Inclusive Children's Literature for an Inclusive Church

“Picture Books to Illuminate the Liberation We Preach ”

Team Members/Contributors

Wesley Spears-Newsome Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Contact Me

About this pastoral study project

The end result of this project would be a guide to translating the principles of liberation theologies into stories and books for children, which can be used within our congregation, denomination, and other like-minded institutions as well as at least three polished children's book manuscripts (one produced in collaboration with an illustrator as a full proof of concept). To accomplish this result, I have selected a number of resources (books, online courses), experiences (conferences, consultations), and writing/learning solo retreat times. I will consult with children's librarians, booksellers, and writers to understand better children's needs in literature; focus on my writing craft through conferences and one-on-one instruction; and set aside specific time for research and writing. Within my congregation, I have produced a number of resources and curricula for youth and adults as well as developed a discovery-learning model and classrooms for our children. This opportunity would further bolster the experiences in those classrooms for our children and their teachers as well as their counterparts in other like-minded religious institutions.