Our Learning Communities serve as the primary way our project is promoting the CONNECT objective through the following:
- Scholars and practitioners meet
- Communities consider principles, indicators and challenges of nurturing children
- Communities discuss changes to be made
- Members share joys, growth, obstacles and challenges
LEARNING COMMUNITIES promote creative dialogue leading to practical guidance and fresh and revitalized approaches. Multiple learning communities, organized geographically, all respond to the driving question:
How is music currently nurturing children in the life of the church community?
As we connect to one another, the children in our individual churches – and the church at large – will benefit from the shared wisdom and skill of those serving them. Learning communities bring together people who believe that Jesus wants a vibrant relationship with even the youngest in our churches and that music is a formative tool gifted by God for this purpose.
Each of the four learning communities has between 10-15 members. Most members are active in church ministry in a variety of different roles – children’s leaders, pastors, music ministers, children’s music ministers. All have a place at the table. Additionally, communities welcome scholars who bring their expertise in education, theology, development, or music.
What is the purpose of the learning communities?
Our study aims to learn about successes and struggles in ministry with children. Communities work together to develop principles and practices which other churches will be able to use either as a starting point or to revitalize their own ministry.
One important role of learning communities is to provide a bridge between scholars and practitioners. Practitioners are crucial for offering practical perspectives on questions of theory, philosophy, and theology. Scholars will be able to address questions and challenges raised by practitioners in communities and through the work of the final academic publication.
A second purpose of learning communities is to invest in their members who are involved in practical ministry in local churches. This project aims to give church ministry leaders and workers time and space to think, reflect, rest, share ideas, and hear from others dedicated to nurturing children’s worship and spiritual lives through music.
What happens in the learning communities?
Learning communities participate in discussions and respond to trends discovered in the data collected through surveys, discussions, and interviews. Members will bring their successes and challenges, provide ideas and encouragement for one another, and consider the meaning and indicators of spiritual engagement and development in children.
What will be the result of the learning communities?
Learning community members have been given a three-year opportunity to learn and grow alongside others ministering in similar ways. They will leave having learned from other Christian traditions. Members will evaluate and renew their own ministry to help children in their care grow spiritually, a practice which can be continued for years to come.
Data gathered by the communities will inform the publications to come from this project. This investigation will also inform the college curriculum of the Baylor church music program and help equip Baylor students to nurture future generations of young worshipers after graduation. Finally, throughout the study, attendees and writers may be invited to help train current ministers during the Alleluia Conference.
