Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2018

Keywords

Faith development, Conversion, Nurture, Church work with children, Church work with youth

Abstract

As outlined previously, the Scriptures appear to portray a tension between, on the one hand, the need for adults to nurture the faith of children and, on the other hand, the need for the new birth of conversion. Thus, while adults are encouraged to create an environment that facilitates optimal spiritual development, the Scriptures do not suggest that optimal spiritual nurture negates the need for conversion. However, while the Scriptures provide counsel on the how of spiritual nurture, they do not address the subject of how those who are nurtured in faith experience conversion. Thus, Adventist understandings of children’s faith formation have tended to be influenced by Ellen White, who emphasized the importance of spiritual nurture. She also provided practical counsel while asserting that it was not “necessary to know the exact time when [children] are converted.”

Journal Title

Ministry: International Journal for Pastors

Volume

90

Issue

6

First Page

13

Last Page

17

First Department

Discipleship and Religious Education

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