Respecting Children

Here are some pointers when leading an all-age service or any worship that includes children:

• Talk about today's world, not your idyllic childhood, which probably never existed
• Be honest
• Children cannot be conned and will spot your inadequate knowledge of the latest football score or pop group immediately
• If you ask questions, affirm unusual or incorrect answers by using them for more teaching
• Never put children on the spot or make them the butt of jokes
• Help them to be involved and to feel welcome at the service

All-age worship takes time and work, but the church that attempts to have genuinely inclusive services will reap the rewards of a lively community today and is best serving the church of tomorrow.