Is there a place for young children in the modern-day UK church? Investigating approaches to faith nurture in the Early Years

Holmes, Sarah E and Olorenshaw, Emma and Casson, Ann (2024) Is there a place for young children in the modern-day UK church? Investigating approaches to faith nurture in the Early Years. British Journal of Religious Education. ISSN 0141-6200 (Accepted for Publication)

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Abstract

This phenomenological study examined lived experiences and perceptions of Christian parents of young children to investigate their approaches to faith nurture and the extent to which this includes authenticity of welcome for young children in the modern-day church. Online survey data was analysed thematically through the lens of established theories regarding the nature of faith in the early years. Findings revealed that families with young children do wish to engage with their local church and wider Christian community, but often find existing approaches unsupportive and unhelpful. Significant adjustments are therefore required to church-led ethos and approaches to faith nurture to better serve the needs of young children. Recommendations are made for more flexibility and inclusivity within the church environment, enhanced partnership with parents, and greater church focus on co-constructing faith nurturing pathways within the home and church context to align more with relationships within the child’s microsystem.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information and Comments:	This is the author accepted manuscript version of an article accepted for publication in the British Journal of Religious Education. The final version will be available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/CBRE
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Education and Social Sciences > School of Education
Depositing User:	Sarah Holmes
Date Deposited:	05 Jul 2024 11:09
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2024 13:30
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/4303

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