Nurturing Children Initiative
Contacts
Rev. Daryn Stylianopoulos
Program Director, Nurturing Children Initiative
Autumn Blalock
Program Coordinator
Phone
Nurturing faith through the gifts and presence of children
The Nurturing Children Initiative is a national ABHMS program that helps congregations intentionally nurture children’s faith through worship and prayer.
Supported by a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the initiative provides churches with research-based, developmentally appropriate methods for engaging children from birth through age 12 in the life of the congregation.
At its heart, the initiative encourages congregations to rediscover an essential truth: children are not just observers in worship; they are full participants in the faith community.
Cohort 2 Application Window Is Open
ABHMS is now accepting applications for the Striving Congregations Cohort (Cohort 2) of the Nurturing Children Initiative. American Baptist churches in the U.S. and Puerto Rico that are passionate about their ministry with the children in their context are encouraged to learn more and apply.
Impact Snapshot
Grant Support
$1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Focus
Helping congregations nurture the faith of children through worship and prayer
Children Served
Birth through age 12
Program Timeline
Three congregational cohorts, 2026–2029
Participating Congregations
36 churches engaged in communities of practice
A collaborative cohort model
The initiative brings congregations together through cohort-based learning communities. Each group includes teams from participating churches who learn alongside ministry leaders, child development specialists, and peer congregations. Three cohorts will take part between 2026 and 2028:
2026 — Best Practice Congregations (Cohort 1)
2027 — Striving Congregations (Cohort 2)
2028 — Specialized Needs Congregations (Cohort 3)
This approach reflects the Baptist tradition of voluntary partnership. Instead of prescribing solutions, ABHMS convenes congregations to learn from each other, experiment with new practices, and share wisdom based on their own ministry contexts.
A culture shift in worship
For many congregations, nurturing children in worship begins with rethinking long-standing assumptions.
Earlier generations were often taught that children should be quiet observers during worship. However, children experience God in ways that are expressive, active, and deeply relational.
These perspectives can deepen our own faith journeys and practices and teach us what it is to cultivate the kingdom of God.
"It is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs" Luke 18:16
The Nurturing Children Initiative encourages churches to:
Affirm children as valued members of the body of Christ
Create meaningful opportunities for children to participate in worship and prayer
Recognize children’s spiritual insight and leadership potential
Design worship practices that reflect stages of child development
Through these practices, congregations nurture faith that grows with children as they mature.
Nurturing faith for the next generation
Children are the future of the church and should be an active part of its living, present witness. Through the Nurturing Children Initiative, congregations are rediscovering how worship and prayer can fully involve children as participants, leaders, and bearers of faith.
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Apply for Cohort 2
ABHMS is now accepting applications for the Striving Congregations Cohort (Cohort 2) of the Nurturing Children Intiative.
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Start a Conversation
Whether you're ready to explore new practices or just start a conversation, the NCI team is here for you.
Meet our team
Rev. Daryn Stylianopoulos
Program Director of the Nurturing Children Initiative
Autumn Blalock
Program Coordinator for the Nurturing Children Initiative