In a Reformed church community, elders bear a sacred responsibility to guide and oversee the spiritual life of the congregation—a responsibility that includes caring for and engaging all members of the covenant family, including children. This duty extends beyond simply welcoming children into the sanctuary; it involves creating an atmosphere that actively engages children and helps them experience the fullness of worship. Elders must consider not only the structure of worship but also how the preaching of God’s Word can be inclusive of all ages.
In this post, we’ll explore the biblical responsibility of elders to cast a vision for children in worship, offer practical tools and resources to support families, and discuss the essential role of preaching that includes and engages children in the service. We will also look at ways to disciple the congregation to support this vision, fostering a church culture that values children’s role in worship.
The Biblical Call for Elders to Shepherd All Ages
Scripture presents a high calling for elders as shepherds of the entire flock, including children, who are part of God’s covenant people. In passages like Deuteronomy 31:12-13, God commanded the inclusion of children in the assembly, calling them to “hear and learn to fear the Lord.” This directive reveals that children are not passive bystanders but are recipients of God’s Word, called to grow in faith within the context of the covenant community.
Elders have the responsibility to cultivate a worship environment where children are active participants. This means that elders must encourage worship practices, provide resources, and support preaching that draws children into the service. By affirming children’s presence and helping parents disciple them, elders uphold the vision of a covenantal community where worship unites all generations.
Casting a Vision for Children in Worship
For a church to embrace a family-inclusive approach to worship, elders must articulate a clear and biblically grounded vision. This vision begins with recognizing children as essential members of God’s people, integral to the life of the church. They are not only future church members; they are part of the covenant family now, called to worship alongside their parents and community.
Reformed pastor Joel Beeke explains that children’s participation in worship fosters a reverence and sense of belonging, allowing them to see themselves as part of the covenant community. Beeke writes, “The goal of including children in worship is to train them in reverent attention and to help them see themselves as part of the covenant community.” By casting this vision, elders emphasize that children’s presence in worship is foundational to the church’s mission and identity.
Casting this vision requires intentional teaching and modeling. Elders can communicate this through sermons, workshops, and discussions that remind the congregation of the biblical call to nurture children’s faith within the church. In doing so, they involve the entire church in the shared goal of training up the next generation.
The Responsibility of Preaching to Include and Engage Children
An essential aspect of creating a child-inclusive worship service is preaching that engages children as well as adults. Children are not only watching the worship service unfold—they are listening to the sermon, absorbing language, concepts, and lessons. It is crucial that pastors craft their sermons with all ages in mind, making the preaching accessible and meaningful to children without compromising depth for adults.
Tips for Preaching to Engage Children:
1. Use Illustrations and Stories – Children relate to stories and concrete examples, which help make abstract theological concepts understandable. Jesus Himself often used parables and analogies that spoke to everyday experiences, making His teachings accessible to all. Pastors can follow this model, using language that resonates with children while conveying the truths of Scripture.
2. Directly Address Children at Points – Periodically speaking directly to children during a sermon can help them feel included and recognized. A simple “kids, listen closely to this part” or a question directed at them can foster their engagement and remind them they are part of the sermon’s intended audience.
3. Ask Questions for Reflection – Asking questions like “Can you imagine what it would be like to be in that situation?” helps children visualize and connect with the text. Questions encourage engagement, allowing children to think deeply and relate personally to the lesson.
4. Simplify Key Points Without Losing Depth – Pastors can simplify complex theological points by breaking them down into bite-sized truths that children can understand. This approach not only benefits young listeners but also reinforces clarity for the entire congregation.
5. Incorporate Key Verses for Memorization – Including one or two verses that children can memorize helps them connect with the sermon and solidifies the message. Elders and pastors can encourage families to review these verses at home, reinforcing their application.
By integrating these elements into the sermon, pastors help children not only listen but participate in the proclamation of God’s Word. Preaching that engages children teaches them that the Word of God is for them too, reinforcing their place in the covenant community.
