8.
Not a devotional but reads like one. Every story ends with "Every story whispers His name" — a Christ-centered thread that works across denominations. Wide adoption in Protestant, Catholic, and non-denominational homes alike.
Wonder-and-science devos rooted in God as creator. Nothing denomination-specific. Louie Giglio pastors a non-denominational church (Passion City), and the book reflects that broad framing.
Max Lucado's warmth is famously translatable across traditions. No denomination-specific framing. Widely gifted at both Catholic first communions and Protestant baptisms.
Board-book format with concept-first framing (Psalms of Praise, Trinity, ABCs of Faith). Widely used across denominations for babies and toddlers. See the full catalog.
God's Little Sprout was written from the start for the mixed-faith household. No denomination-specific language. Just Jesus, Papa God, and a five-minute rhythm.
See it on AmazonThese signals mean a book is likely denominational rather than interdenominational. Avoiding them saves you from awkward moments with in-laws.
These are all legitimate topics in adult Christian formation. They are simply not what a 3-8 year old needs from a devotional.
It means the book focuses on shared essentials — the Trinity, the authority of the Bible, love of God and neighbor — and avoids topics that divide denominations, such as baptism mode, communion frequency, eschatology timing, or ecclesial structure.
Usually yes, if the book avoids specifically Protestant framing (sola scriptura language, anti-sacramental phrasing, or eschatology specifics). Read a sample of any book before buying and check for explicit denomination-specific phrases. Most kids devotionals in this category work for both traditions.
In marketing, publishers use both terms interchangeably. Technically, non-denominational means the book is not affiliated with any denomination; interdenominational means the book is designed to work across denominations. The practical distinction for a kids devotional is minimal.
Skim the table of contents for topics like "why we baptize by immersion" or "the end times." If those appear, the book leans denominational. Check the copyright page for publisher affiliation (Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran) — the imprint sometimes signals audience.
Interdenominational devotionals are exactly what you need. Books that focus on Jesus, prayer, kindness, and family love work in both households. Read together with each parent bringing their own tradition into follow-up conversation.
The complete guide to Christian kids devotionals has a full section on interdenominational vs denominational.
Read the complete guide →