Children

Churches are exploring new ways to offer VBS amid volunteer shortages

Effective youth programs require training, a sense of mission and a willingness to adapt, one vacation Bible school expert says.

By Shari Finnell Journalist

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Anti-racist formation of children and youth

Faith communities can play a crucial role to counter efforts that limit what is taught about our nation’s past and present, including the banning of books and censoring of curriculum content. Most churches already have the mechanisms in place to offer formation. Here are resources to make those offerings practically, thoughtfully and intentionally anti-racist.

WonderSpace gives families something to smile about

An indoor play experience expands options for a community with a high rate of childhood poverty.

By Shari Finnell Journalist

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Karen-Marie Yust and Erin Reibel: Helping create a space of spiritual nurture for children and their families

Research, social science and of-the-moment culture are adapted and translated in a project to support children’s spirituality.

Changing lives by changing how we live

There are steps we can take to help offset a purpose gap rooted in historical and contemporary oppressions, writes the senior director of learning design with the Forum for Theological Exploration.

By Patrick B. Reyes Senior director of learning design, Forum for Theological Exploration

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What will summer be like without the usual VBS, camps and youth mission trips?

Christian professionals and families partner to experiment with innovative approaches to youth formation in a socially distant environment.

By G. Jeffrey MacDonald Journalist and UCC minister

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The tradition of child bishops teaches the meaning of the Magnificat

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a church enthrones a young chorister as “bishop” every December in a medieval practice that illustrates the upside-down spirit of Advent.

By Chris Karnadi Editor, Faith & Leadership

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Melissa Florer-Bixler: How can we create a culture of safety for children in church?

Creating a safe space for vulnerable members of our congregations doesn’t end with a yearly training. Awareness and vigilance should be an embedded habit, writes a pastor.

By Melissa Florer-Bixler Pastor, Raleigh Mennonite Church

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Melissa Florer-Bixler: Playing and praying with children in worship

Giving kids a place in the front of the sanctuary allows them to worship in a way that comes naturally to them: through play.

By Melissa Florer-Bixler Pastor, Raleigh Mennonite Church

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Bristol Huffman: What I learned at Vacation Bible School this summer

A pastor charged with teaching a third-grade VBS class realized she was learning not only from the children but with them, by openheartedly engaging in the activities meant for kids.

By Bristol Huffman Spiritual director, writer, religious leader

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Playing church

By Gretchen E. Ziegenhals Spiritual director and retreat leader

A cathedral in Sweden offers children a prominent, child-sized place to baptize dolls, set the altar and try on vestments. How does your congregation invite children into the life of the church?