Is there a place for young children in the modern-day UK church? Investigating approaches to faith nurture in the early years

This phenomenological study examines lived experiences and perceptions of Christian parents of young children to investigate their approaches to faith activity and nurture and the extent to which this includes authenticity of welcome for young children in the modern-day church. Online survey data was analysed thematically through the lens of established theories regarding the nature of faith in the early years. Findings revealed that families with young children do wish to engage with their local church and wider Christian community, but often find existing approaches unsupportive and unhelpful. Significant adjustments are therefore required to church-led ethos and approaches to faith nurture to better serve the needs of young children. Recommendations are made for more flexibility and inclusivity within the church environment, enhanced partnership with parents, and greater church focus on co-constructing faith nurturing pathways within the home and church context to align more with relationships within the child’s microsystem.