Under 5s worship is the focus of new Sheffield Centre publication

11 Dec 2006

Worship for children under five is important, says a new publication by Church Army's . The 17-page Encounters on the Edge resource (31 Small Beginnings), explores what it is to nurture spirituality in young children. Written by Claire Dalpra, research assistant to George Lings, the publication examines how the fresh expressions agenda offers churches a great opportunity to re-connect with this often-overlooked age group.

Small beginnings tell the story of new worshipping communities that have formed with children and their parents, grandparents or carers' midweek that wouldn't otherwise be attending church. Not only is physical space redesigned but ways of nurturing spirituality that does not rely on academic understanding are being developed. 

"Young children are in danger of being overlooked within our churches" says Claire Dalpra.  "There is mounting evidence to suggest children might be born with innate spiritual awareness but all-age worship is often limited in what it can do to nurture spirituality in children under five. This can even keep young families away. Many churches run well attended midweek groups for under 5s and their carers, but there is a danger that churches will miss the opportunity to spiritually connect with non-churched parents and children if they wait around for families to cross the divide between midweek parent and baby/toddler groups to Sunday worship."

Dalpra concludes that there is just as much need for mission-shaped church thinking for children's ministry as there is for adults and she believes this publication offers some practical advice on where to start. She says: "The number of children in this country who know the Christian story is still frighteningly low. The wider church must act upon this, not just for the continuation of the church in the future but, more importantly, because of their responsibility to take the spiritual nurture of young children seriously and resource ministry among them, just as they would any other people group in society.

"This type of fresh expressions has wider implications than is immediately obvious. Adults are finding this kind of spiritual nurture helpful also which suggests learning to encounter God through imagination, wonder and play is a gift for life not just early childhood."

Encounters on the edge 31, Small beginnings, is published by the  and costs £4 per copy or £3 if you subscribe for a year. To order copies, contact the  on 0114 272 7451, or email ask@sheffieldcentre.org.uk

Follow this link to listen to Claire Dalpra being interviewed on Premier Christian Radio.