Are theoretical and theological models of children’s and young people’s faith formation in ministry training fit for the contemporary context?

Howard Worsley, Trinity College Bristol and Sarah Holmes, Institute for Children, Youth and Mission

Initial Description

This project seeks to investigate the theoretical models of children’s and young people’s faith formation utilised in UK ministry training. There is clear commitment to strengthen children’s faith formation within TEIs, and voices have called consistently for the church to take theology amongst younger generations seriously. So, it is critical to consider how children’s faith is framed within these discussions. Which theoretical and theological models are being transmitted about children’s faith formation through ministry training? This includes specific training of youth and children’s ministry, but also clergy training which includes some reference to younger generations.

In this season of a renewed focus on ministry amongst younger generations, it is critical that the theological education being provided about children’s and young people’s faith formation is relevant and attentive to existing literature, research and contemporary prac-tice and experience.  We therefore ask whether the established and pervasive theological understandings of children and young people are fit for purpose in contemporary times?

It is proposed that some of the models which are widely used and the consequent way in which faith particularly of children is framed, do not reflect the current thinking and research-informed practice within the wider international children’s ministry community, and may be restricting the mindset of possibilities of ministry amongst younger attenders of UK churches.

This project will therefore carry out a mapping exercise to uncover the models used in ministry training, followed by a systematic literature review of contemporary models and research-informed thinking in this area.  Using this contemporary literature as a lens, the models of faith formation utilized in UK ministry training will be analysed and then compared and contrasted with the perspectives and experiences of practitioners, trainers/educators, para-church organisations, national church representatives, and children and young people themselves.  As a research team we already represent five institutions, and we are very well connected with key contacts at other TEI’s so are confident that we can carry out this project in a highly collaborative and impactful manner.

These research findings will lead to specific recommendations to improve and enhance theological education related to children’s and youth faith formation, and consequently begin to adjust the ecclesial dimension, ethos and function to be more effective in support-ing faith formation in younger generations.  This project will enable theological education to relate appropriately to the current religious worlds of under 18 year olds in the church and in wider society. The impact which this shift in mindset could have on ministry amongst children in the UK church is significant.