Centering children in the Church & The Academy
The Center for the Theology of Childhood is committed to nurturing children’s spiritual lives by centering children in the local church and in the academy. We support children in the local church through curriculum development and training for practitioners and clergy and by advocating for the study of children’s spirituality in the academy. The Center also conducts and encourages research to inform the nurture of children in the local church. The Rev. Cheryl V. Minor, Ph.D., directs the activities of the Center with Hannah Sutton-Adams, Ph.D, the Assistant Director of the Center and Spiritual Care for the Godly Play Foundation. We were recently awarded a Lilly Grant to expand this work.
Upcoming events
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Fourth Thursday of each month at noon EST.
We invite you to join us at our free Circle of Solidarity: A monthly time of prayer and reflection, honoring the children of the world and caring for those who love them. At Godly Play we believe that one of the best ways to care for children is to care for ourselves so that we can be safe, reliable, and present to children around the world. This is why we are launching this monthly circle of solidarity. All are welcome to join us online for a short time of prayer, story, silence, and self-care to support each other to continue our big and important work.
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Featuring Dr. Marcia Bunge
November 12, 2025 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm (EST)
Dr. Bunge's talk is entitled, "Honoring Children’s Full Humanity: Berryman’s Sacred Gift, Our Shared Calling."
Building on a robust theological understanding of children that honors their full humanity, Berryman developed a powerful and creative approach to nurturing the spiritual lives of children called Godly Play. His respect for children and their full humanity has been a gift to children, families, and faith leaders worldwide. Yet, despite its reach, narrow assumptions about children persist—in homes, faith communities, and society at large. This lecture highlights elements of Berryman’s theological vision of children and then examines some of the current challenges in the church for honoring children’s full humanity. By noting such challenges and appreciating Berryman's vision, we strengthen our relationships with children and help the church and our world flourish.
We welcome scholars, practitioners, students, and curious persons to join us at this inaugural event, hosted by the Center for the Theology of Childhood.