An All Age Service?
February 5th, 2010
Steve Marr (Newton Mearns)
Sometimes we get a bit worried by terms like “All Age Worship” and “Family Service”. We think we know what it means, but we’re afraid to say anything in case it exposes our ignorance. Allow me to set your mind at ease: There are as many definitions and ideas about what this means as there are people trying to make them happen! There are, however, one or two points that it might be good to bear in mind as we try to design a service to do the needful. Here is my contribution to the melting pot!
- Find the lowest common denominator. No, this isn’t a maths lesson, so relax! When we are leading worship for all ages or a family service we have to make sure we aren’t “going over the heads” of our congregation. I’ve been in Christian circles for a long time now and attended more of these services than I can begin to remember. Sadly, many, many of them have barely even made a passing “nod” to the fact that children are present. And don’t think that a “children’s address” will cut it in such circumstances! We have to pitch the message, worship, prayers and everything else in such a manner that as many as possible will be able to connect with as many places within the service as possible. So bear in mind the language you use – even more carefully than usual. Think about how you can create a more relaxed setting for the time together – make space to move arround, for example, or break the sermon/message into smaller “chunks” to suit shorter attention spans. In short, prepare THOROUGHLY. These settings really do require extra work, so don’t skimp on it!
- Make sure it’s not boring! That might sound obvious, but stop and consider this: What captures your immagination and holds your attention? Statistics are available that state that people are three times more likely to stay focussed when there is more than one voice contributing to a discourse. We remember far more that we see, hear and take part in than if we only listen to it. If adults are like that, the children will be too – and likely to be more vocal about it! So don’t fall into the trap of just trying to make things simple so everyone understands. Make the whole experience memorable. Include visuals – maybe a game (gasp, shock, horror!). Have other people take part and do things so the congregation isn’t listening to just one voice. Ask questions – and expect your listeners to take part by answering! In other words, make the service interesting!
All age worship isn’t about “dumbing down” the proceedings, but it is remembering that we have to make it undertood by as many as possible. A family service isn’t about throwing a party, but it should arrest the attention of as many as possible. Feel free to be adventurous! Try something new. Include people who don’t normally get asked to participate. Above all, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.” There’s a little bit of a child left in all of us – I hope – so feel free to let that child come to Jesus as freely as possible.
