What is Worship Training?

 

  

Worship Training is a 6-week class for children ages PreK to 7 that is offered occasionally throughout the year on Sundays during the sermon. It is intended to help children grow in their understanding of what worship is and how they can participate in it. 

The topics for the first 5 classes are based on the 5 parts of worship that is found in Isaiah 6.

Week 1  - Entering God’s Presence

Week 2 - Committing to God’s Kingdom

Week 3 - Listening to God’s Word

Week 4 - Feasting at God’s Table

Week 5 - Going out with God’s Blessing

Week 6 - Church Seasons & Colors

 

Though this may sound like lofty language, the curriculum is interactive and geared for a child’s understanding. It is intended to engage their imaginations and help create a longing to “worship big!” Of course they will still be children, not always sitting still and being silent. That is ok (neither do we as adults)! But a little understanding can be helpful. Our hope is that, once children learn what is going on when they come to worship - that they are called to actually participate, not simply be present and be quiet - they will be the ones looking at us and saying, “I’m so glad God invited us! Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Even as adults, we often have a difficult time sitting still, paying attention, and listening in worship. However, as adults, we have the advantage of knowing the framework, so that, even if we cannot articulate all of the parts of a worship service, we have general expectation that guides us through. We did not just come by this framework naturally. It is something we learned as we grew. As we think about children, specifically very young children transitioning from nursery into the worship service, we have to remind ourselves that the goal is not simply to teach them to sit still and behave during worship, but rather to help them learn and engage in the service of worship.

At Trinity, we desire that our children would be excited about worship and would long to come with us as we enter the throne room of our King. That is the purpose and design of Worship Training. 



FAQ’s

1. Sitting still is not a problem for my child, should I still send them to worship training?
Remember sitting still is not the goal. Engaging & participating in worship is. If you would like to utilize Worship Training as a tool to help your child grow, please feel free to do so whether they know how to sit still or not. The choice is yours.  Children are always welcome in the worship service.

2. Is my child required to attend?
Attendance is 100% up to parents’ discretion. This is just a tool we offer to assist children as they grow if you wish to utilize it.

3. Do you have any other tools for helping children learn to worship?
Yes! Worship is the engine that drives everything we do as Christians so we are always thinking about ways to help people grow in what it means. Look for the “Tools for Young Worshippers” table where you will find:

  • "Children's Bulletins" are geared towards PreK-1st grade. Or, for children who don’t yet read and can trace words of worship and draw things they see & hear in worship. 
  • “Young Worshipper Bulletins" designed to encourage grade school children (2nd-5th grades) to open their Bibles, read the Scripture along with the congregation and then fill in missing words. There are also key words listed to listen for during the sermon, a place to draw what they see and hear, and a place for their  questions. These questions could be anything from a word they didn’t understand to 'why does the preacher wear a robe?' No question is too simple. Children are encouraged to put their questions in the “Children’s Questions” box and look for answers on the front page of the children's website by Monday afternoons. (children's names will not be included on the website)
  • The “Order of Worship,” (Sunday Bulletin) as well as both child bulletins are posted on our website each Friday afternoon. This can be useful tools to prepare for worship at home. Practice the songs or creeds, discuss the Kingdom readings, or read the Scripture to be preached.

4. Can I attend Worship Training with my child?
Absolutely! Anytime. Parents are always welcome. In fact, any adult or teenager is welcome to pop in from time to time. We all need this!

 

What are your questions?

Please feel free to email your questions to the Director of Children's Christian Formation at children@trinitymboro.com