DEEPENING FAITH

THROUGH WORSHIP

We praise you God!

We praise you in your sanctuary.

We praise you in your mighty firmament!

We praise you for your mighty deeds.

We praise you according to you surpassing greatness!

We praise you with trumpet sound!

We praise you with lute and harp!

We praise you with tambourine and dance!

We praise you with strings and pipe!

We praise you with clanging cymbals.

We praise you with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! Psalm 150

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.” James 5:13

Over the centuries human beings have found that worship is one of the activities that more often than not opens us up to feeling the presence of the Holy. It could be assumed that worship would be one of the first things that comes to mind when we talk about deepening faith. For many that assumption is very true. But for others, worship can be a time to squirm, daydream, and wonder if God’s as bored as we are. Why the difference? Only God knows why different people respond in different ways. In my experience, even people who seem the most bored might be getting something that is meaningful to their faith, even if it is only the sense that they are not alone in their restlessness. Worship takes many styles and forms. Each of us responds in our own way to the sensual experiences involved. We respond to the sounds of the music and words being spoken. We respond to the smells of the sanctuary or sacred space and the people in it. We respond to the touch of other worshipers and the feel of whatever it is we are sitting on or holding. We respond to the taste of communion. We respond to the sight of color, the light or dark, the people around us. When the Holy Spirit breaks in and blows through us, our reactions are both varied and valid.

There are many ways for youth to be involved with worship. No matter how many kids you have in your congregation, they can be involved in the ongoing worship life of the church. If you have a small number of kids it will be easier to know what their gifts and talents are. Some kids are very comfortable with public reading and speaking and could easily serve as liturgists. Some kids are talented musically and could be part of ongoing choirs or other music groups in worship, or make wonderful vocal or instrumental soloists. Some kids have a natural charm and would be wonderful as greeters or ushers. There may be artists who could design bulletin covers, or create art for the sanctuary. Inviting different youth to be involved in regular worship, just as you would invite adults helps create a feeling of intergenerational connectedness and belonging. Some churches have one or more worship services a year that are planned and led entirely by youth with the minister(s) or other adults providing resources or guidance.

Worship can also be a powerful part of smaller gatherings. People can worship together before going off to do social justice or service work together. It can be part of their closure to a retreat or mission trip. If your church has a youth group, a whole meeting can be dedicated to a worship/ritual experience, or worship can be an opening or closing ritual for each meeting.

Deepening Faith: Youth Ministry Resources and Some Miscellaneous Advice

Rev. Lizann Bassham, Front Porch Spirit Press