Worship Whys

Is it ever too early to teach kids the joy of giving? In this episode of Worship Whys, Dawn Rundman of Augsburg Fortress, who holds a PhD in developmental psychology, explains why even the youngest children are ready to learn about stewardship. She shares memories of growing up as a pastor's kid in Escanaba, Michigan, from Sunday school offering envelopes to Lenten quarter folders. She also looks at how kids today experience money ...

WHY picture books create excitement for children worshipping at your church! We know that kids are naturally drawn to stories, and books can be a powerful way to lead a children’s message.

In today’s episode of Worship Whys, children’s book editor Naomi Krueger tells host Dawn Rundman how worship leachers can incorporate books to make story time even more i...

Why children often learn about their place in the world at church—not just through learning the Gospel, but also in how they are invited to participate in worship. 

Pastor Jia Starr Brown brings her own background rooted in the Black church to her conversation with host Dawn Rundman. She has an inspiring message for worship leaders when they must address difficult, painful situations in a worship setting. 

Pastor ...

Why it’s worth making some simple adjustments to make your church spaces feel more inviting to families.

The very space that is impressive to adults may not feel welcoming to children. In this episode, host Dawn Rundman gets some innovative ideas from Julie Marie Seibert as they discuss why it’s important to look at church spaces through a child’s eyes. Julie Marie brings her background as an educator who creates...

Sounding out words in the bulletin. Becoming an acolyte. Holding the baby in the Christmas pageant.

WHY participating in such classic church rituals, activities, and holiday traditions creates memories and builds faith in children as they come of age. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks her own young adult daughter, Svea, to recall her own childhood church experiences from the not-too-distant past. Svea has thoughts about how wors...

WHY asking young adults who’ve been raised in a faith community can be eye-opening for worship leaders. In this episode, Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks a college senior—who happens to be her son, Paavo—to reflect on his faith autobiography. Hearing his thoughts on how church membership and activities shaped him provided insight—and some surprises.

Have you requested the faith autobiography of children ...

Welcoming and supporting new moms and their babies WHY your church should be proactive in advocating for the needs of nursing mothers, both those on church staff and those in your congregation. Youth and Family Ministry leader Melissa Ramshead talks to Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman about her real life experiences as the working mother of three young daughters. She shares her ideas about important ways to create a supportive space ...

Why it takes planning to create an exciting VBS experience that will deepen faith in kids at your church.

Veteran VBS creator Arlene Flancher shares her tried-and-true strategies with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Hear Arlene’s thoughts on which VBS activities have high impact and pack a punch, versus preparations that are time- consuming but ultimately not worth the trouble.

Ministry leaders, learn more about VBS options...

The New Testament’s lessons on welcoming children to worship WHY re-reading the Gospel stories of interactions between Jesus and children gives guidance for creating worship that truly centers children. Host Dawn Rundman talks to Biblical scholar, professor and author (and mom!) Amy Lindeman Allen about what it means when you take a “childist” (as opposed to an “adultist”) approach to your work.

Amy&r...

Why using familiar items in a children’s message lets them know that they are welcome at the table.

Today’s Worship Whys episode features the Rev. John Stevens, who shares his innovative sermon ideas with host Dawn Rundman. His ideas can provide a springboard for creativity for worship leaders.

To watch his YouTube segments utilizing purchases from the Dollar Store—and common household items from the junk drawer...

Today’s Worship Whys episode will give ideas—and confidence—to worship leaders who are not trained artists. In a conversation with host Dawn Rundman, Rev. Mary Button, a pastor with an extensive background in visual arts, shares her creative ideas that draw in the whole congregation. Find out WHY you need to round up hula hoops to keep the children in your church joyfully engaged! To get a look at Rev. Button&rsqu...

WHY worship leaders can find food— snacks, treats, and meals—as an exciting way to teach Bible stories to kids. Youth ministry leader and food writer Tera Michelson shares her vision of gathering at the table for some “donut evangelism” with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Tera’s got ideas on how to make fun and memorable food and faith connections that are that sure to nourish the children in your con...

Lauren Morse-Wendt, deacon at Edina Community Lutheran Church, recruits children to be ushers at her congregation and sees first-hand how they invigorate worship.

Talking to Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman, Lauren explains her tried-and-true methods on incorporating children into this leadership role. With practical guidance on getting started, she explains why being included in this role makes a difference to ch...

WHY including children in funerals can teach them how life after death is woven into our faith story. While worship leaders are justifiably concerned about how to talk to children about death, knowing how to prepare children to attend funerals can help them learn how to grieve. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman has a moving and deeply personal conversation with Rev. Jess Felici. They share ideas about ways to bring children into funer...

In this episode, Dawn explores WHY storytelling can be built into into your every encounter with children. Biblical stories and stories about Jesus equip and accompany children as they step out of the worship space and into their young lives. Pastor (and expert storyteller) Priscilla Paris-Austin shares her expertise and some inspiring ideas with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. It’s a conversation sure to help ...

WHY consider bringing children at your church into leadership roles every week, not just on Youth Sunday.  Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity chats with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman offering ideas about how to more fully incorporate children into every aspect of worship, the jobs borth large and small, sacred and simple. Of course, giving children more responsibility has risks as well as rewards. Learn how to roll with ...