Phone: 01825 769000 | Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01825 769000 | Email: [email protected]
Here's 5 top tips from Martha Shrimpton, Head of Big Start, thinking about how we can do all-age worship in Church on Sunday.
(1) Think Creatively
Not everyone learns by sitting and listening, maybe there are other creative ways you can explore your topic together. Get the creatives from your congregation involved to help you to think outside the box.
→ Expanding this: Creativity opens the door for people to connect with God in ways that go beyond words. This could mean using visuals, drama, music, or even hands-on activities that reinforce the message. A short sketch, a piece of art displayed, or a creative object lesson can make the theme more memorable. You don’t need to carry the load alone - invite those in your congregation who are gifted in storytelling, design, music, or visual art to help. By drawing on the variety of talents in your church, you’ll discover fresh ways to make the message come alive.
(2) Use Story
Jesus was the ultimate storyteller who helped us understand big concepts through stories. So instead of just reading your Bible verse, why not bring it to life by telling a story from the perspective of someone in that verse?
→ Expanding this: Stories have the power to stick with us long after facts fade. Try stepping into the shoes of a character from Scripture and retelling the passage from their point of view, or relate it to a modern situation that mirrors the same truth. You could also invite someone to share a personal story that illustrates the theme. When people hear a story, they connect emotionally, which makes the truth easier to remember and apply in everyday life.
(3) Introduce Movement
We really struggle sometimes with sitting still for a really long time, so are there creative ways that you can get people using their bodies in your service - maybe creative ways of praying using actions or using action songs to help get people up on their feet.
→ Expanding this: Movement helps break up long stretches of sitting and can deepen engagement. You could encourage people to stand, kneel, or use simple gestures during prayers, or guide them through an action that symbolises the theme (like placing a stone at the foot of a cross to represent leaving burdens with God). Action songs are especially effective in all-age settings, but even adults benefit from being physically engaged. Prayer stations, walking prayers, or interactive elements can also provide meaningful ways for the congregation to worship with their whole selves.
(4) Share the Gold
What's the nugget? what's your gold that you want people to take away? A big concept made into one simple thing to understand that people can talk around at the lunch table after church.
→ Expanding this: Every message has lots of layers, but people often only carry one or two things with them. Make that one key truth - the “gold” - clear and memorable. This might be a short phrase, an image, or a simple idea that sums up the heart of what you’re saying. Revisit it throughout the service so it’s reinforced. The clearer and more concise the nugget, the more likely it will spark conversation afterwards and stay with people through the week.
(5) Get Everyone Involved
All age services are not just for the children, it's about everyone! So make sure everyone feels welcome and everyone feels involved in the service.
→ Expanding this: Involving all ages means giving space for different voices and contributions. Children can read Scripture, teens can play instruments or help with tech, adults can lead prayers, and older members can share wisdom or testimony. You can also create interactive elements where the whole congregation participates together, such as discussion moments, call-and-response prayers, or group activities. The goal is for everyone to feel part of what’s happening, not just observers. This builds a sense of belonging and makes the service a true reflection of the whole church family.
Watch Martha share these 5 tips here:
