Incorporating Children In Worship [Hardcover]

Incorporating children in worship is a powerful and overlooked mark of God's kingdom. This book argues that children's full participation in worship signifies not only a vibrant, faithful communion but also offers a critical window into the Spirit's work of linking the church to Christ. Children have a vocation in worship. They embody the theological virtues in distinct ways that enrich the worship of the whole church. Moreover, incorporating children reflects the difference in unity that is God's triune life. Receiving children in their difference moves the worshipping body toward the telos of worship--glorification of God and sanctification of humanity--and habituates the worshipping body to incorporate other, often more threatening, kinds of difference. Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom and David Bjorlin have given us a book as full of challenge as it is shorn of sentimentality. They take us on a journey--from activity for children, to discovery with children, to pedagogy from children--that mimics the way Jesus calls us to enter the kingdom. --Sam Wells, Vicar, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London In this book, Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom and David Bjorlin have given the church a tremendous gift that expands the theological conversations concerning Christian identity. This is a text that challenges us to consider children's identities not only in terms of 'what will be.' Children are fundamental to our present communal Christian identity as they are! --Brian Bantum, Assistant Professor of Theology, Seattle Pacific University, Washington Utilizing insights from Scripture, from Christian writers past and present, and from their own church experiences, the authors reflect theologically and practically on the spiritual and moral formation that takes place in worship, for both young and old. A must-read for worship planners and for any person concerned about the welcome and nurture of children in the church. --Karen B. Westerfield Tucker, Profel3*