The Worshipping Child: An Examination of the Worship Experience of Children

In the last twenty years, the church has been renewed through worship. Renewal has crossed denominational lines, liberal and conservative. With this resurgence, discussions have ensued concerning various aspects of worship such as: music, format, liturgies, length of service, focus of the services, etc. The questions and discussions are consistent with those found during times of change throughout the history of the church.

This study presents one aspect of worship discussions that is apparently unique to this renewal. This is an examination into the worship experience of children. Little academic work has reported about children and worship. This research answers questions such as: Do children worship? If so, under what circumstances? What does their worship look and sound like? Does it make an impact upon their adult life? Does it influence the community of faith? Is worship from children a valid expectation? Is it acceptable in the sight of God?

This project studies the history of worship as well as providing a Scriptural investigation of worship. A definition is given that includes the essence, the essentials and the exercise of worship. Models of worship for children are presented with curricula evaluations included. The project includes a method for training worship leaders for children.