Biblical Foundations for the Inclusion of Children:

• Children are welcome in God's kingdom
  Mt. 18: 2-5; Mk. 9:36-37; Lk 18:15-17
• The Word of God is for children Deut. 31:10-13
• Teach children God's Word
  Ps. 78: 5-7; Prov. 22:6
• The promise of the Gospel, for children
  Acts 2:38-39
• Children can be God's ambassadors
  I Sam. 3:1-19
• Parents are called as spiritual mentors
  Deut. 6:4-9; Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:1-4; Titus 1:6
• Instruction to parents
  Col. 3:21; I Thes. 2:11-12
• Faith community called to nurture children
  Deut. 6:4-7

Intergenerational Worship:

This does not mean all participants need to understand everything that is happening all the time.  However, there is a focus on engaging all the generations either simultaneously or varied generations repeatedly throughout worship 

Basic Assumptions:

In our understanding of intergenerational worship, we must acknowledge the following:

• Recognition that there is a difference between education and worship
• Worship includes the whole body of Christ
• God's continuing self-revelation is not age specific
• Helping children be quiet during worship is not the same as helping children worship
• There are many valid ways to help children worship 

 Challenges of Intergenerational Worship:

• Varying developmental levels to address
• Requires more planned movement
• Involves more preparation
• Involves more people
• Involves more space

Childrens' Contributions to Worship:

 Key Elements for Engaging Children in Worship:

• Spontaneity
• Receptivity
• Thanksgiving
• Simplicity
• Enthusiasm
• Hope
• Self-giving love
• Physical and emotional response

•  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 prep and planning
• Use stories, not object lessons
• Don't forget visual cues
• Include some consistent rituals

 Ask yourself,

"If I were a child..."

• Could I relate to and engage in the...
  • Story
  • Prayers
  • Place
  • Ritual
  • Music
• Could I see?
• Would I feel welcomed and affirmed?

 Worship Ideas for Parents in the Gathered Church:

• Serve together
• Review what will happen in worship
• Don't rush in at the last minute
• Be a positive model
• Remind children that our focus 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 following resource is available to help you evaluate your church's engagement in intergenerational worship - Intergenerational Worship Evaluation.  You may also want to download Helping Children Memorize Scripture.  

Another recommended resource is the Lifelong Faith Journal.  This is the first journal devoted to the theory and practice of lifelong faith formation. It emphasizes intergenerational faith formation and examines faith formation practices in the church, home and community. For more information on this excellent resource go to www.lifelongfaith.com