What's the difference?
Our church offers Kid's Own Worship (GROUP PUBLISHING) children's worship instead of traditional Sunday school. While many people reference the term Sunday school out of habit, there are some big differences that are helpful to understand. The main difference is the purpose of the program worship is the focus instead of knowledge. Knowledge is included, but not for the sake of memorization or even life application. Kids need to understand why we worship, how to worship, and who we worship.
During Kid s Own Worship, the character of God is explored and kids get to ask questions and learn all about worship by participating in all of its elements. Kids can learn worship by participating and observing adults, but the great thing about Kid s Own Worship is that the material and application are kid relevant. For example our offering time includes many options including money but also such things as offering a promise to God to obey parents or to get along with siblings, or to stop talking behind another kid s back. Our call to worship consists of songs that teach Scripture memorization but in simpler ways, shorter times and with kid-led music. Bible passages are taught through kids acting out the scenes and through a variety of media that targets different learning styles.
Many churches who still offer Sunday school have come a long way from sitting-still-and-listeningwhile- an-adult-talks-in-a-classroom setting, and we celebrate that. But we believe that the important elements of Sunday school are best incorporated into a Sunday morning worship experience that allows parents to focus on worship designed to reach them, knowing that their kids are receiving the same. We find that worshipping in different settings actually draws families closer to God as all are having their needs met. Parents are in worship without their young children squirming, talking or otherwise distracting their attention away from worship. Kids are developing their own worship habits and styles in ways that are engaging and worthwhile.
Additionally, we offer discipleship mid week called CROSSTRAINING that also includes Bible learning and some worship, but focuses mainly on personal relationships with Jesus and other believers, and how to build bridges with those who are not yet a part of the family of God. We are happy to discuss more about why and how to improve or incorporate for the first time a children's worship in your church setting.
Shari Wassell,
Children's Director
