Youth & Childrens Resource Library

Here are some top tips for a successful family service gathered at the Clergy Conference.

A Storytelling coat (with lots of pockets for props)

Get the children to tell you the story (acting it out)

Have good visual aids

Let the young people organise the service

Using sound to lead into silence (e.g. fading out music)

Dressing up cuddly toys to tell the story

“Tableau Vivant” e.g. nativity scene

Take home baby Jesus during Advent

Keep the liturgy sections short

Involve children in the bits of the liturgy they usually miss when in Sunday School.

Using puppets

Keep service to a strict time limit (38 mins advised!) and follow with lunch

Use of “movement and mystery”

Silent prayer with objects to focus on

Godly Play and ‘wondering’ works

Intentionally involving adults too

Lets children play musical instruments

Children versus adults quiz

Be creative e.g. baking and making.  Have something for the children to take home.

All age intercessions

Have the children design a cover for the Gospel

Explain why we do what we do in church – adults and children can both learn from this

Don’t talk down – trust in what is offered

Don’t put stick insects on an overhead projector as a visual aid!

Don’t deconstruct the children’s story theologically afterwards.

Consider whether a family service suits your congregation – does separate groups of adults and children meet needs better and avoid unhelpful messages?