One of the most powerful moments in the world is when you are able to see hundreds of kids raising their hands, clapping, dancing, and having fun worshiping God! It blows me away every time I see it and all I can do is sit back, smile, give a little sigh and (maybe) shed a small tear of joy! Worship is a very powerful thing…especially when seen through the eyes of a child!
But is there more to worship for kids than just singing? Of course there is, worship is more than just singing no matter what age you are! However, for kids I think a lot of it starts when they begin to worship through song. They are learning to live out their faith by the way they sing, dance, and fun with songs about Jesus! However, our worship time hasn’t always been what it is today and it won’t stay what it is today (there is always another level to reach)!
When we were still a mobile church (didn’t have a building of our own) one of the largest challenges we faced was worship with our kids! I remember a time (way early on) when we didn’t even do worship songs because our kids weren’t responding and it seemed to drain the energy of the Sunday service.
None-the-less we knew we had to do something. We couldn’t just let our kids come through and never know what it means to sing praises to God! So we started to think through it, pray through it, troubleshoot it and we made some changes that (gradually) began to change the face of how we did worship and get our kids involved.
Looking back, they were really simple things, but for whatever reason they didn’t stink out to us in the beginning! What were the simple changes? I’m glad you asked!! I will share two of them today and the other two tomorrow! Also, tomorrow I will share with you guys a couple of AMAZING kids worship resources we use that are definitely worth checking out for yourself!!!!
Set the Motions
Many times we want to see kids move and dance during a song and we (unknowingly sometimes) just expect them to come up with it on their own. Setting motions to a song helps TREMENDOUSLY at getting them involved. We have found that the easier to follow and fun these motions are…the better!
Set the Tone
Once kids get to a certain age they realize a fact that most of us have known for years (but it’s new to them)…other people can see you! For what ever reason we (all of us) have a tendency to “shut down” when we notice others and this begins to show in kids too once they progress through the Elementary years. The best thing we can do to counter this is “set the tone” through our example! We have found that having our leaders, older kids, teens or someone on the stage showing them how to do the motions helps at getting them involved!
May 21st, 2007 at 8:12 am
How much does ‘live band” vs. “cd tracks” effect all of this? Is one more effective than the other?
One of the things I notice with the kids here at my church is that though they have a lot of volume during other times, when we sing, they sing in almost a whisper or not at all - I don’t know whether it’s because it’s difficult to sing and move at the same time or maybe because they are focusin on trying to read the words on the screen or what, but it would be good to get a little more volume from them.
May 21st, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Darlene:
I don’t know that one way works better than the other because each can have their pluses and minuses.
A great “live band” can create an amazing effect and environment for your kids but it can be a lot to keep up with especially when you begin to get into multiple rooms/ services/ sites and keeping that quality there for all.
“CD tracks” can be a great alternative but can give an odd feeling if not done well. Check back tomorrow and I think you may see a little more of what I mean.
When it comes down to it…I don’t think there is a wrong or a right way. I think it all comes down to what is the vision for your ministry? HOW will you accomplish that vision without sacrificing the main thing?
pudge
May 21st, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Pudge - which do you use? DVD tracks, CD tracks, or band? One thing that has worked wonders for us also is using children volunteers to lead worship. They love leading their peers and I find that the kids respond better when one of their own is up leading. Talking about kids authentic worship - have you seen Hillsong Supernatural DVD? WOW!!!
May 21st, 2007 at 11:07 pm
We get our music from CDs — but we build video slideshows (complete with moving text, backgrounds and video) that display on a large DLP projector system. The effect is very nice considering how inexpensive and simple it is to operate. The worship leader is able to control the system with a simple PowerPoint remote.
May 21st, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Michelle:
Currently we use full CD tracks (background music with vocals). We mix that with the lyrics on screen on top of a “digital juice” video background. In the future we may mix that up a little but right now I don’t see us having a band (not because its a bad thing, just not in our vision).
Using kids on stage is an INCREDIBLE way to get other kids involved! They love seeing their peers up there and it makes them want to be up there!!
We own all 3 “HillSong Kids” DVDs & CDs!!! I love their stuff!! Dave & the HillSong guys are truely gifted at what they do!! I can’t wait for the next one Dave!!
pudge
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:02 pm
Hey Pudge, if you love the Hillsong Kids stuff, see if you can get a hold of Citikidz “All of My Days” DVD & CD. It’s from Citipointe Christian Church, Brisbane Australia. They are absolutely awesome. Comes with all the backdrops, dance moves, backing tracks, anything you need for leading kids in worship
I use it in my kids church & the kids really respond to it. Have even used a couple of tracks in our local primary school Christmas and Easter services. The schools are secular, not Christian
Bless ya
May 24th, 2007 at 2:07 am
We’re also using the music and DVD’s of Rob Biagi. The kids lead their own worship and they love his music and movements!
May 27th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Jana Alyra “Believin On”is my favorite. The kids dig the handmotions; and many of them like leading, even the boys. (it helps that I’m a guy). Rework and simplify her handmotions, and it works great for me.
So far, we sing “Get Walkin,” - great chorus, great energy song, and we found some fun motions along with hers
Wanna do right. - fun, silly handmotions
I like her “He is God,”- because for the verse, I go to different random kids, and the repeat my lines.
For acoustic guitar, I’ve played “big God O” with handmotions - must hear and see it live to like it. Also play Kirk Franklin’s upbeat version of “Our God is an awesome God.”
I feel like I have to do fun songs with some decent content Scripture/identity in Christ content for a long time, and eventually I can bring them to a place of worshipping and connecting with God. That would be easier with a fuller band. I’m very happy to have a solid drummer for the past month, after going a year without.
I often start with acoustic, so that when we jump to DVD lyric screens and band background, its more impressive. I play acoustic on stage, then come to the floor to lead motions and get closer to them. That’s a nice transition, and keeps the exciting flow.
Are there more acoustic guitar praise worship songs kids love?