Welcoming Children: A Practical Theology of Childhood

by Joyce Ann Mercer

This book develops a theology of childhood both from a theoretical basis in biblical theology (especially the gospel of Mark) and practical experience in children and youth ministry.
Mercer builds on classical theologians such as Augustine, Calvin, Barth, and Rahner as well as modern feminist theologians such as Brock and Russell. She gains insights from pastoral theologians such as Capps and Couture and from contemporary cultural criticism.
Mercer challenges approaches to educational and liturgical practices with children in congregations that segregate children from the rest of the church and its key practices of service, mission, worship, care, and learning. She reframes ministries with children as processes through which the church as a ‘community of practice’ forms children into an alternative identity that resists surrounding consumerist culture and walks in the ways of Jesus.
This book offers strategies for educational practices with children in congregations as it seeks to address the question, “What might educational practices that welcome children and contribute to their flourishing look like in the context of a faith community where children’s learning happens in collaboration with experienced practitioners of faith?” Outlining a feminist practical theology of childhood, it explores five basic theological (1) children as gifts and parenting as a religious practice of stewardship; (2) welcoming those who welcome and care for children; (3) children as already fully human; (4) children as part of the purposes of God; and (5) acknowledging and transforming the sufferings of children.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kyle Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough practical theology of children in the church. Went through the current problems of how we approach children’s ministry versus adult ministry, the history of such practices, and ways that our wisdom resources invite us to do it differently. Gave me a lot to think about. Would be interested to have an updated edition that talks about the changes in society and the church since 2004.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my independent study. Would love for an update - think about how childhood and churches have changed since 2005!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very challenging book about children and the church. I read it for my professional book group. Unfortunately, I was the only one who had finished it (it was Sept., a busy time for church educators), so I have a precis of each chapter. Much to think about, especially about the consumer culture in which we are raising and nurturing children today.

[Sharolyn]

So far, so good.