Worship for Children’s Spiritual Formation

This article explores the vital role of worship in children’s spiritual formation. Worship is one of the most powerful ways to nurture believers to develop their spirituality, especially for children and youth. However, an alarming trend in today’s church is that worship has been simplified with music and preaching. In fact, in many churches, worship is no longer regarded as a part of Christian education but mainly the responsibility of adult worship committee. This article argues that not only worship should be regarded as the primary way for children’s spiritual growth but also children need to worship together with adults for several reasons: in the OT, worship was an essential part of the educational process for children’s spiritual growth; Jesus invited children to worship together with adults (Mt. 19:13-14); children needs role model for their spiritual growth; and worship provides an environment for children to experience connatural learning as well as spiritual discipline. Finally, the article suggests several principles for children’s worship: the church should make worship as the main part of children’s Christian education; vitalize worship for children’s spiritual experience; build stronger family relationship through worship; and churches should design childrencentered congregational worship service.