Die erediens as hart van missionale gemeentewees: Kinders en adolessente

Abstract

Worship as the heart of missional congregationalism: Children and adolescents. This article examines the role of worship services and liturgy in the faith formation of children and adolescents. The first section explores how young children’s experience of God can be nurtured within a worship-like environment, as opposed to the ‘teaching-and-learning’ structure typically associated with ‘Sunday school’. The Godly Play approach is considered as a viable and creative option. The second section addresses the faith formation of adolescents, emphasising the need for open communication between Scripture, the faith community, culture, and youth culture. This open dialogue is essential for adolescents to perceive worship services and liturgy as engaging and safe spaces that support the development and maturation of their faith. Effective communication involves both listening and speaking. Adolescents should not be confined to a passive listening role within the faith community. Their voices, language, and the way in which they experience perspectives on faith and the world can enrich the spiritual growth of all worshippers and contribute to the missional identity of the faith community as a whole.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: In this way, all worshippers, regardless of age, can be inspired to become the best person they can be and contribute to making the world a better place. A life of worship need not be limited to the church building. Young people, who have a vested interest in the future of the planet and humanity, can express their faith through acts of service and social justice; thus bridging the gap between worship and discipleship.