One of the most talked about issues in children’s ministry is Children’s Worship. As I lead conferences around the country I am hear, “What do you think our church should do? Should we provide children’s worship? Some people want it, some people don’t. Just tell us what to do.” My response has become, why do you think you should provide children’s worship and what are the benefits to? What are the benefits to children being in an intergenerational worship service?” I challenge people to list all of the benefits and negative aspects of both (children’s worship/intergenerational worship) and then make the decision.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages I have discovered relating to where children worship.
Advantages of intergenerational worship for adults:
- · Generations interact and get to know each other
- · Healthier church when all ages worship together
- · Children need to see the “family” worship together
- · Children are taught/mentored how to worship
- · Everyone experiences the same event and hears the same message
- · Congregation sees the children grow
- · Holistic feel to the life cycle of the church
- · Adults set examples for children
- · Kids add energy and enthusiasm to the worship service.
- · Adults learn from children
Advantages of intergenerational worship for children:
- · Children learn by watching parents and other adults
- · Learn to behave in church/serf-control
- · Exposure to all generations
- · Learn to worship
- · Spend time with family
- · Encourages children to participate with others
- · Develops memories of family worship
- · Children are included as part of the church body
Disdvantages of intergenerational worship for adults:
- · Distracted
- · Frustration/annoyed by children
- · Do not enjoy children and would like to not have them in the service
- · Lack of space for adults
Disadvantages of intergenerational worship for children:
- · Sermons are over their heads/do not understand
- · Boredom
- · Too long to sit without interaction
- · Not age-appropriate
- · Children do not list or pay attention
- · Topics do not pertain to their lives
- · Negative attitudes toward worship are formed
- · Misunderstand terminology and theology
Advantages of children’s worship for adults:
- · Less distractions
- · Pastor can address subjects not suitable for children
- · Better able to focus on worship
- · More space for adults
- · More visitor friendly
Advantages of children’s worship for children:
- · Age-appropriate worship
- · Better meets the spiritual needs of children
- · Less structure and more entertaining worship/FUN
- · Movement is allowed
- · Children enjoy church more
- · Allows for children’s diverse learning styles
- · Children get the full attention of the leaders
Finding the answer to where children should worship is not easy. The answer must be based on your church, your pastor’s philosophy of children, and the goal of worship. My challenge is to ensure children are provided times of worship whether in a separate children’s worship service, or in intergenerational services.
So what do you think? Post your comments (pro and con) for where children should worship.
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Today on the Lifeway VBS blog, meet our Geek of the Week, Megan Thomas!