Practical Tools to Help Children Engage in Worship
Once the vision and preaching approach are set, elders can support families with tools and resources that help children participate meaningfully. Here are several ways to equip children and families for worship:
1. Children’s Sermon Notes – Offering sermon notes designed for children helps them follow along and engage with the message. These notes might include prompts to write down a key point, draw a related picture, or reflect on a Bible verse. Providing a structured way for children to engage with the sermon reinforces their participation.
2. Worship Kits or “Quiet Bags” – Worship kits containing items like crayons, coloring pages, and simple Bible stories can keep children focused while respecting the worship setting. These tools allow young children to connect with the theme of worship while giving them something constructive to do during the service.
3. Weekly Family Worship Guides – Elders can provide family worship guides that outline the sermon text, key themes, and discussion questions. These guides prepare children for worship, giving them context and familiarizing them with the message before Sunday. Reviewing these materials at home creates anticipation and helps children arrive at church ready to engage.
4. Parent Workshops and Support – Workshops for parents can offer practical advice on guiding children through worship, teaching them to sit still, listen attentively, and participate in singing and prayer. Parents can also learn how to reinforce sermon lessons at home, fostering a shared commitment to nurture children’s engagement in worship.
5. Family-Friendly Seating Areas – Some churches find it beneficial to designate seating areas for families with young children. This can create a supportive space where parents feel comfortable training their children, while older children benefit from seeing other families worshiping together.
Discipling the Congregation to Embrace Children in Worship
A church’s approach to including children in worship must be a communal effort. Elders play a key role in discipling the entire congregation to embrace this vision, encouraging members to practice patience, grace, and support for families with young children.
Teaching Patience and Grace
Including children in worship may bring occasional distractions, but elders can guide the congregation to view these moments as opportunities for grace and patience. The Puritan Richard Sibbes taught, “There is more grace in a gentle spirit than in outward conformity.” Elders can remind the church that the presence of children in worship is a sign of God’s covenant faithfulness and that these small sacrifices benefit the entire community.
Elders can use sermons, Sunday school classes, or small groups to teach about the covenant community and the inclusion of children in worship. By grounding this in Scripture, elders foster a congregation that values children’s presence and embraces the role of supporting parents as they disciple their children.
Encouraging Intergenerational Relationships
Building intergenerational connections within the church helps bridge the gap between children, families, and older members of the congregation. Elders can facilitate activities that encourage interaction across age groups, such as shared meals, intergenerational Bible studies, or service projects. These relationships foster understanding and mutual support, cultivating a culture where all generations worship together in unity.
Providing Encouragement and Resources for Families
Parents often face challenges in training their children for worship, so elders can play a significant role by encouraging and equipping them. Publicly acknowledging the effort parents put into bringing their children to worship can uplift them. Simple gestures like a note of encouragement or prayer for families show that the church supports and values their role.
Elders can also recommend resources on family worship and covenantal theology, such as The Family at Church by Joel Beeke, Family Worship by Donald S. Whitney, and A Theology of Family by Scott T. Brown. These resources offer theological depth and practical advice, helping parents and the church see the value of including children in worship.
The Blessing of Embracing Children in Worship
When elders cast a vision that includes children in worship, support preaching that engages all ages, and equip the congregation with tools and discipleship, the entire church body is strengthened. Children grow up knowing they belong in the covenant community, learning that they are valued members of God’s people. Parents are encouraged and supported, and the congregation benefits from the joy and vibrancy that children bring.
Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Children’s presence in worship is a living fulfillment of this verse, as one generation models, teaches, and disciples the next. By embracing children in worship, elders and the congregation declare God’s faithfulness across generations, building a legacy of faith.
Conclusion
The responsibility of elders to cast a vision for children in worship is a privilege and a vital part of shepherding the church. Through teaching, preaching, and providing tools and discipleship, elders can cultivate a church environment where children are welcomed, engaged, and prepared to worship God alongside the entire congregation.
This work requires patience, dedication, and a long-term commitment, but the results are profound. A covenant community where children, parents, and the entire church worship together reflects the beauty of God’s promises and strengthens the church’s foundation for generations to come. As we work toward this vision, let us remember that each step in discipling children in worship builds a thriving community centered on God’s Word and grace.
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