i am passionate about families learning, growing, seeking Jesus, and worshipping together. we know kids spend way more time with their families than they do with us in kidmin classes. my goal is to create experiences where learning begins together as families at church and then continues at home. these experiences take place in a designated family worship service on sunday evening, Gospel classes where children attend with parents, special events, and more. here is the simple model i use (and shared in a breakout on “family worship creations” this month) as i strive to create Christ-centered, memorable family experiences.

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truth taught together as families
• 
hear the same lesson/truth
• open Bible to the same scripture passage
instead of separating to various corners of the church learning different things, bring the family together and share the same truth with all of them.  not only do they hear and open God’s Word to the same truth, they can share how it impacts each of them in their stage of life.
Screen Shot 2014-10-14 at 10.34.34 PMtruth experienced together as families
• remember longer what they experience than what they just hear
• something experienced together brings a better chance for discussion later
• kids need to see parents learning and having fun in God’s Word
the room fills with laughter, whispers, prayers, movement and more as you allow the families to not only hear truth, but experience it. these activities help you build a bridge form abstract concepts to concrete ones that children will understand. they also allow parents a chance to experience truth in a creative, kid-friendly way.

 

Screen Shot 2014-10-14 at 10.34.43 PMtruth discussed together as families
• 
provide questions for families to discuss
• allows time for parents to get an extra glimpse into what child is dealing with
• cuts out “sunday school” answers
• Jesus was so great at asking questions.
have you ever wanted to call a time-out in church and ask some questions or discuss what was just shared? this step allows families to do that with the truth they just heard and experienced.

 

Screen Shot 2014-10-14 at 10.34.55 PMa take home to continue discussion as families
• 
a reminder at home of what they experienced together
we can’t go home with them, so send something home that can be placed to spur further discussion. this can’t be a craft that will be forgotten at church or trashed as soon as they are home, but something with a bit of a lasting impact.

 

 

i would love to hear what you do to help families experience meaningful worship times together. comment with your ideas and thoughts.

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