Worship Whys

WHY picture books create excitement for children worshipping at your church! We know that kids are naturally drawn to stories, and books can be a powerful way to lead a children’s message. In today’s episode of Worship Whys, children’s book editor Naomi Krueger tells host Dawn Rundman how worship leachers can incorporate books to make story time even more irresistible. Naomi mentioned a few titles...

Why children often learn about their place in the world at church—not just through learning the Gospel, but also in how they are invited to participate in worship.  Pastor Jia Starr Brown brings her own background rooted in the Black church to her conversation with host Dawn Rundman. She has an inspiring message for worship leaders when they must address difficult, painful situations in a worship...

Why it’s worth making some simple adjustments to make your church spaces feel more inviting to families. The very space that is impressive to adults may not feel welcoming to children. In this episode, host Dawn Rundman gets some innovative ideas from Julie Marie Seibert as they discuss why it’s important to look at church spaces through a child’s eyes. Julie Marie brings her background as an educ...

Sounding out words in the bulletin. Becoming an acolyte. Holding the baby in the Christmas pageant. WHY participating in such classic church rituals, activities, and holiday traditions creates memories and builds faith in children as they come of age. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks her own young adult daughter, Svea, to recall her own childhood church experiences from the not-too-distant past...

WHY asking young adults who’ve been raised in a faith community can be eye-opening for worship leaders. In this episode, Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks a college senior—who happens to be her son, Paavo—to reflect on his faith autobiography. Hearing his thoughts on how church membership and activities shaped him provided insight—and some surprises. Have you requested the faith autobiography of...

Welcoming and supporting new moms and their babies WHY your church should be proactive in advocating for the needs of nursing mothers, both those on church staff and those in your congregation. Youth and Family Ministry leader Melissa Ramshead talks to Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman about her real life experiences as the working mother of three young daughters. She shares her ideas about important...

Why it takes planning to create an exciting VBS experience that will deepen faith in kids at your church. Veteran VBS creator Arlene Flancher shares her tried-and-true strategies with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Hear Arlene’s thoughts on which VBS activities have high impact and pack a punch, versus preparations that are time- consuming but ultimately not worth the trouble. Ministry leaders, l...

The New Testament’s lessons on welcoming children to worship WHY re-reading the Gospel stories of interactions between Jesus and children gives guidance for creating worship that truly centers children. Host Dawn Rundman talks to Biblical scholar, professor and author (and mom!) Amy Lindeman Allen about what it means when you take a “childist” (as opposed to an “adultist”) approach to your work. A...

Why using familiar items in a children’s message lets them know that they are welcome at the table. Today’s Worship Whys episode features the Rev. John Stevens, who shares his innovative sermon ideas with host Dawn Rundman. His ideas can provide a springboard for creativity for worship leaders. To watch his YouTube segments utilizing purchases from the Dollar Store—and common household items from...

Why knowing “The Five F’s” will deepen your understanding of children who’ve experienced trauma   Worship leaders may meet children who arrive at church after overwhelming traumatic experiences. These children can truly benefit from caring adults and faith formation, but connecting with them can be challenging! In today’s Worship Whys, host Dawn Rundman holds a powerful conversation with Rev. Carl...

Today’s Worship Whys episode will give ideas—and confidence—to worship leaders who are not trained artists. In a conversation with host Dawn Rundman, Rev. Mary Button, a pastor with an extensive background in visual arts, shares her creative ideas that draw in the whole congregation. Find out WHY you need to round up hula hoops to keep the children in your church joyfully engaged! To get a look at...

WHY worship leaders can find food— snacks, treats, and meals—as an exciting way to teach Bible stories to kids. Youth ministry leader and food writer Tera Michelson shares her vision of gathering at the table for some “donut evangelism” with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Tera’s got ideas on how to make fun and memorable food and faith connections that are that sure to nourish the children in you...

This episode is all about WHY adjusting your worship service can connect children to God, each other, and their place in the world.   Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman sits down with Rev. Heather Roth Johnson, who’s built her ministry career around inviting children to be fully engaged participants in every aspect of church life. Pastor Heather is brimming with practical ideas about how to shape inte...

Lauren Morse-Wendt, deacon at Edina Community Lutheran Church, recruits children to be ushers at her congregation and sees first-hand how they invigorate worship. Talking to Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman, Lauren explains her tried-and-true methods on incorporating children into this leadership role. With practical guidance on getting started, she explains why being included in this role makes a d...

WHY including children in funerals can teach them how life after death is woven into our faith story. While worship leaders are justifiably concerned about how to talk to children about death, knowing how to prepare children to attend funerals can help them learn how to grieve. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman has a moving and deeply personal conversation with Rev. Jess Felici. They share ideas abou...

In this episode, Dawn explores WHY storytelling can be built into into your every encounter with children. Biblical stories and stories about Jesus equip and accompany children as they step out of the worship space and into their young lives. Pastor (and expert storyteller) Priscilla Paris-Austin shares her expertise and some inspiring ideas with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. It’s a conversation...

WHY consider bringing children at your church into leadership roles every week, not just on Youth Sunday.  Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity chats with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman offering ideas about how to more fully incorporate children into every aspect of worship, the jobs borth large and small, sacred and simple. Of course, giving children more responsibility has risks as well as rewards. Lea...

It’s a challenge! Worship planners know that one size DOES NOT fit all  when welcoming children in worship. Creating developmentally appropriate activities for all young learners can be done, but it requires preparation and flexibility. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman shares some insight and ideas on how to build worship practices that span the different age groups—and appeal to all of them.   Have...

WHY do drums engage children—and the whole congregation—with the power of percussion?   Rev. Lowell Michelson, senior pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in West Chester, Ohio and a lifelong musician, brought his drums along as he joined host Dawn Rundman. Think drums involve loud banging that doesn’t belong in church? Then this episode of Worship Whys will open your eyes—and ears. Learn how mu...

WHY people of all ages worshipping together enriches the experience for everyone! “Intergenerational worship” creates more benefits for all than “multi-generational worship” does. What’s the difference? How can worship leaders create an environment that does more than acknowledge a diversity of age in their congregations? Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman shares research-based lessons that she learne...

WHY is church camp such a pivotal faith event for so many kids, and how can worship leaders expand that special summer experience to create excitement year ‘round? Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman talks with Rozella Haydée White, who shares experiences from her decades of youth ministry experience at a variety of camp environments. Rozella offers feedback for worship leaders about how to incorporate...

WHY incorporate poetry into your children’s ministry? Children crave rhyme, rhythm and wordplay as their language develops and poetry, like music, will amuse and amaze them. Published poet and multi-disciplinary artist Joe Davis shares powerful ideas about how to incorporate poetry in worship with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Joe’s practical advice will deepen your understanding of why poetry i...

WHY use the pipe organ in your church to more deeply engage children in worship?   Children are curious about the magnificent instrument in your church—and sometimes a little frightened by it! David Sims, longtime church organist and current Music Development Manager at Augsburg Fortress, pulls out all the stops in a conversation with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. David offers practical pointers...

WHY to think about the brains of your youngest congregation members as you plan worship.   Neuroscientists have made dramatic breakthroughs in mapping babies’ brains and are learning how the brain’s plasticity in the first few years of life shapes lifelong development. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman’s fascination with early brain formation led her to take a deep dive into the subject in her doctor...

WHY does reflecting on your own faith story give you insight into children at your church today?   What are your childhood church experiences that were meaningful, even profound? Reflecting on your own personal faith journey can give you insight into what is impacting the children you connect with. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman shares her faith autobiography as an example. A preacher’s kid growin...