Crossed Wires: The Disconnect Between Christian Leaders’ Perceptions of Parents and the Lived Experiences of Contemporary Families

AbstractThis study explored the spiritual needs of Christian families by surveying and holding focus groups with parents and congregational leaders. We discovered a disconnect between what congregational leaders think is happening with families and the lived experience of families. Congregational leaders often perceive the lack of church engagement from families as disinterest or devaluing of spirituality and faith over and against other pursuits. However, our data revealed that parents deeply value spirituality and issues of faith. This research highlights the need for deep listening on the part of congregational leaders coupled with empathy for the pressures parents are currently feeling.Keywords: Christian familiesparentsparentingnurturing spiritual livesCOVID-19spiritualityspiritual well-beingchurch attendance Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1 This study originally sought to interview caregivers of children and youth including grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. However, everyone but two individuals in our sample identified as a “parent.” As such, we use the term parent throughout the manuscript rather than the broader term of caregiver.2 The mission of Godly Play is to support research, curriculum, and training for the purpose of nurturing the spiritual well-being of children.3 Participants were from California, Canada, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington State, West Virginia, and Texas.Additional informationNotes on contributorsCheryl MinorCheryl Minor is the Director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood for the Godly Play Foundation, the research and publishing arm of the Foundation. She has a Ph.D. from Northcentral University in Scottsdale, Arizona Her work is focused on nurturing the spiritual well-being of children. Email: cheryl.minor@godlyplayfoundation.orgHannah Sutton-AdamsHannah Sutton-Adams is a Ph.D. candidate in Theology and Education at Boston College and a board-certified chaplain. She is the research assistant at the Center for the Theology of Childhood with the Godly Play Foundation.Heather IngersollHeather Ingersoll is the Executive Director of the Godly Play Foundation, a non-profit supporting the spiritual nurture of children through research, training, and curricula. Her professional experience is focused on using academic discourse and empirical research to inform practical support for the spirituality of children in churches, schools, and organizations.