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Abstract

Parents and church leaders live in a unique moment in the life of the church that creates a powerful opportunity: shaping ministry with children in ways that more faithfully serve God’s ongoing purposes. A convergence of several important ongoing conversations unique to our time connects scholars, practitioners, and parents interested in children's spiritual well-being. These tributaries in thought include (1) an emerging theological vision of children, (2) improved understanding of the physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities of children, (3) developing research into the relational ecologies of family, church, and generations, and (4) ongoing developments in children’s ministry leadership, practice, and curriculum. This essay explores the movement of each stream of thought and proposes preferred destinations for each. At the end, readers are given evaluation questions that empower congregations to assess where to best prioritize their efforts.

Author Bio

Ron Bruner (DMin, Abilene Christian University) is the director of DMin Research at Abilene Christian University, the editor of Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry, and an adjunct in ACU's Graduate School of Theology, having taught courses in practical theology, as well as children's, youth, and family ministry. With Jennifer Reinsch Schroeder and Shannon Clarkson Rains, Bruner co-authored Children Belong in Worship: The Why and How of Intergenerational Church (Eerdmans, 2027). With Dudley Chancey, he co-edited Owning Faith: Reimagining the Role of Church and Family in the Faith Journey of Teenagers (Leafwood, 2017), and with Dana Kennamer, he co-edited Along the Way: Conversations About Children and Faith (ACU Press, 2015).

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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