For the time being, most churches have decided to limit direct interactions between members who aren't family. One of the ways they're doing that is by not having a separate environment for children during their Sunday services.
That means that YOU have the responsibility of leading kids AND adults in worship now!
And it's a tricky balance - that's why many churches chose to have different worship environments for children and adults in the first place.
So, how can you make sure to not ignore children in worship and still make Sunday mornings valuable to them?
Here are 3 ways to engage kids during corporate worship:
1 | Recognize that it's good for them to simply see adults worship
It starts by recognizing the fact that it is good for children to simply see adults worship.
Children learn by watching. The simple act of them being in the same room as adults who are worshiping is valuable in and of itself.
That means that YOU can model what worship looks like for the kids in your church. But, it also means that it's not solely your responsibility - it's their parent's responsibility and other adults in the church's responsibility as well.
So, lift up that responsibility by pointing it out to your church as we step into a season of increased intergenerational worship.
2 | Explain
This may be a season of worship where it's necessary to explain things a little more in depth than you normally would.
Be extra aware of explaining why you're doing what you're doing so that everyone in the room is on the same page - including children.
Explain who you're singing to. Explain why you worship. Explain different ways that worship can look.
This can be a great season to teach not just children but your entire church more about worship!
3 | Speak directly to them occasionally
Don't ignore the kids in your service when you speak. Say things specifically too them and recognize their presence.
Practically that looks like not only using language like: "Maybe you lost your job - or you're struggling in your marriage - or (insert adult problem here)." Throw in a "kid problem" every once in a while too!
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