Children’s Sermons by Children provides faith-sharing support for all ages through listening and learning, gatherings and guidance.
We are looking for congregations with active children’s ministries who are open to ongoing conversations with our team about how children experience and share God with others. These conversations will be with children and those involved in the children’s ministry at the church.
The vision behind Children’s Sermons by Children
How does Children’s Sermons by Children work?
“The goal of the Children’s Sermons by Children Project is to equip congregations to see children not as passive audience members in worship, but rather as active co-ministers of proclamation. This project is important as we seek to raise up new leaders for the church—while many youth drop out of church as teenagers and young adults, empowering children to feel integral to Christian worship can enrich the faith of children and their church communities.”
Through cohorts, large gatherings, workshops, videos and curricular resources, the Children’s Sermons by Children Project will provide English- and Spanish-speaking Protestant congregations in Texas with the support they need to cultivate the proclamatory leadership of children in their midst.
Key Aspects of Children’s Sermons by Children
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During the fall of each year, the team will take video-recorded interviews in congregations throughout Texas to learn more from children, those working with children, and worship leaders. We call this “The Listening Tour” and we’re scheduling visits now!
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Held on the Austin Seminary campus or online through Zoom, our “Sharing Faith Workshops” provide structured learning opportunities for church leaders and children’s ministry teams. Led by experienced facilitators, sessions will focus on practical methods for nurturing children’s leadership in faith-sharing. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and/or training, workshop participants will gain tools to implement proven practices in their own congregations, fostering an environment where children’s voices are heard and valued in worship… and beyond.
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The Children in Worship cohorts bring together pairs of participants from various churches to explore faith-sharing through guided conversations on Zoom. These small groups create a supportive space where participants can reflect on how faith is experienced and shared within their congregations. By engaging in these ongoing discussions, churches will build stronger connections, gain new insights, and develop meaningful ways to empower children as active faith leaders.
Click here to learn more about the Children in Worship Cohorts >
Getting Involved
If you are interested in being a part of Children’s Sermons by Children -- in any of the capacities listed above -- please take a moment to fill out our Interest Form so our leadership can be in direct communication with you and your church. We can provide more detailed information about each part of the grant program and provide helpful documentation to your congregation.
Children’s Sermons by Children is an ongoing project of Austin Seminary, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Children’s Sermons by Children began in 2025 as a part of the Sharing Faith Initiative, along with Faithful Preaching Project.
The project is free to participants and aims to equip church congregations in many ways.
Children’s Sermons by Children is proud to be a part of the Strengthening Ministry with Children Program.