What Do We Teach Children about Worship?

I just returned from a Children’s Spirituality Conference that talked a lot about children in worship.  Then I was in worship this past Sunday and we sang a David Crowder song, “We Won’t Be Quiet”.  Here are the lyrics that struck me:

You’re everything we could ever want

You’re everything we could ever need

You’re the reason we’re coming here

You’re the reason we’re gonna sing

I was reminded in the song of the real reason of worship, to praise God.  I was also reminded of our purpose for being there, to worship God.  Suddenly my mind went right to the Westminster Larger Catechism which says, “Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and to enjoy God forever.”  This is a wonderful summary of the teaching of Scripture on this matter (Isa. 43:7; Eph. 1:11-12).  We humans have been created by God to first and foremost glorify God.

So how well do we pass this on to our children?  When our children and youth hear us complain about style, methodology, space and sermon do they sense that we are living out our purpose to glorify God?  Or are we teaching them that worship is something for us to consume and evaluate?  Do we teach them the purpose of  worship is to please and satisfy us?  Should we not teach our children that we gather in worship because God is our everything and is everything we need?

I am reminded of two theologians I know, Robbie Castleman and Marva Dawn who both say, “when we are tempted to criticize worship, someone should remind us, we were not worshiping you.”

So what are we teaching our children about worship,  that it is for us or for God?

If you would like more information on teaching children about worship take a look at this resource Worship for Life .