An Appraisal of the Position of Children in the Worship Services of an Urban Baptist Church, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

At present, contemporary child theologians join the global move towards a growing concern for children, displaying an appreciation of and interest in exploring the relationship between children and theology, thereby advocating for children to be recognised as people participating in God's design, acting with both voice and agency. In keeping with this development, the thesis presents sound ways of exploring the relationship between children and theology by describing the exemplary practice of a local church that embraced a child-inclusive theological perspective on worship and implemented it practically. The study begins with a detailed investigation of a suitable research design and methodologies for appropriate engagement with children in theology. This lays a foundation for grounding the research in the lives of the child participants and describing the church’s worship practices while ensuring children’s active participation in and contribution to the research. An appraisal of children’s position recognises the value of the church’s ministry with children, describing it in terms of child agency and participation, considering the principles of a child-inclusive theological perspective on worship. The appraisal suggests that embracing a sound theological perspective on worship results in practices that position children as fellow actors in the story of God. Positioning the congregation being studied as a model in this regard, presented an opportunity for a missional application, where the study sought to create awareness in a prominent church leader while reflecting on possible applications of the research findings to his ministry.

At present, contemporary child theologians join the global move towards a growing concern for children, displaying an appreciation of and interest in exploring the relationship between children and theology, thereby advocating for children to be recognised as people participating in God's design, acting with both voice and agency. In keeping with this development, the thesis presents sound ways of exploring the relationship between children and theology by describing the exemplary practice of a local church that embraced a child-inclusive theological perspective on worship and implemented it practically. The study begins with a detailed investigation of a suitable research design and methodologies for appropriate engagement with children in theology. This lays a foundation for grounding the research in the lives of the child participants and describing the church’s worship practices while ensuring children’s active participation in and contribution to the research. An appraisal of children’s position recognises the value of the church’s ministry with children, describing it in terms of child agency and participation, considering the principles of a child-inclusive theological perspective on worship. The appraisal suggests that embracing a sound theological perspective on worship results in practices that position children as fellow actors in the story of God. Positioning the congregation being studied as a model in this regard, presented an opportunity for a missional application, where the study sought to create awareness in a prominent church leader while reflecting on possible applications of the research findings to his ministry.