Bridging Theory and Practice in Children's Spirituality: New Directions for Education, Ministry, and Discipleship

by Zondervan; Mimi L. Larson; Robert J. Keeley

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2020

Overview

Bridging Theory and Practice in Children's Spirituality explores the different contexts, methods, and situations that influence and foster a child's spirituality and faith development. Through a blend of theoretical understanding held in tension with practical application, it equips those who are in, or being prepared for, the varied contexts where children are spiritually formed.

It represents a broad range of Christian expression writing from a Christ-centered perspective that furthers the conversation about the next steps in children's spirituality and faith development. Moving beyond the basics of faith nurture and what makes for effective ministry, this resource deepens our understanding of the practices in children's lives by bringing together the best of theory and practice and includes contributions from:

Dr. Scottie May (Wheaton College)

Dr. Kevin Lawson (Biola University)

Dr. Erik Carter (Vanderbilt University)

John Roberto (Vibrant Faith)

Dr. Dana Kennamer Pemberton (Abilene Christian University)

Dr. Shirley Morganthaler (Concordia University - Chicago)

Dr. Holly Catterton Allen (Lipscomb University)

Dr. Robert Keeley (Calvin College and Calvin Seminary)

Dr. Mimi Larson (Wheaton College)

Lacy Finn Borgo ( Renovaré Institute) and others.

Pastors, professors, seminary students and children's ministry leaders and practitioners all believe that nurturing a child's spiritual development is important. Yet often they are unsure about which current trends should be embraced. This book will help equip these people with the grounding needed to evaluate trends and with specific suggestions for moving forward. With short, accessibly written chapters it helps pastors and leaders stay up to date with current trends and is an excellent resource for teaching in college and seminary classrooms.

Key Features

• Describe the historical development of the spiritual formation of children and the main elements of a foundation to this process
• Explores the different contexts, methods, and situations that influence and foster a child's spirituality and faith development
• Challenges the readers to broaden their awareness of children and families who are not in the church and to reach out and welcome them into the embrace of God's love through the church

Contents

Section 1: Foundations for Engaging Children's Spirituality

• What Have We Learned? Seventy-Five Years of Children's Evangelical Spiritual Formation - Scottie May
• Comparing Five Theological Views and Ministry Practices - Kevin E. Lawson and Adam Harwood
• Coloring Outside the Lines: A Conversation about Racial Diversity and the Spiritual Lives of Children - Karen F. Williams
• Believing and Belonging: Embracing Children with Disabilities - Erik W. Carter

Section 2: The Environments That Shape a Child's Spirituality

• Faith-Forming Environments for Children - John Roberto
• Reimagining the Role of Family in Twenty-First Century Family Faith Practices - Trevecca Okholm
• The Role of Faith or Spirituality in a Child's Response to Grief and Loss - Shelly Melia
• Resilience, Trauma, and Children's Spirituality - Holly Catterton Allen with Kaylee Frank and Megan Larry

Section 3: The Importance of Story in a Child's Spirituality

• The Biblical Basis for Using Story in a Child's Formation - Marva Hoopes
• Sharing Hard Stories with Children - Robert J. Keeley
• Little Theologians: Learning with and from Children as We Live in the Story Together - Dana Ken namer

Section 4: Nurturing Children's Spirituality through Different Methods

• Does the Church Care If Children Can Think? - Mimi L. Larson
• Normalizing White Spirituality in Children's Sunday School Curricula - Henry Zonio
• Becoming a Soul Friend: Spiritual Direction with Children - Lacy Finn Borgo
• The Sacred Playground: Play and a Child's Faith - Mimi L. Larson and Shirley K. Morgenthaler

Section 5: The Future of Children's Spirituality

• Casting a Vision for the Future - Mimi L. Larson and Robert J. Keeley

Praise for Bridging Theory and Practice in Children's Spirituality

'Bridge' is an apt description of the chapters in this book which work to connect the theoretical and academic with a variety of practical approaches to the spiritual formation of children and those in ministry with them. Let these chapters become conversation partners to help you examine your own assumptions and practices regarding race, privilege, family faith practices, spiritual formation, and inclusion of those with special needs and differing abilities.

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth F. Caldwell, adjunct faculty, Vanderbilt Divinity School and author of Wondering about the Bible with Children

This book builds a well-constructed bridge from biblical foundations and educational theories to a multitude of practices in which every person in a congregation is involved in the Christian discipleship of children. The team of diverse writers are bridge builders who have crossed this bridge many times as insightful teachers and well-tested practitioners. From engaging children with age-sensitive and creative ideas for dealing with the ABC's of the gospel to often-neglected areas of children's ministry like grief, disappointment, and racial prejudice, this book will help educators, teachers, leaders and volunteers in children's ministry give children a head start at lifelong discipleship.

Dr. Robbie F. Castleman, professor emerita, theology & New Testament, John Brown University and author of Parenting in the Pew

Hats off to Keeley and Larson for compiling this welcome addition to the field of children's spirituality. For over fifteen years, the Children's Spirituality Summit has been gathering the best researchers and brightest practitioners, and this book is the fruit of their latest efforts. True to its promise, it blends theory and practice into a book that will fascinate the seasoned scholar and equip the frontline children's minister.

David M. Csinos, assistant professor of practical theology, Atlantic School of Theology and founder of Faith Forward

Product Details

• Title: Bridging Theory and Practice in Children's Spirituality: New Directions for Education, Ministry, and Discipleship
• Authors: Zondervan, Mimi L. Larson, Robert J. Keeley
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2020
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 272
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Christian children › Religious life; Church work with children; Faith development
• ISBNs: 9780310104933, 9780310104919, 0310104939, 0310104912
• Resource ID: LLS:9780310104933
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-05-20T07:38:41Z