Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2025

Department

Theology

Keywords

children’s worship, contemporary worship, applied biblical studies, pneumatology, practical theology, spirituality, worship studies

Abstract

From young children to elders in the community, the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence is indiscriminate of age, ability, gender, culture, or status. Many communities continue to wrestle with the pastoral and practical implications of welcoming children into worship as full, distinct participants, yet within the biblical narrative, children are included as full participants in experiencing the Spirit’s gifts and empowerment and encountering God’s dynamic presence. Emerging from the discipline of practical theology and a review of New Testament pneumatology from Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12, this paper argues for the full inclusion of children within the church’s worship life as welcomed, distinct participants. Contributing to the emerging field of children’s spirituality, we offer faith-forming pedagogical practices to engage children in congregational songs as participants and as those filled with the Spirit as leaders. This article contributes to the fields of worship studies and children’s spirituality by exploring hospitable approaches in corporate worship and congregational songs that affirm children’s capacity to lead in distinct ways where their own spirituality is formed alongside that of the congregation.

Comments

Online access to article:

Poured Out on Your Sons and Daughters

Source Publication Title

Religions

Publisher

MDPI

Volume

16

Issue

2

First Page

243

DOI

10.3390/rel16020243

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