The Third Children's
Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives
Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois, June 14-17, 2009
A Working Definition of Children's Spirituality
from a Christian Perspective
Children's spirituality is the child's development of a conscious relationship with God, in Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, within the context of a community of believers that fosters that relationship, as well as the child's understanding of--and response to--that relationship" (adapted from Sheldrake, 2000, p. 40, and Morgenthaler, 1999, p. 6).
Explanation: To construct a definition of children's spirituality from a Christian perspective, the conference planning team first explored a variety of definitions of Christian spirituality. Three common elements were found in most definitions: a Trinitarian focus, relationality, and the context of the believing community. Philip Sheldrake's (2000) definition of Christian spirituality, "A conscious relationship with God, in Jesus Christ, through the indwelling of the Spirit and in the context of community of believers" (p. 40) combines these elements eloquently and succinctly. In addition, a definition offered by conference team member Shirley Morgenthaler specifically addresses the child's spirituality: "The child's development of an awareness of the relationship which has been initiated by God . . . , the role of the child's community in fostering that relationship, and the child's understanding of, and response to, that relationship" (p. 6).
While this definition is a reference point for the conference, it should be considered a beginning attempt to define the topic, which may be in need of revision in the future. Both presenters and participants who hold to somewhat different definitions are welcome to participate in the conference. The primary distinction of the conference is the emphasis upon Christian spirituality of children. Holly Allen, the assistant director of the planning team and principal author of the above definition, will address this topic briefly during the introduction to the conference on Sunday evening.
Morgenthaler, S. K. (Ed.). (1999). Exploring children's spiritual formation: Foundational issues. River Forest, IL: Pillars Press
Sheldrake, P. (2000). What is spirituality? In K. J. Collins (Ed.), Exploring Christian Spirituality (pp. 21-42). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
