Source: Spirituality & Practice
We all have been given a mission to be spiritual companions to our children, grandchildren, and young friends. There are many blessings to be shared across the generations. We also can do more to respect and cherish children’s spirituality. How do they express it? Through creativity, mystical experiences, questions, goodness, free spirit, and much more.
“Practicing Spirituality with Children” is a 40-part course delivered by email. Each email includes a short passage we’ve found in a book about children’s spirituality, or spiritual parenting, or a children’s book with a spiritual message. We’ve mixed it up and included a few passages just for your inner child. Following the quote is a practice suggestion, something you can do with children or in honor of those you’ve known, including yourself.
During this unique e-course, we explore the seeds of the sacred in a child’s everyday life; the rewards of play, humor, and joy; the pleasures of finding meaning; and the surprising rewards of attention and wonder. Being a supportive spiritual companion to a child entails setting aside our agendas; being empathetic listeners; modeling love, compassion, forgiveness, and kindness; trying not to be too controlling or protective; and being open to the mysterious movements of the Divine. And, too, we must be willing to let children be our spiritual teachers. As the late Gerald May put it, “We must trust that God’s activity in these small lives is not dependent on our interventions. God indeed has been present with these little ones all along, and with just a little encouragement, the children will gladly share that presence with us.”
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Learn more about this course and register on Spirituality & Practice
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
The Spirituality of Children with Catherine Maresca (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
The spiritual lives of children are much different than those of adults, says author and teacher Catherine Maresca. She is the director of the Center for Children and Theology and says when we treat the religious journeys of our young ones in the wrong ways we can rob them of important experiences or, even worse, do great harm. This introductory course gives us a broad overview of the shape of spiritual development for 0-6 year olds and 6-12 year olds. Here’s how the class is laid out:
- The spiritual lives of 0-6 year olds and the quality of joy
- The spiritual lives of 0-6 year olds and the centrality of the essentials
- The spiritual lives of 6-12 year olds and the sense of communion
- The spiritual lives of 6-12 year olds and the moral life
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Reimagining Children’s and Youth Ministry with Faith Forward (ChurchNext)
Source: ChurchNext
Where are all the young people in church?
The folks at Faith Forward suggest: Something is happening in the church. A new kind of Christianity is taking root and growing across the globe. New forms of ministry, worship, and community are emerging. Questions are being asked. And change is happening.
But amidst these changes and shifts, children and youth are being left behind. Innovative approaches to ministry with adults are emerging around the world, but little critical reflection and attention has been given to how to nurture young people within a new kind of Christianity.
In this class, 4 keynote speakers who appeared at the 2014 Faith Forward conference, entitled ‘Reimagining Children’s and Youth Ministry,’ share their insights into what this reimagining should look like. Lessons include:
- Where Are We? with Dave Csinos
- Reimagining: Theology with Ivy Beckwith
- Reimagining: Story with Marvin Bray
- Reimagining: Rhythm with Danielle Shroyer
This class is a pre-recorded online course that will take an average learner about 45 minutes to work through. You can pause the class at any time and return to it later.
Learn more about this course and register at ChurchNext
