6 Questions to Ask When Preparing A Kids Message
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of kids’ preaching messages. Whether you’re a children’s pastor, youth leader, or a parent wanting to share spiritual wisdom with your children, this episode is for you.
Preparing and delivering a message for children differs from speaking to adults. Dave and Beci Wakerley discuss the importance of having a focused message when preaching to kids. They explore how to deliver meaningful and engaging sermons to our youngest congregation members.
- FOCUS YOUR MESSAGE
It’s crucial to have a focused message for children. The focus should be on one key point that kids can remember, instead of covering too much ground. How can you handle potential distractions, like kids asking questions during the preaching?
- AVOID A TO-DO LIST FAITH
Consider the fundamental nature of the concepts taught to children about their faith. Understand that children base their understanding of God’s expectations and requirements on the skills necessary for their own development. This can lead to a “to-do list” mentality rather than a holistic understanding of faith. A key approach is to explain the ‘why’ behind these expectations, relating them to the faith, especially the context of Jesus’ resurrection and crucifixion, emphasizing grace through faith and the foundational aspect of following Jesus.
- INCLUDE CHILDREN
The importance of including kids in the message and involving them in ministry cannot be overstated. Ways to involve kids include reading scripture, asking and answering questions, serving in a Junior Leaders program, and developing skills like teaching them to pray publicly. The goal is to create a church service run by kids who serve their peers and make church happen.
- BUILD BIBLE LITERACY
Building biblical literacy is essential. Provide kids with context and imagery to help them understand Bible stories better. Discuss the location of books in the Bible and make the Bible applicable to real-life situations. Teach kids to use it as a tool for dealing with problems.
- READ THE ROOM
Learn to ‘read the room.’ Take time to understand the kids’ attention span and interests to effectively deliver the message. - ROOM DESIGN MATTERS
Create a focused environment and engage the kids by asking questions. A seating plan, like amphitheater seating or barrier seating for older kids, can help lower noise levels for younger ones and encourage involvement. Invest in technology like a good microphone to avoid technical problems during presentations. For older kids, offer the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the service.
Crafting effective preaching messages for children is a unique and rewarding challenge. By focusing your message, avoiding a ‘to-do list’ faith, including children actively, building Bible literacy, and learning to read the room, you can create a more impactful and engaging experience. These strategies not only help in delivering meaningful messages but also foster a deeper understanding and involvement in faith among the youngest members of the congregation. The goal is to create an environment where children feel included, understood, and inspired to grow in their spiritual journey.
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