The Words of Worship initiative from Concordia Publishing House (CPH) equips congregations and families with tools to nurture children’s faith through meaningful, age-appropriate engagement in worship and prayer. As part of the initiative’s communication effort, this website will provide updates on the program, offer strategies that align with the initiative’s objectives, and invite feedback throughout the process. The article below is the first in a series that seeks to equip congregations and families in nurturing children and to foster further conversation between CPH and the church at large.
A handshake is so common that we might take it for granted, but it has long been a gesture that shows trust, welcome, and partnership. Two people each offer an arm forward, clasp hands, and shake warmly.
Have you ever experienced an awkward handshake? One person offers an arm forward, but the other does not. One person lacks energy, and the hand clasp feels uncomfortable. One person shakes so vigorously that the other loses balance!
A Shared Calling in Faith Formation
When leaders in the church and the home work together well, it’s a little like a handshake: affirming, encouraging, built on mutual appreciation. This is an especially beautiful dynamic when congregations and families work together to nurture the faith of children. How does this relationship work?
Parents and caregivers want what’s best for the children they love. This of course includes safety, health, social and mental development, and so much more. One of the most important ways that parents can love their children is to nurture them in the Christian faith, pointing them to their Savior and teaching them the words of worship.
The word worship typically brings to mind images of a church service, where we hear, speak, and sing God’s Word. Clearly, this is something that the church does well! For thousands of years, God’s people have gathered together on a weekly basis to receive God’s gifts and to praise His name. But those gifts don’t end fifteen minutes after the service is over, and our thankfulness to God doesn’t expire as we leave through the church doors. How can families and congregations work together toward a healthy handshake of supporting their children?
Families
- It may seem simple, but a foundational habit in your family routine is attending weekly worship. Bring your children to church once a week and take advantage of Bible class and Sunday School. You and your children will grow in love for God and in love for one another (in your immediate family and in your church family). Like any routine, this may take time to get used to, but worship will soon become a part of your week that you won’t want to miss.
- Participate during the service. It is true that the most important aspect of worship is what God does for us: He grants forgiveness, strength, and blessing. But that doesn’t mean we take a nap! We are blessed to have the opportunity to give thanks to God and demonstrate for our children how to pray, respond, and even sing with fellow believers.
- Again, prayer and praise are not bound within the walls of the church building! Sunday afternoon, ask your children which hymn they enjoyed the most. Monday evening, read the Bible narrative that your children learned in Sunday School. At each meal, say a prayer together, thanking God for His blessing. Children will learn that words of worship happen all week long.
Congregations
- Of course, you want families to come regularly to church, but do your families know this? It might seem surprising, but some parents might not be sure that they are welcome to come. A mailed invitation (that looks like other event invitations) can be one way to make it clear that families are warmly invited. Families will often look online before stepping through your door, so think about your online “welcome mat.” It doesn’t need to be fancy, but help families know the times of worship and Sunday School, for example. Show an image or two of the inside of your church so they know what to expect.
- On a Sunday morning, how are you showing families that they are valued? First, think about how you make guests feel welcome in your own home, then ask how this can apply to families walking into your church on Sunday. Welcoming smiles, a place to change diapers, child-friendly resources, and a simple snack during fellowship time can make children and their caregivers feel loved rather than merely tolerated.
- Families want what’s best for their kids, but they often don’t know where to start when it comes to teaching their children the faith at home. Can you occasionally gift families with a children’s Bible or devotional? Would a monthly email with some ideas for nurturing faith be possible? Could there be quarterly events to which you invite families for a simple meal and time for fellowship? Caregivers will appreciate knowing that they’re not alone in matters of teaching the faith.
Pray
If churches prayed for their families (perhaps during worship or during church staff meetings) and if families prayed for their churches (perhaps at bedtime or on Saturday nights before worship the next day), what a hearty handshake that would be! When we go to God in prayer for one another, we are demonstrating care, love, and support.
Explore how Words of Worship equips churches and families to form children in God’s Word through worship, prayer, and shared routines.