Understanding Children's Spirituality: Theology Research and Practice

Description: How important is childhood in the spiritual formation of a person? How do children experience God in the context of their lives as they grow? What does God do in the lives of children to draw them to himself and help them grow into a vital relationship with him? How can adults who care about children better support their spiritual growth and direct it toward relationship with God through Jesus Christ? These are critical questions that church leaders face as they consider how best to nurture the faith of the children God brings into our lives. In this book over two dozen Christian scholars and ministry leaders explore important issues about the spiritual life of children and ways parents church leaders and others who care about children can promote their spiritual formation. Endorsements: An excellent resource for students and all who desire to continue growing in their understanding of children and their Christian formation. Authors from varied Christian traditions provide insights from theology history the social sciences and research. They address pressing issues and suggest important practices for ministries with children today. Those interested in research with children will find interesting examples of research design. --Dr. Catherine Stonehouse Emeritus Dean of the School of Practical Theology Orlean Bullard Beeson Professor of Christian Discipleship Asbury Theological Seminary This impressive . . . collection draws together twenty-nine contributors from very diverse backgrounds to address theology and research but also childrens spirituality in the contexts of family church and community. Lawson has integrated this complexity with grace. Understanding will join the first two volumes in this important series on the shelves of the Center for the Theology of Childhood in Denver. --Rev. Dr. Jerome W. Berryman Author of Children and the Theologians (2009) Teaching Godly Play: How to Mentor the Spiritual Development of Children (2009) and The Complete Guide to Godly Play (8 vols. 2002-2012) This volume is a treasure trove of wisdom on Christian faith and childrens spirituality. It showcases the best thought of leading scholars and ministers on topics of relevance to childrens formation ranging from classic theologians like Irenaeus to modern psychologists like Piaget to familiar worship practices like baptism and christening. The collection should be of interest to those eager to engage children as active participants in the Christian life. --Bonnie Miller-McLemore E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Pastoral Theology Vanderbilt University Author of Let the Children Come: Reimaging Childhood from a Christian Perspective (2003) and In the Midst of Chaos: Care of Children as Spiritual Practice (2006) About the Contributor(s): Kevin E. Lawson is Professor of Christian Education and Director of PhD and EdD programs in Educational Studies at Talbot School of Theology of Biola University in La Mirada California. He served as the chair of the planning team for the Childrens Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives from 2001 through 2009. He is author of How to Thrive in Associate Staff Ministry (2000).