In my concerts, I sometimes tell kids that they can ask me 5 questions and I promise that I will answer them. The questions can be about anything! Most of the time they are ”How old are you?”, “Are you married?”…stuff like that. It’s a bit risky, but I think it is one of the most important, and funny things that I do.
One morning during a Sunday church service, a child raised his hand and asked, “What’s your birthday?” I told him, and asked if there were any other questions. Following the lead of the first child, the next child that raised his hand asked, “What’s your birthday?” Same question. I told him as well. The next question was from a little girl that asked “What’s your birthday?” “October 32nd” I responded. “Cool”, was her response. I should note that they weren’t trying to be funny…they all simply wanted to ask the same question.
I once again asked if there were any more questions, but I made it very clear that they COULD NOT ask what my birthday was. Another child put up his hand and I asked what his question was. He contemplated his question for a moment and then thoughtfully asked, “When were you born?”
Kids sometimes take a little bit of time to warm up if they are being led by someone new. By asking these questions, I break the ice with a bit of humor and am able to engage the kids a little bit better because they are a bit more relaxed, and they feel more like they are a part of what is happening.
As you lead worship for the children in your children’s ministry, I want to encourage you to look for ways that you can make the beginning of your worship time as engaging as possible for your kids so that they are with you right from the beginning. This is especially important if you are just starting out and do not have a familiar relationship with your kids. Why not start with something creative and humorous, such as a top ten list or joke of the night, or get one of the leaders in your ministry to do some crazy, unrehearsed actions for your first song. Or start with a short, meaningful video or movie clip that catches the kids’ attention.
One word of caution: make sure that whatever you choose isn’t TOO active or zany. The goal is to engage the children not get them riled up. That will only work against you!
Leave a comment below and let me know what creative ways you engage your kids at the start of your worship times.
