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

by Mimi L. Larson (Editor), Robert J. Keeley (Editor)

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 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.

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2020

Reviews

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot of good questions and considerations to hold while planning children's and youth Sunday school, but it definitely wasn't one I could breeze through. I think that there was a good amount of theory (which you need to have so you can have a good "why" for your practice with kids at church), but their idea of "practice" were not always very practical without a strong churchwide commitment (including funding, volunteers, and time for planning) toward children's ministry. Still, I found some helpful ideas here.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, especially Carter’s chapter on including kids with disabilities, Keeley’s chapter on teaching hard texts, and Lawson’s review of Bloom’s taxonomy. I have a full review coming for the ERLC in the coming days.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for anyone in Children's Ministry/childhood education, but particularly within church ministry to children. Some landmark chapters and not a bad chapter in the whole edition. Chapters on spiritual formation and racial equality in church curriculum were worth the price of the book.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great chapters in this. Particularly appreciated Lawson and Hardwood on the 5 views of ministry practice, Marva hoopes on story, Keeley on sharing hard stories, and Zonio on race. Recommended.