Module 3 Meaningful Inclusion of Children in Worship
Module 3
Meaningful Inclusion of Children in Worship
Wendy Claire Barrie, a writer, editor, speaker and Christian educator who has written books on Christian parenting and intergenerational worship, discusses how including children in worship not only impacts them, but also the life and community of the Church. Barrie also outlines a brief history of children’s inclusion in the Church along with ways her own church has included children in all facets of church life, and the shifts in perspective required to do so.
The Church Curriculum
Wendy Claire Barrie shares author Maria Harris’ insight that the church itself is the curriculum that most shapes us, and author John H. Westerhoff’s assertion that we can’t be taught faith but must live it, both of which have implications for how we “teach” Christianity to children.
Children in the Gospels
Wendy Claire Barrie points toward multiple instances in the Gospels where Jesus includes children, and reminds us that in Jesus’ teaching, children are not asked to behave or believe like adults, rather adults are invited to emulate children.
A Shift Toward Intergenerational Worship
Wendy Claire Barrie discusses how the expectations for worship have always been centered around adults, and how the ways we talk about integrating children create an “us” and “them” mentality that positions children as visitors, not full participants, which may stunt children’s ability to recognize the full value and beauty of community worship.
Learn More
Check out all Modules
Related Resources
Cohort Module 1
Learn about the importance of social context on emotional growth, why mental health concerns are more acute today among youth, and the relationship between active listening and being a safe space for youth in need of it.
Cohort Module 2
Learn about storytelling as the primary practice of the Christian faith, the ways in which stories cultivate hope, how storytelling functions as a relational practice, and how you can guide young people to find God’s presence through reflective storytelling practices.