Teaching Theology to Children Through Hymns

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When it comes to kids worship ministry, we’re often tempted to choose easy, cute, and fun over songs that are musically challenging and theologically rich. Instead of doing one to the exclusion of the other, consider doing both!

It’s true: parents love to see their kids on the platform singing.

They want their children to succeed and enjoy the songs they’re singing. That’s why it’s important to start with catchy, memorable music. But this experience can also enrich them in other ways. First, they can learn the rudiments of music theory: notes, pitch, rhythm and volume—not to mention vocal technique and ensemble singing. Even more importantly, this experience can fill their young hearts with life-changing theology.

We can’t expect elementary school children to understand every nuance of original sin, substitutionary atonement, salvation, sanctification, and heaven. But we can plant the seeds of knowledge by teaching them timeless hymns filled with biblical truths. As they mature, the Holy Spirit will bring these principles to their minds to help them understand God’s plan and purpose for their lives.

Our world has moved away from the pursuit of truth toward the pursuit of meaning. Postmoderns are more interested in experience and feelings than in responding to the character of God as revealed in Scripture. To them, “theology” is a dusty, irrelevant concept. But nothing could be further from the truth.

“Theology” literally means "the words we use to talk about God." Right or wrong, our children are going to learn their theology somewhere—so why not from the brilliant, poetic, time-tested, biblical lyrics found in timeless hymns?

We invite your kids worship ministry to check out more than two dozen beloved hymns of the faith that Discover Worship has curated for your consideration. The music is timely, but the theology is timeless!

Click here to browse Hymns for Kids' Choir

Imagine that wonderful day in heaven when person after person comes up and thanks you for teaching them--or their children--about God through hymns.

Get 3 of Our Best Kids Songs FREE:  Includes demos, piano and vocal charts, and much more!


--Click here for other helpful articles from Discover Worship about building and growing a kids worship ministry.

Posted in: Family, Hymns, Kids' Music, Theology of Worship

Vince Wilcox

Vince Wilcox

Vince Wilcox served as general manager of Discover Worship from 2014 to 2020. As Contributing Editor, he continues to bring his varied experiences as attorney, marketer, entrepreneur, musician, and product creator to help worship leaders acquire resources to glorify God and transform lives. In addition to his duties at Discover Worship, Vince is the full-time director of the Music Business program at Trevecca Nazarene University and active in his local church.

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