It's the job of the whole church to pass on faith to the next generation. Here are some ideas for involving other adults and teens, not just parents and kids ministry leaders in sharing their faith with kids.
This article is well worth reading and discussing if you're exploring moving towards a more intergenerational church. http://ministry-to-children.com/becoming-intergenerational/
Some other writing to help you and your church think through the issues around kids and church
Worshipping with Children: Some Thoughts for Parents by Lutheran pastor Greg Priebbenow contains some very practical tipsfor taking kids to church. View article
The Pastor, The Parent, The Precocious Child and the Pewsitter
Mr Potato-Head and the Couch Potatoes Go to Church A thought provoking article about engaging with kids in a church service by Beth Barnett of the Baptist Union of Victoria Download
Church, the Boring Bits for Kids (they're not what you think)
by Beth Barnett of the Baptist Union of Victoria Download
'Let the children come to me,' said Jesus
Does what Jesus said have anything to say about the way we do and the way we are church?
Some churches have a separate program for kids during the church service and let the adults do grownup things alone. Some have the kids in for part of the service. A few do church together, intergenerationally - everyone in together.
Each model has it's own advantages and challenges.
A separate kids program ties up lots of energy and resources, keeps those who run it separate from the worship service, and can make transition difficult for kids when they become too old for the kids program.
Some who have the kids in for the first part of the service before they leave for their own time wonder about the message that kids get when they are taken out from 'real church', especially if they go out to an uninviting hall or their program is less than exciting.
Starting separately and then having the adults welcome the kids back in, to share the last part of the worship service, takes a little more coordination, but allows the adults to make a fuss of the children when they return and listen to what they have done. Adults can also share with the kids what they have been doing during that time.
Some churches are experimenting with intergenerational worship - all ages together. Some do it on a weekly basis, others once a term, usually in school holiday time. It means rethinking all that happens in the service so that it makes sense to kids, but hey! that may not necessarily be a bad thing.
If you have kids in church with you and are experimenting with all age activities that are meaningful to them, we'd love to hear from you.
RESOURCES FOR CHURCHES
Posters and study guides designed to change the way you think about the children in your church.
www.10promisesforourchildren.org**NEW**Welcome Mat by Beth Barnett is a new resource packed full of useful ideas for all age events. They're Bible-based, interactive and help people encounter God.
WE LOVE MAX 7
If you're after multi-media clips you just might find them here.
www.max7.org has lots of free resources, ideas and programs to download. And you're encouraged to share ones you've produced too.
LIGHT LIVE This one's certainly worth a look.
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A multitude of Bible-based activities and ideas at your fingertips. Pick ‘n’ mix from the extensive archive of over 10,000 activities to suit you and your group.