Mimi L. Larson

Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Children, Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries

Dr. Mimi Larson is the Executive Director for the Center at Faith and Children and Assistant Professor of Educational Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Prior to joining the TEDS faculty, she served for over 25 years in practical church ministry and was Visiting Assistant Professor of Christian Formation & Ministry at Wheaton College.

Her research is in the area of children’s faith formation with a particular interest in how faith is formed in early childhood. She serves on the board for the Society of Children’s Spirituality: Christian Perspectives and her latest book is Bridging Theory and Practice in Children’s Spirituality: New Directions for Education, Ministry and Discipleship (edited with Robert Keeley, Zondervan, 2020).

Dr. Larson regularly consults with churches regarding their ministry with children and families and has developed curriculum for children’s ministry in the local church. As a recipient of Calvin’s Institute of Christian Worship’s teacher-scholar grant as well as a worshipping communities grant, her current research focus is how ministry leaders thoughtfully engage children in worship.

Mimi and her husband Keith live in the Chicagoland area.

Education

Publications

Bridging Theory and Practice in Children’s Spirituality, co-edited (Zondervan, 2020)

“The Child in Our Midst: The Shifting Trends in Ministry with Children and Families Over the Past Forty Years.” Christian Education Journal, vol. 17(3), 2020.

“Making Meaning of God.” Lutheran Education Journal, 2018.

“Nurturing the Infant Soul: The Importance of Community and Memories in the Spiritual Formation of Young Children.” Christian Education Journal, vol. 11(2), 2014.

Study with Dr. Larson


50 CR.

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies

ABOUT

The Doctor of Philosophy program in Educational Studies incorporates particular concept areas to expand your professional capacities in research and educational leadership. You will be challenged to integrate faith and learning at every step of the program as you engage these areas in a variety of experiences and academic seminars.

COURSEWORK

  • Core – 15hrs.
  • Research Methods – 9hrs.
  • Electives – 15hrs.
  • Orientation – 1hr.
  • Comps, Proposal, Dissertation
    • 9975: Comprehensive Exams prep – 2hrs.
    • 9990: Dissertation Proposal prep – 2hrs.
    • 9991: Dissertation – 6hr.

TOTAL: 50hrs.

24 CR.

ThMMaster of Theology

ABOUT

The Master of Theology (ThM) program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in theological research, critical analysis, and ministry practice. Students focus on a particular discipline as well as taking a variety of courses across the curriculum to encourage integrative thinking and preparation for further ministry or academic study.

COURSEWORK

  • Concentration Core: 20 hours
  • Capstone: 4 hours
12 CR.

Certificate in Children and Family Ministry

ABOUT

Gain a deeper understanding of spiritual formation, stewarding a ministry team, curriculum building, church leadership and administration, roles of family in spiritual development and intergenerational, family, and children’s ministry care. This certificate will equip you to serve children and families in the local church and ministry contexts.

COURSEWORK

Featured Courses

  • Teaching and Learning
  • Educational Ministry
  • Christian Leadership
  • Christian Formation & Journey
  • Children in the Church
  • Nurturing Families in the Church