Diana DavisThey’re sitting in your pews. They’re shorter than you, and they’re wiggly. We’re talking about the youngest members of your church family – the children. Looking for creative ways to involve children in your church’s worship service? Try some of these:
? Invite a children’s class to memorize a scripture to recite in worship.
? Ask children to submit original art or poems about upcoming sermon topics, and use some in bulletins or audiovisuals.
? Provide a “pastor’s pal’s” notebook for sermon notes.
? A brief song by a children’s choir enhances worship. Ask parents to stand afterward so children can locate them.
? Children could serve alongside adults as greeters or ushers.
? Ask children to distribute handouts or help with visuals.
? Plan for an older child to read scripture or lead prayer occasionally.
? Our church presented a children’s Bible on the first Sunday a new age-group of children came for “big church.”
? Encourage adults to welcome children who come to worship alone. My husband was one of those children!
? Invite children to perform an impromptu song to illustrate a sermon.
? Involve children in drama or visual worship.
? If children are dismissed for children’s church after singing, make an announcement and allow them to leave from a visible exit together.
? One pastor demonstrates the value of children by asking them to pray for him. Jesus once said, “Let the little children come to Me” (Mark 10:14b). Children are a treasure to God and to your church family. Will you value their participation and engage them in worship next Sunday?