Do contemporary Christian families need the church? Examining the benefits of faith communities from parent and child perspectives

ABSTRACT

The role of Christian faith communities in faith nurture of children is examined using empirical data, to assess whether the church is redundant for families. Insights are taken from child development, psychology and theology, to support a multi-disciplinary analysis of empirical data from children, parents and church leaders in North-West England, UK. Potential reasons for disengagement are revealed, as well as positive outcomes that are possible through family involvement in a faith community. Churches are encouraged to recognise the limitations of family’s involvement in church, and consider tangible strategies to foster inclusion and engagement.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• church community
• relationships
• faith nurture
• family

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 https://www.england.nhs.uk/2020/03/250000-nhs-volunteers/

2 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51988671

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by St Luke’s College Foundation; The Mylne Trust; St Christopher’s Educational Trust; Foundation of St Matthias.

Notes on contributors

Sarah E. Holmes

Sarah E. Holmes is a Lecturer - Early Childhood; Researcher in Nurturing Young Faith Project at Liverpool Hope University.