Joyful Voices: Ideas for Engaging Children in Worship and Music

Dillon Swanson

Music ministers, educators, and pastors hold the sacred responsibility of fostering worship that reflects the full body of Christ, including our youngest members. From a Reformed perspective, children are not future participants in the church; they are present and active members of the covenant community. Therefore, engaging them in worship is not optional—it is essential.

From one ministry desk to another, I share ideas with the hope that something here might inspire you to more fully include children in the worship life of your congregation.

I often return to three guiding questions in worship planning and evaluation that help encourage discernment, challenge vanity or cultural pressures, and focus on formation and inclusion. These questions can be applied to any element of worship that seeks to engage children and youth. They have helped me to build sustainable and meaningful opportunities for children and youth:

1. Am I practicing intention with this opportunity?

2. Does this opportunity expand liturgical participation?

3. Does this opportunity foster the possibility for an intergenerational experience?

Intentional Musical Involvement

Including children in musical leadership regularly—not just on special Sundays—communicates that their gifts are welcomed and needed. As part of our children’s choir and worship education curriculum, we use a “hymn of the month” that they learn alongside their anthems. This hymn often appears in worship soon after they learn it, and I love watching their faces light up when they recognize it and say, “I know this song!” These small moments reinforce worship participation and encourage a sense of belonging.

For our youngest children (pre-K through first grade), I especially love teaching call-and-response hymns. These are accessible, memorable, and allow the children to function as leaders as the congregation joyfully responds to their voices.

Expanding Liturgical Participation

Worship leadership can go far beyond music. Children can serve as greeters and acolytes and lead portions of the liturgy. Consider incorporating children into worship on a more regular basis beyond the occasional special service or Children’s Sabbath. Regular presence builds familiarity and confidence over time.

One of my favorite practices at Raleigh Court is part of our baptism liturgy. When a child or infant is baptized, the children of the church gather on the chancel steps to witness the sacrament. They don’t just observe; they participate by making promises to be a friend and leader to the newly baptized. It is a front-row seat to one of our most sacred acts and a formative moment for all involved.

Fostering Intergenerational Experiences

Intentional intergenerational moments strengthen the entire congregation. At Raleigh Court, we involve families in greeter ministries, seasonal liturgical leadership (such as lighting the Advent wreath), and more.

From a musical standpoint, I schedule three Sundays a year for intergenerational anthems, when children’s, youth, and adult choirs sing together: the third Sunday of Advent, Palm Sunday, and Music Ministry Sunday. While some repertoire is composed specifically for multigenerational ensembles, I often create my own arrangements using standard anthems with flexible voicings, imagination, and pastoral sensitivity.

These shared experiences build bridges between generations and demonstrate that worshiping God is for everyone, together.

Summertime Opportunities for Formation

Summer is often a quieter time for church programs, but I’ve found it to be fertile ground for experimentation and formation. Without regular choir rehearsals, I can meet with children and youth—often those learning instruments at school—to form small ensembles or solo offerings for worship. These offerings are a beautiful way to nurture confidence and give young musicians space to grow as worship leaders.

Another favorite summer tradition involves inviting children to be my “sidekick” on Sunday mornings. Each week, a child (second grade or older) joins me in the choir loft or at the organ console to experience what I do. Each experience is tailored to the child’s gifts and interests: a piano student might play the Westminster Chimes, while a younger child might activate the zimbelstern during the Doxology. This idea was adapted from a colleague and has become a treasured time of mentoring and joy.

From Observing to Worshiping 

As ministry leaders, our work is not just about excellence—it is about formation. Worship is not a show children attend but a sacred space they belong to and help lead. When children are invited not as observers but as worshipers, we plant seeds for a lifelong relationship with God and with the church.

Let us continue to ask ourselves: Are we being intentional? Are we expanding liturgical roles? Are we nurturing intergenerational connections?

In doing so, we make room for every voice—especially the small and joyful ones—to be heard
in praise.