CGMC Conference

“It is better to be a fish in the ocean of God’s love than a theological whale beached upon the shore” Evelyn Underhill

Theology of children and families Related to…

Ministerial formation

Three models Focused theme week Focused lectures Integrated throughout

Special focus week Offering an intensive theme week when all issues related to cyp and families are explored..

Focused lecture in key themes for example  In homiletics, a lecture on preaching to children and all ages  In New Testament, a lecture about children in Scripture  In liturgy, a lecture about children and sacraments  In contextual theology, a lecture about schools

Integrate cyp and families Use examples from a wide range of contexts oRefer to children and families in every module eg oMission and evangelism - children as evangelists, child evangelism oEthics – children as ethical thinkers; ethical issues around childhood oInterfaith engagement – different approaches to education and childhood

Independent study/research Encourage students to be mindful of child/family dimension in research Encourage research topics directly concerned with child/family theology Develop centres of excellence

Not one but all.. Focus weeks for those with particular interest Key lectures in particular topics eg preaching, pastoral pyschology Cultivating a learning context where referencing children is normative Fostering the validity of children and families ministry and theology for research