Children Experiencing Worship
Kids cannot worship or experience God’s presence. While few would agree with this statement in principle, many agree with it in practice. As a senior pastor, when was the last time your children’s church director told you the children had a powerful move of God in their worship time? If you can’t remember, then let’s explore a few ways to make it happen:
1. Acknowledge that kids can worship God and experience His presence. God desires an intimate relationship with all human beings, regardless of age or mental and spiritual development. Jesus said not only to feed His sheep, but to feed His lambs as well.
2. Allow children’s worship to differ from that of adults. One of a child’s primary learning vehicles is playtime. Use playtime activities to reinforce worship behaviors like sharing, showing kindness, being generous–a cup of cold water. A child’s world also revolves around movement. Kids love to worship the Lord with hand motions. As kids participate actively in worship, we set the stage for them to participate actively as adults.
3. Accommodate their needs in worship. Children think and respond to concrete ideas. The more abstract a concept, the less a child will relate to it. Rather than saying, "Let’s all worship," instruct the children: "Each person say ‘Thank You’ to God for something."
Children need to be taught appropriate forms and expressions of worship. Model the behavior you want imitated. At first they will merely copy you. Gradually their understanding will grow until it becomes their own expression. The key is to teach children along the way. Do not wait until you think they are ready; let that be a work of the Holy Spirit.
4. Affirm their attempts. Let them know you are happy with them and God is pleased. Stress the importance of worship as a lifestyle, not just an event. When we choose to worship, He is blessed and we are enriched. It’s during worship that the channels of communication are most open between the Lord and the worshiper.
The pattern and practice of healthy worship is best started early. As spiritual leaders, let’s proactively teach our children to worship.