But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
As the body of Christ, we need to be embracing children and receiving them in our congregations. We need to prioritize leading kids into genuine expressions of praise and worship. Jesus invited children to come into direct contact with Himself. In the same way, God loves it when kids draw near to Him and encounter Him in worship!
Genuine Worship: We believe that kids can go deep with God in worship and that they genuinely want to. We follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and are willing to do what it takes to lead children into the presence of God.
Equipping and Training: We need to teach and train kids how to worship God without expecting them to instinctively know what to do. It’s totally appropriate to give clear instructions on what to do during praise and worship times, and to take the time to explain why you are asking them to do what you’re asking.
Worship the King! – Becky Fisher (Curriculum)
Understanding Children and Worship – Becky Fisher (virtual lesson)
Kids Worship Article and Video – Becky Fisher
Worship with children? – Kingdom Faith Church (podcast)
Exploring the Prophetic with Children in Worship – Kingdom Faith Church (podcast)
Music in Action! – CEF (article)
Song Demo’s – CEF (videos)
Tips for Teaching Kids About Worship — Beci Wakerley from Hillsong Kids
How to engage kids in Worship – Hillsong (must create a login, then it’s a free resource)
Age-appropriate Songs: We choose songs that are worshipful and help lead children into the presence of God. By “age-appropriate” we do not mean that the songs have to be made for children, but that the songs are not wordy or hard to follow along with. Kids can engage best when they’re not too focused on “getting the words right” and can sing easily without much effort.
When leading kids into genuine worship, start with a lively song. Your goal is to immediately draw them in and engage them. Give thanks to God in loud and wild praise. Then you can slow things down and transition in to the “holy of holies.”
Bethel Kids
Hillsong Kids
Watoto Children’s Choir
Seeds Family Worship
Jana Alayra Action Songs
The Rizers Scripture Memory
Proclaim Worship
Christy Nockels Lullabies
Hidden in My Heart – The Peace of God Vol 1.
Go Fish Guys
Worship House Kids
Amber Sky Records
Jump Start 3
Engaging and Fun: We want to keep the kids engaged by focusing on different expressions of praise and worship: kneeling, bowing, dancing, lifting hands, banners, etc. God is not boring and there are so many ways that we can worship Him. Kids love to have fun and it is great to engage them with “action choruses” or motions to songs that are worshipful.
Worship Scarves (excellent quality)
Worship Scarves (bulk)
Wooden Rings, Ribbon (DIY Worship Rings)
Dance Ribbons (bulk)
Egg shakers (bulk)
Egg shakers (better quality)
Remo kids drum
Remo Tambourine