Intergenerational Worship

Intergenerational worship is a biblically-based practice of gathering the whole church body together to worship God. Not every person needs to understand everything that is occurring, but all the generations are engaged either simultaneously or at different times throughout worship. Worshiping together not only gives children models of worshipful behavior in adults, but also infuses worship with the gifts the children bring, such as: spontaneity, thanksgiving, enthusiasm, simplicity, and hope.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:16-17 (NIV)

Both adults and the church have a role in making intergenerational worship successful for all involved. To help you evaluate your church’s engagement in in Intergenerational Worship we offer the Intergenerational Worship Evaluation for download.

Tips for parents

  • Serve together
  • Review what will happen in worship
  • Don’t rush in at the last minute
  • Be a positive model
  • Remind children that the focus of worship is on God
  • Express your own enthusiasm for worshiping God
  • Assist, include, affirm, and answer questions
  • Sing or hold your child and sway with music

The role of the church

  • Keep worship segments short
  • Use children and families as leaders
  • Lift up the high calling of parents to engage their children in worship
  • Plan in movement and experiences
  • Use vocabulary children can understand
  • Include sermon illustrations from childhood experiences
  • Involve children and family in worship preparation and planning
  • Use stories, not object lessons
  • Don’t forget to use visual cues
  • Include some consistent rituals

Contact Us

christianformation(at)covchurch.org
phone: (773) 583-0220