“Daddy, can I help?” “Mama, I can do it!” “Grandpa, watch this!” Baking cookies, fixing a chair, and raking leaves are not spectator activities, if you ask a child. Every kid knows that it isn’t enough to stand by and watch an adult have all the fun. Children learn by doing! And so the kitchen floor might be littered with sprinkles, the spare piece of wood might get a few extra nails, and the leaves will get raked at least twice (before and after jumping in the pile).
Children learn about worship in similar ways. Have you ever heard a small voice declare “Amen!” at least a few decibels louder than anyone else in the pew? You’ve witnessed a proud little worshiper reaching a new milestone.
Increasingly, Christians are becoming aware of something that has been true for generations: Participation during a worship service is good for children. In fact, their participation is good for everyone.
Here are a few lessons we learn when children are active during worship:
- We remember that all of this is new to someone. As children begin to say the words and sing the songs of worship, we might also consider that we once learned these things too. How can we help children (and others!) feel welcome as they learn?
- Children learn that they are part of something bigger. Their little voices join with many others, and they see that they are part of the Body of Christ.
- We remember that Jesus loves and welcomes the little children. Things can get noisy, and cereal might scatter in the aisle, but Jesus says, “Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them” (Mark 10:14 ESV). We might wonder how we can help rather than hinder as children draw close to Jesus.
- Children discover that they are loved and valued. One of the best ways to encourage children to remain in church as they grow older is to show them that they are a valuable, needed member of the congregation. This can begin at a very young age.
Here are a few ways we can encourage children to be active during worship:
- Smile and encourage them when they pray, sing, and follow along. After the service, let them know that you enjoyed hearing them participate.
- Are there ways they can shadow volunteers? Could they help hand out bulletins? Perhaps they could help straighten pews after worship. Flowers and candles are exciting; can they view them up close? Perhaps they can snuff a candle or two or carry the flowers out after the service.
- Are there ways for the children to lead? If they play a simple hymn before worship or sing the first stanza of a newer hymn, they are learning that they already have an important role to play in the Body of Christ. If there is a special Christmas program, don’t pass it up! Show your support with your presence.
When we (children included) learn by doing, there can be some mistakes and messes along the way. But when children learn that church is a safe place where grace abounds, their enthusiasm for learning will only grow.
Written by:
Dr. Lisa M. Clark
Senior Editor, Curriculum Resources
Codirector, Words of Worship