Click here to access the nomination form.

A best practice congregation…

• Is not a “best practice” congregation because of its size or the number of children in its context, but because of its intention around creating space for, and affirming the gifts of, the youngest members of its community.
• Creates intergenerational space for children, ages 0-12 years of age, in the context of corporate worship and prayer, or significantly in the life of their community
• Views children, including ages 0-12, as spiritual beings that need to be sustained through worship and prayer;
• Values the wisdom of children and believes there is much children can teach us, rather than seeing children as receptacles for our own set ideas of church and faith;
• Celebrates diversity (even if the diversity is not within their own context);
• Emphasizes a faith life that extends beyond the four walls of the church – that worship and prayer extend beyond our worship hour/Sunday School classrooms;
• Values relationship-oriented approaches to programming. In other words, engagement with the children extends to the care and cultivation of their spiritual journey and not just their participation in programming;
• When possible, has more people involved in caring for the youngest in their midst than the designated teacher/director; when possible there are multiple people participating in the mentorship of children and youth;
• Is intentional about fostering positive relationships with parents and caregivers;
• Recognizes the gifts of children and the diversity of those gifts as integral to the life of their community and spaces of worship.

A best practice congregation does not have to have all of these qualities, but these should serve to guide you as you consider your nomination for our “Best Practice” cohort.

Do you know a Best Practice Congregation you would like to nominate for our first cohort of churches? Nominate them here using this link or by clicking on the Nomination Form button.

If you have questions or concerns, email us at nurturingchildren@abhms.org or call Autumn Blalock, program coordinator, Nurturing Children Initiative, at 610-768-2308.