Stages of Faith

Spiritual growth is never easy, many different effects come into play when you are trying to spread the Gospel. In Fowler's book Stages of Faith we are shown both the psychological stages of growth as well as the spiritual stages of growth. Becoming a children's pastor I need to know how well the children in my ministry will be receptive to my message. I know it is easiest to reach a child when they are young, the question however is just how easy is it? In Part II Fowler initiates a "pretend conversation" between Lawrence Kohlberg, Erik Erikson, and Jean Piaget. Three brilliant minds all coming together to discuss the psychological growth mankind has. In the "conversation" Piaget states that, "In terms of cognitive development the era e now examine really should be thought of as a long transition, initiated by the joining of language and thought, toward the emergence of the first logical operations around the age of six or seven." This sounds like the perfect time to begin reaching a child with the message of the Bible. Now beginning to comprehend things and accept knowledge we can begin to express some of the many great things God has done for us. Though Piaget later mentions that the child is limited to their own perspectives and feelings on things, so our teaching needs to be done in a way that they can formulate the right idea about Scripture. It's so easy to be misinterpreted, especially by a child, our words need to be clear and concise, but creative enough to engage them. I understand how hard it is nowadays to keep a child's attention and get the information out. At times it seems impossible, but we need to adapt for them and their sake, not our own. Stage two is a very important stage for a child, "...we may say that those in stage two are more clearly aware of and therefore more effectively able to pursue their own interests and desires." Right here it seems is where we can either begin to lose a child or cause them to continuously turn to church. If a child loves God they will continually ask their parents to return to church, if church has proven to bore or confuse a child they will beg not to go. This is the time their faith in Christ could be solidified. Youth are a lot harder to reach because beliefs have already possibly been established. Hope however is not lost, fidelity can be reached Erikson states, "Where social conditions and favorable personal relationships support young persons in building a firm enough sense of identity to feel ready to commit themselves..." I myself have invested into a friend's life and managed to show them the truth that is God's love. This friend was a young adult, well passed the age of 13, yet they still made. Decision to have Jesus Christ as their Savior, partially because I invested myself into her life. Much like with the psychological growth, spiritual growth also has different stages. Fowler states, "For Stage 2 meanings are conserved and expressed in stories." thus this is the best way for us to deliver our message. Many people think skits or stories can be too "gimmicky", but if it helps a child remember say the story of Moses then tell the stories, as long as it's memorable for the child. Children remember the words we tell them, something that hit hard was part of the interview with Millie. Her literalism of what God was like was clearly Stage 2. She expresses clearly who God is, what He does, and where He lives. She even goes so far as to explain the devil. Now Millie is ten years old, and her interview shows the knowledge of God she has, how she refers to God, as a friend, and even the role of how He is like a parent to us. Her perspective and stages of growth are what are shaping her beliefs. As a pastor I will play a role in this shaping in another child. Many of my choices will effect the salvation of a child. However now, I feel far more prepared to make the right decisions. Part of the battle is to alter your tools for the level the child is at. Thanks to Fowler (and partially to Kohlberg, Erikson, and Piaget) I feel more ready for my ministry and the future children we will help.