Effective worship with all generations participating means giving younger generations a voice at the table. Studies show that children have a capacity to enter into the holiness of worship. Consider this: we are all apprentices of Jesus, no matter what age, ability, or experience. When we give agency to children to fully participate in our worship community in meaningful ways, we provide opportunities for all generations to be blessed.
why worship with kids at church?
Create moments in services and ministries where children can participate meaningfully.
3. engage children fully
Use ready-to-go resources, curriculum guides, and planning tools.
2. Equip your team
Select a spiritual practice or ministry setting that suits your goals.
1. Choose a focus
how can churches begin?
- In what ways are we giving children agency to know we value their presence?
- How can children minister to others in our worship? (vs. asking how we can keep them entertained.)
Two questions to Consider When Planning Worship
A first consideration when planning worship with children present is to ask if worship is aimed at ministry “to” children, “for” them, or “with” them. The goal is ministry “with.” This means worship need not be “dumbed down” because even young children respond best when they are taken seriously and invited to participate in meaningful ways.
What Might Worship with Children Look Like?
