I know music has great power in all of our lives and helps us connect the dots to remember events, details and messages we wouldn’t remember any other way. I saw a post on Facebook earlier this year that made me laugh when I read it cause it’s so true. It said “My Brain: 2% phone numbers, 3% names, 5% school knowledge, 90% song lyrics.” When we think about our busy lives and all the things we so easily forget, it can be painfully funny to realize some of the pointless and meaningless songs that are brains can perfectly remember. On the other hand there are some great songs that are filled with the truth of the Bible and God’s praises that are stored away in my brain. I’m grateful, especially on the harder days of life, that those songs are planted to remind me of God’s faithfulness. So as you move forward in leading kids in worship here are a couple tips from me to help you lead kids well.
1. There is freedom in preparation
I know how things just get thrown together in the church world. Teachers start studying in the car on the way to church. This does not work in the area of music. Make sure you get your volunteers and leaders the music ahead of time so they can learn and prepare. Schedule special rehearsals to practice and learn the motions to the songs. I’ve experienced first hand how much more fun you can have on stage when you know you know the songs well, as opposed to being nervous and unsure when you don’t know the songs well. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God.”
2. It’s OK to have rules
Structure is a good thing. You can have fun and structure at the same time. Don’t confuse kids having fun with allowing kids to be out of control. I was a part of an event recently where the leaders had no control over the kids. They could be disruptive and distractions and no one stopped them. Nobody wins in this setting! Encourage your leaders to help the kids around them do the right thing. Being a distraction to other kids that are trying to participate in the worship time just isn’t acceptable. Help support your volunteers to lead well. 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
3. Define the win
Hopefully this is a moving target in your ministries. As you grow and your kids develop the win can grow and develop too. What is something you’d like to see happen in your kid’s worship? Define the win. Start this next weekend. What is a step you could take and work to accomplish with your kids in the area of worship? As you accomplish your goals keep raising and moving the bar of what your “win” will be. 1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (NIV)
Learn more about Yancy and her KidMin media at WorshipHouse Kids.
Yancy is a worship leader and songwriter for kids that travels the globe doing family concerts and training worship leaders. She grew up a Kidmin PK that knew God wanted to use her music for His glory. Yancy is passionate about creating resources to serve the church. She recently launched a new worship series called “Kidmin Worship”. Yancy also created the original music for Standard Publishing’s “Deep Sea Discovery” VBS. Her life is made even more complete with her husband, Cory and son, Sparrow Rocket where they live in Nashville, TN.
