Are Children in the Church Capable of Taking Lead Roles in Our Worship Services?

Are children in the church capable of taking on lead roles in our worship services? If so, how might we encourage this?

Years ago it was rare for anyone but the pastor to speak in the worship services we attended. In many Christian Reformed churches, though, people have since realized that if worship is the work of the people of God, then it makes sense for more of the people to have a voice in worship. In the CRC, ordained pastors preach and preside over the sacraments. There are many other parts of a worship service that can be led by those in the congregation who are capable and willing. That includes children.

In our congregation, the prayer for illumination and the Scripture passage are read every week by congregants, including children. They can also lead other parts of the liturgy. When we installed new elders and deacons last spring, for example, one of the liturgists was the grandchild of one of the deacons. And each week during one of the opening songs, children in third or fourth grade walk down the center aisle to bring the Bible into the sanctuary, place it on the pulpit, and light the Christ candle. At the end of the service, they return to remove the Bible and carry out the light.

Other ways for children and teens to use their gifts in worship might include leading singing, taking the offering, or running sound or video. The key is for adults to help them prepare for the task they’re being asked to do so they can succeed and the whole congregation can be led in worship. Children and teens, as well as other groups in our congregations, can and should participate in the service where and when they can.

To encourage this participation, talk to your pastor or whoever else plans worship in your church. Using the members of your congregation in worship makes the worship feel more like a mutual act of God’s people and adds a sense of belonging.