Growing together in faith

Author Emma L Parker and Sarah Strand
Publisher SCM Press £25
Format pbk
ISBN 9780334066521

Subtitled Thinking Theologically about Ministry with Children and Teenagers, this is a readable summary of academic research. We are taken through various models of faith development. These theories apply equally to children and adults. The authors emphasise that being in a community of all ages encourages all of us to grow in faith. We are challenged not to regard being made in the image of God as an adult image. Do we think that children do not fully reflect the imago dei? Even as not yet ‘fully human’? We are reminded of specific children in scripture who have played a significant part in the work of God. Isaiah 11:6 declaring that the ‘little child shall lead them’ is note worthy for being the only human in the prophecy. The chapter on change and how to foster it in a church community may well alone justify the price of the book! I recommend it to anyone who tries to nurture faith development.

Reviewed by RONA ORME

Church