Resource: Forbid Them Not.
Published by: Abingdon Press.
Publisher/denominational
affiliation and use
The
publisher of the resource, Forbid Them Not,
is Abingdon Press in Nashville.
Although not specifically identified as such in the resource, the
publisher is known to be associated with the United Methodist Church.
It does not appear, however, that the resource is intended for specific
denominational use.
It would probably not be appropriate, however, for all faith traditions.
There are two examples of this: 1)
the references to “symbols” in connection with the sacraments would
be inappropriate in a Roman Catholic and some Protestant settings; and, 2)
the organization of the resource around the lectionary would make it less
useful for those denominations, like the Baptists, that do not follow the
lectionary.
Rationale
for children in worship
The
resource recognizes the arguments for and against children’s participation in
corporate worship. The resource
“carves out a middle ground” based on the following rationales:
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Children belong in the sanctuary worshiping with all God’s people. Leading the learners to make a connection between the story, personal experiences and daily discipleship.
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Worship planners need to create a worship experience that is meaningful to all worshipers who come to the sanctuary.
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Children can worship meaningfully using traditional forms of worship “if they are learning the meaning of the forms, and if the forms include content that reflects their lives and concerns.”
Resource
organization and content
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The resource is organized around the lectionary cycle.
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The resource includes written text that includes specific directions for interpreting scripture, choosing hymns, writing sermons, designing liturgy. The resource also includes a lectionary related worship worksheet and suggestions for a worship kit. The worksheet may be reproduced with purchase of the resource.
Age
appropriateness
The
resource is very sensitive to age appropriateness. Throughout, the worship
aids note the appropriateness of the worship element discussed based on such
issues as reading and developmental levels. For instance, in one of the
sections discussing hymn options for the worship service, the resource notes
approaches to facilitate participation for the "older" children and
the "non-reading children."
Theology
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The general theological interpretations are very contextual with particular attention to the children’s family, school and friends. The interpretations also have a strong emphasis on social justice issue and have a significant ethical dimension. The interpretations engage children with how to live in their world of church, school, families and peers. For instance, in a discussion of the commandments and sin, the resource named the issue of drug and alcohol addiction as a reality for children in the modern day context. The interpretation also has a strong emphasis on grace and encouragement.
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The resource refers specific theological interpretations, such as those regarding baptism, to a denomination’s particular age appropriate resources.
Intended
user and intended use
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The intended user is any worship leader to include the pastor, a staff and/or liturgical team of both laity and clergy or a worship committee.
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The resource is intended to “be used with commentaries and liturgical resources in preparing a service for each Sunday” that will be sensitive to the needs of all congregants, including children. It is also intended to be a “[springboard] to other ideas and to home-grown prayer, litanies, and so on.”
Distinctive
features
-
The resource addresses the needs of children in worship in the context of whole church worship, not just “children’s time.” The resource, therefore, looks at the elements of worship (e.g., scripture, hymns, proclamation) and makes suggestions how they can be made more “child-accessible,” as the resource says.
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It includes the following elements for each Sunday:
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“From the Child’s Point of View” – This section sets forth comments about each lectionary passage. These comments include the developmental characteristics of children that might affect their understanding of the passage, e.g. tendency to think only concretely and the inability to think symbolically. The comments also include specific examples of potential relevance of the passage to children’s context. This section helps the worship leader to determine what is meaningful to children in the lectionary passages and even suggests translation versions that will aid in making the passages more child-accessible.
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“Watch Words” – This section points out terms that may be unfamiliar to children in the lectionary passages. It suggests possible explanations as well as words to avoid for children.
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“Let the Children Sing” – This section comments on child-accessibility some hymns that are often used with the lectionary passages and suggests hymn options for children and ways to present the hymns.
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“The Liturgical Child” – This section gives specific suggestions to incorporate children’s participation at certain points in the worship and to make other parts of the liturgy more meaningful to children. Specific dramatic readings, litanies, congregational readings and children’s prayer concerns are included.
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“Sermon Resources” – This section offers specific ideas for the sermon that would appeal to worshipers of all ages. The idea is that children listen to, at least, parts of sermons and that they need to feel that the sermon, in some way, also speaks to them.
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“Worship Worksheet” – This section contains a sheet of games, puzzles or questions related to the lectionary passage and particularly the watch words. The idea is that the children are more apt to listen to the sermon if they have something to with their hands that is related.
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A scripture index is included.
Strengths
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Is lectionary based.
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Encourages respect for children as worshipers in the sanctuary with the whole congregation.
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Addresses most elements of worship, including liturgy.
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Is practical in its approach. It recognizes that not all parts will be “child-accessible” and that the worship planner(s) will not be able use the ideas offered every week. The resource, however, raises sensitivity to children as participants and offers concrete suggestions as to how to implement this sensitivity.
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Relates to children’s social/psychological environment realistically as noted above.
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Provides specific directions on how to make elements of the worship “child-accessible” and includes a reproducible worship worksheet aid.
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Is sensitive to the age developmental and learning abilities of children.
Weaknesses
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Is lectionary based.
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Is not clear about theology or mission.
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Is not a visually attractive resource.
