| Contributors to children's ministry produce many resources that are consumed by local congregations, determining the direction of their evangelism and discipleship with children. Chapter 1 describes the purpose of this research which was to investigate the attitudes and assumptions of significant contributors to children's ministry towards cultural relevancy as a determining factor for ministry development.;Chapter 2 addresses the theological, historical, and educational bases for children's ministry. This chapter also gives attention to the current trends in children's ministry philosophy and methodology.;Chapter 3 provides a description of the research design and experience. The qualitative process is described as well as the data collection and analysis of the interview process.;Chapter 4 describes the findings from the data collection. Specific attention is given to the categories discovered while utilizing elements of the grounded theory approach to research.;Chapter 5 provides a summary of the conclusions drawn from the findings in response to the research questions. General findings included a strong theological foundation and a passionate desire to be culturally relevant as motivators for the work of the recognized contributors to children's ministry.;KEY WORDS: Children's ministry, Theology of children, Developmentalism, Culture, Postmodernism, Church and Children. |
