children’s sermons
I’ve done many children’s sermons in worship gatherings at church. They can be very effective in teaching children, involving children in the family worship gathering, and adults have been known to learn from them as well.
Here is a post on children’s sermons as a part of worship gatherings. “Let the children come and show us the joy of multi-generational church.” Below is a list of why churches should include the children’s sermon in their worship gatherings:
The children’s sermon…
a) is often a valuable way to include children in the liturgy, especially with skillful use of the Christian year, lectionary and various catechetical questions.
b) creates interest in the larger worship service that can translate into greater attention, participation and good behavior.
c) often provides a useful extension of the sermon to the adult congregation through an object lesson in the children’s sermon. (Anyone ever notice that quite a few stewardship sermons find their way into the children’s lesson?)
d) builds rapport between the minister and children, making him/her more accessible.
e) assists in children listening to and understanding the sermon.
f) provides a good transition point to a time when children leave the worship service for their own class or worship time. (In the Anglican church I sometimes attend, the children leave and then return at the closing hymn.)
g) helps us remember that all preaching need not be complex, long or overly “preachy.†A good object lesson in the context of scripture is very helpful to many adults, youth, etc. I know that all sorts of Christians say the children’s sermon is their favorite time in the service.
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