The ELCA has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish Curious Christian Children: Reimagining Kids in Worship, a new initiative of the ELCA’s Ministry with Children.
The Curious Christian Children: Reimagining Kids in Worship initiative will provide space for the best learning and integration of resources and research to help children and young people feel nurtured and supported within a worship community.
The program is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices.
Curious Christian Children: Reimagining Kids in Worship will support leaders and faith communities that seek to create an inclusive and deeply spiritual space for the youngest of those in the church. Placing intentional emphasis on the needs of children living with disabilities and special needs, and on families of color and those within the LGBTQIA+ community, the initiative will both champion and create effective resources, provide supportive cohort groups for leaders, and share learnings and best practices with the broader church.
“Children’s ministries suffered during COVID, and this effort will bring much-needed energy, attention and love to our children and those who care for them, so that they may know the love of Jesus,” said Phil Hirsch, executive director of ELCA Christian Community and Leadership. “This initiative will help ensure that the church will be stronger in the years to come.”
