In this enlightening and relevant compilation of essays, editors Mimi L. Larson and Robert J. Keeley share the presentations of various speakers at the June 2018 Children’s Spirituality Summit hosted on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. With the goal of serving the church, Larson and Keeley offer these essays as a way to bridge the gap between theories about children’s spirituality and practical ways to help children meet God where they are in their development and continue to grow in their relationship with God as they mature.
Topics include a history of how ministry to children has changed in the past 75 years; racial diversity and the spirituality of children; embracing children with disabilities by focusing on believing and belonging; resilience, trauma, and children’s spirituality; sharing hard stories with children, and more.
Though the book focuses primarily on what Christians can do to nurture children in the faith, it rests on the foundation of what God will accomplish through his power. Contributor Scottie May concludes, “I praise God that through his Spirit, he is ultimately the one in charge of the spiritual formation of every child. I am simply responsible to align myself with him the best way I am able, and then get out of the way so the Spirit can do his work. Whew! What a relief.”
Christian parents, educators in schools and churches, pastors, and all those who are passionate about children meeting Jesus will find this book offers much to ponder and put into practice. (Zondervan)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.