CTS Welcomes First Cohort of the Growing in God’s Word Initiative

Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) recently hosted the first workshop of its Growing in God’s Word initiative, a two-year cohort-based learning project designed to empower faith leaders in biblical storytelling for children. Part of the Lilly Endowment’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, this program centers children in worship as a way to strengthen and reignite the multigenerational faith to which Jesus calls the Church. 

“Even when children are invited into worship, the Scripture and liturgy often aren’t accessible for them,” shared the program’s director, Rev. Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen. “Much of my scholarship has been committed to shifting that trend, and the Growing in God’s Word initiative is a natural outgrowth of that passion. My vision is for children—and adults—to have relevant and engaging encounters with God’s Word.” 

The initiative unfolds in three phases that guide participants from shared learning, to contextual practice, to mentoring future leaders: 

• Phase One: Workshops – The program begins with a series of three residential workshops at CTS. In Children and the Bible, participants examine how to communicate scripture through Children’s Bibles and storybooks, developing criteria for retelling stories in age-appropriate ways. Children as Spiritual Persons explores how children encounter faith at different developmental stages and highlights their capacity as full spiritual beings. Finally, in Biblical Storytelling in Multi-Generational Worship, participants practice diverse storytelling techniques—from dramatization to multi-sensory approaches—discerning the most effective ways to integrate children into the heart of worship. 
• Phase Two: Ministry Project – After completing the workshops, participants design and implement a child-centered biblical storytelling practice in their own congregations. Supported by mentors, local task forces, and up to $5,000 in seed funding, each project applies learning to real-life ministry. This phase includes project planning, implementation, and evaluation—ensuring both local investment and long-term impact. 
• Phase Three: Celebration & Sending Forth – In the final stage, participants share their ministry experiences with future cohorts, fueling a growing network of leaders committed to re-centering children in worship. Those who complete all three phases receive a Certificate of Completion and may serve as mentors for new participants. 

For a member of the inaugural cohort, the program is already shaping both ministry and faith. They shared, “I pray that the learnings from this initiative will allow our children and youth to gain greater understanding of scripture, as well as curiosity, so that they feel church is a welcome space to ask questions.” 

As the first cohort embarks on this journey, CTS celebrates the opportunity to equip leaders for the flourishing of children, congregations, and the whole Church.