Ministry with Children: Navigating an Expanding and Deepening River of Thought and Practice

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.