Always in Rehearsal: Practice of Worship And the Presence of Children

by James H. Ritchie Jr.

This book will create marvelous messes and changes in your worship! So writes an enthusiastic reviewer of Ritchie's latest book about how the generations (particularly, the younger ones) experience worship. Authentic worship happens when the full community is together. Yes, that includes wiggling, loud-whispering, sometimes crying kids. Always in Rehearsal lays a foundation for including all God's children in worship and provides a wealth of ideas for implementing this approach in your congregation. "… [F]or me, the presence of children in worship signals God's presence as well," Ritchie writes. "I've learned to listen to the voices of the children carefully, thoughtfully, devotionally because they speak for people who stand on the periphery of faith, craving something memorable and something to draw them into community." In Always in Rehearsal, Ritchie * a new approach for incorporating children into the worshipping community * ways to welcome, accommodate, and celebrate all persons in worship * ideas to help your congregation (including children) find themselves drawn into a deeper awareness of God's loving presence As the reviewer continued, "Jim's love of children and his deep passion for preparing them in faith comes through loud and clear. This book includes hundreds of ideas that any congregation can do."

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2005

Reviews

[Jim B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author goes against current popular philosophy of ministry to children, believing that children need to be integrated into the church rather than isolated / segregated in "children's church" / children's sermons. He believes that children should be treated as the members of the Church they are. He shows how making sure that worship is accessible to kids will make worship better for all. He looks at Howard Gardner's "Seven Intelligences" and how they would help various kinds of kids get more out of church. Many useful suggestions, such as: be sure young people are handed a bulletin -- they are part of the church. Make banners from craft paper (easy, cheap, disposable, grabs kids' attention).