Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
First Advisor
Eugene Austin, DMin
Second Advisor
Valerie Houston, DMin
Third Advisor
Martina Hagler, DMin
Abstract
The narratives of children in the Bible links the Old and New Testaments, continually shaping our understanding from past to present. Likewise, children hold a significant place in Christian churches and homes as the legacy of the lived Christian experience. Considering 21st century research findings highlighting the perceptions of children in the American Christian church, American Christianity is seeing a departure of youth. This departure is more than an exodus, it is an identity crisis that calls into question contemporary discipleship and spiritual formation practices at home and in the faith community. The importance of discipling children from the earliest stages of life is more critical than ever.
This research explores the creation of biblical and evidence-based resources for parents and advocates, hereafter referred to as zero to three advocates, providing ondemand education and toolkits focused on zero to three discipleship and spiritual formation. This research determines the importance of spiritual formation in children ages zero to three years old, outlines the necessity of at-home zero to three discipleship, and highlights its significance through quantitative and qualitative research.
By researching the spiritual, developmental, and attachment needs of prenatal children, infants and toddlers, this dissertation will propose learning resource options that can address these developmental needs to nurture the child’s positive relationship with God. The researcher will develop an online course and physical companion resource boxes for advocates that provides a new Bible-focused, research-based curriculum. The curriculum and resources intentionally reflect cultural sensitivity so as to represent the diversity of children and families. On this basis, it is recommended to consider the major benefits of implementing at-home discipleship and spiritual formation for zero to three with the convenience of curated online and physical learning resources, the consistency found in available online coaching and feeling empowered from leading discipleship in the home.
Recommended Citation
Edwards, Kamilah Kay, ""Let the Little Children Come to Me:" Examining the Importance of At-Home Discipleship and Spiritual Formation for Children Ages Zero to Three Years Old" (2026). Doctor of Ministry. 702.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/702