Jesus cherished children in a special way throughout His ministry on earth, which we are reminded of in His words “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” in Matthew 19:14 and “Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise” in Matthew 21:16. Involving and connecting with children in your congregation is an important way to value these young people that Jesus tells us are so precious. One of the most accessible (and most fun) ways to involve kids in the church service is through worship. Read on to discover the top children’s music arrangements to integrate into your church’s worship services.
Concordia Children’s Choir Book Series
The Concordia Children’s Choir Book series offers a variety of options for the whole Church Year. With these three volumes, your church can foster a children’s choir with a range of music for various sizes of groups, levels of experience, and seasons of the Church Year. These volumes are an excellent start or addition to your children’s choir collection. Each of the three volumes includes six unique settings for the Church Year, accessible to young singers, and collaborative parts for organ, flute, oboe, piano, and handbells. Listen to this recording of “Triumphant from the Grave” for a peek at what the series has to offer.
Involving the Congregation
When creating and strengthening the connection between a children’s choir and the congregation, consider a piece such as “Built on the Rock” by Hal Hopson. This piece allows for collaboration between the child singers and the adult voices in your congregation, in addition to brass, percussion, and handbell instrumentalists. The score includes the classic hymn tune and additional parts for the children’s voices. The connection that comes from singing together makes this piece a wonderful way for the congregation members young and old to share their conviction of faith.
Concordia Children’s Series
Selections from this series are specially designed to engage children in singing, as well as provide a unique aspect to services. These stand-alone pieces are excellent and accessible music for children to sing that will engage and inspire both the singers and the congregation.
Jonathan Kohrs’s setting of “Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain” allows a favorite Easter hymn to be sung in unison or two-part children’s choir and piano accompaniment. “Now Sing We, Now Rejoice” by Mason Koeritz utilizes singing in two parts to provide a simple introduction. With piano accompaniment and a light melody, this choral piece highlights the sweetness of children’s voices.
Singing with Childlike Joy
Encouraging children to sing in church and giving them the tools to do so can start them on a path of lifelong music appreciation, church involvement, and worshiping God through their voices. Not only will engaging in this music foster these outcomes in children but it will also enlighten the congregation and help us to treasure the sweet voices of children as Jesus did. We can take joy in worshiping together as children of our Heavenly Father, putting our trust in Him like children.
Scripture: ESV®.
Explore the latest Concordia Children’s Choir Book to find more music for kids!
