Biblical and Theological Perspectives on Children,Parents, and ‘Best Practices' for Faith Formation: Resources for Child,Youth, and Family Ministry Today |
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| Authors: | Marcia J. Bunge |
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| Affiliation: | Marcia J. Bunge is Professor of Theology and Humanities at Christ College, the Honors College of Valparaiso University, and Director of the Child in Religion and Ethics Project. She is the editor of The Child in Christian Thought (Eerdmans, 2001) and co‐editor of The Child in the Bible (Eerdmans, 2008) and the forthcoming Children and Childhood in World Religions (Rutgers, 2009). |
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| Abstract: | Abstract : One of the most important ways to strengthen the faith formation of children and young people, and child, youth, and family ministries is by engaging and supporting parents or primary care‐givers. This article seeks to address this challenge by mining resources from the Bible and Christian theology about the roles and responsibilities of parents, the complexity and dignity of children, and ways to pass on the faith. By taking into account theological perspectives on parents, children, and faith formation, church leaders can better engage both children and parents, and they can strengthen all areas of their work with or on behalf of children and young people, whether in children's ministry, youth and family ministry, religious education, or child advocacy. |
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| Keywords: | parents children theology of childhood faith formation |
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