Our first Children in Worship Cohort is a meaningful success
In early August, members and leaders of the Children in Worship Cohort gathered in-person for a celebratory dinner following the conclusion of a 6-month online cohort. Member congregations of this first cohort were Westminster Presbyterian Church, Austin; University Presbyterian Church, Austin; St. Philip's United Methodist Church, Round Rock; First United Methodist Church, Belton; and Covenant Lutheran Church, Temple.
Over the six months together, the group received short presentations from experts in children's ministries and development, and group members presented their own ministry successes and challenges to one another, all with the goal of increased participation of children as co-proclaimers of the Gospel in worship services.
Participants in the group reflected that this time "gave me more confidence in speaking during worship with kids," and, "I have definitely felt encouraged to try more ways of including the children in various parts of the worship service. I'm excited to think outside of the box in how the kids can be fully engaged in worship."
Sharing Faith Initiative Associate Director Amanda Herridge reflects that "this was an amazing first cohort. We are so grateful for the speakers who joined us and the churches who jumped in with full participation. We can't wait to continue building up their ministries and connecting with new groups in our future cohorts!"
Now accepting applications for the 2027 Children in Worship Cohort
We are looking for pairs of participants - a children’s minister and senior/worship pastor - from various churches to join a 6-month-long cohort community to explore the role of children in worship through guided conversations. This group will meet twice monthly on Zoom and create a supportive space where participants can reflect on how faith is experienced and shared within their congregations.
The Children in Worship Cohort requirements:
One pair of church staff members willing to commit to twice-monthly meetings together. This pair will be composed of (a) your congregation's children's ministry leader and (b) the senior pastor/worship leader.
Each member of the pair needs the ability to meet online through Zoom, separately or together.
In order to facilitate conversation, churches in the cohort should have gone through the Listening Tour or should schedule a Listening Tour visit.