I especially love the idea of centering other demographics sometimes. Next maybe we can cut down on the number of "children's moments" that feature a person speaking in an abnormally high voice, with a way-too-sweet smile, and a -- I'm sorry if this sounds mean! -- a Bible Slogan that's theologically fine but wildly incomplete. Kids aren't dumb; they know when they're being talked down to.
Have you been inside of my head? I worked in early education for 42 years and could count on one hand the times I have seen a “children’s message” that was honoring of the spiritual lives of our kids. Every-single-point you have made here have been part of conversations I have had with children’s ministry folks and pastors over the years. I am currently working to create places of belonging for our youngest people, places that recognize how they think and the developmental ages and stages. Lots of excellent writing out there if we choose to explore. I could go on and on but I will stop and say, thank you for this.
Sorry, I'll exit your brain now :-) And yes, so many creative and faithful ways to get at the intent of The Children's Message. Thank you for doing what you are doing!
I'm with you. And... we have an increasing number of kids who come up and sit on the floor, facing me on the steps, which means that they are facing away from the congregation. I don't have props or a cute story, maybe because I'm terrible at those cutesy things. It's both perhaps my favorite time of the week and the most terrifying. I just talk about what the scripture lesson is that day, and ask them questions about what it might mean. They are wise and brilliant and I learn from them and maybe they learn something from me. It seems to be an appropriate part of worship for this congregation.
What a wonderful conversation to start. Where I worship now, we still have a children's message that doesn't do all the things we mean it to do and I agree that ditching the practice makes sense. I am reminded regularly why when I was an associate pastor I had a tall stool which I brought up to the front of the chancel and sat on so the children had to turn from facing the congregation to see what I was on about that week. They all knew that I wanted to see their eyes. Where I worship now we have instituted Prayground during the sermon for the people over age 10 so that those under 10 have something to do with their hands that relates to the message of the day and they stay in church. Recently when I got to have the children's message, the children in my Sunday school class K-10 taught everybody else to sing "I Am the Church". The kids loved leading that part of the service and teaching the whole congregation. There are many creative ways to engage children in worship. Kathy Dawson at Columbia Seminary is providing great resources through a Lily funded project and we are benefitting from that partnership in helping our kids and their parents connect more deeply with worship. Just one more idea, why not discipline ourselves as preachers to speak words and use illustrations that the children can understand? It would be a way to both remind everyone that all are welcome in worship and help adults think about how to talk with children.
I especially love the idea of centering other demographics sometimes. Next maybe we can cut down on the number of "children's moments" that feature a person speaking in an abnormally high voice, with a way-too-sweet smile, and a -- I'm sorry if this sounds mean! -- a Bible Slogan that's theologically fine but wildly incomplete. Kids aren't dumb; they know when they're being talked down to.
O for sure they can tell.
Have you been inside of my head? I worked in early education for 42 years and could count on one hand the times I have seen a “children’s message” that was honoring of the spiritual lives of our kids. Every-single-point you have made here have been part of conversations I have had with children’s ministry folks and pastors over the years. I am currently working to create places of belonging for our youngest people, places that recognize how they think and the developmental ages and stages. Lots of excellent writing out there if we choose to explore. I could go on and on but I will stop and say, thank you for this.
Sorry, I'll exit your brain now :-) And yes, so many creative and faithful ways to get at the intent of The Children's Message. Thank you for doing what you are doing!
I'm with you. And... we have an increasing number of kids who come up and sit on the floor, facing me on the steps, which means that they are facing away from the congregation. I don't have props or a cute story, maybe because I'm terrible at those cutesy things. It's both perhaps my favorite time of the week and the most terrifying. I just talk about what the scripture lesson is that day, and ask them questions about what it might mean. They are wise and brilliant and I learn from them and maybe they learn something from me. It seems to be an appropriate part of worship for this congregation.
Yes, sounds like a way to do it that honors the time and your particular gifts and vibe!
What a wonderful conversation to start. Where I worship now, we still have a children's message that doesn't do all the things we mean it to do and I agree that ditching the practice makes sense. I am reminded regularly why when I was an associate pastor I had a tall stool which I brought up to the front of the chancel and sat on so the children had to turn from facing the congregation to see what I was on about that week. They all knew that I wanted to see their eyes. Where I worship now we have instituted Prayground during the sermon for the people over age 10 so that those under 10 have something to do with their hands that relates to the message of the day and they stay in church. Recently when I got to have the children's message, the children in my Sunday school class K-10 taught everybody else to sing "I Am the Church". The kids loved leading that part of the service and teaching the whole congregation. There are many creative ways to engage children in worship. Kathy Dawson at Columbia Seminary is providing great resources through a Lily funded project and we are benefitting from that partnership in helping our kids and their parents connect more deeply with worship. Just one more idea, why not discipline ourselves as preachers to speak words and use illustrations that the children can understand? It would be a way to both remind everyone that all are welcome in worship and help adults think about how to talk with children.
Thanks for this. Lots of wise words and practice here . . . no surprise.