The beauty of gathering together on Sunday mornings with God’s people is worth building anticipation for throughout the week. Yet for many families, Sunday mornings often feel hurried, and getting everyone out the door can be a real challenge. While it’s unlikely that every family will manage all of these steps every week, trying even one or two ideas—without the pressure of achieving “perfect preparation”—can help establish a rhythm for Sunday worship.
Here are some practical suggestions that, with patience and persistence, can become natural and formative for children and young people.
1. Talk About Church as Part of Your Family’s Life Throughout the Week
The way we speak about church during the week can help children understand that it’s much more than a building or an obligation. Remind them that the church is a family of believers who share a deep bond in Christ, with Jesus as the head. This doesn’t have to be formal or intense—small moments make a big difference. For example, talk about how you see God working in the lives of people at church, whether through the kindness of someone who serves or the joy of a friend returning after being away.
For children and young people, it’s helpful to speak of church as their spiritual home and family—a place where they belong and are valued. By weaving the church community into everyday conversations, your children are more likely to approach Sundays with a sense of connection and excitement.
2. Read the Passage for Sunday’s Service
If possible, read the Bible passage for Sunday with your children over the weekend. For younger children, encourage them to share what stands out to them. For older children, prompt them to ask questions about the text, notice repeated words, or reflect on what the passage reveals about God.
This preparation helps children listen more attentively on Sunday and feel more engaged with what’s being taught. Even if it doesn’t happen every week, occasional efforts to explore the Bible in this way will foster a love for God’s Word and a readiness to hear it in church.
3. Pray Together for the Sunday Service
Set aside a moment to pray as a family for the upcoming Sunday service. Pray for the minister, the children’s and youth ministry leaders, and other church family members. A simple prayer asking God to help your family worship Him well can set the right tone for Sunday.
Encourage your children to pray for their own hearts to be open to God’s Word and for their friends at church. These moments, however routine they may feel, teach children that worship is sacred and that God is present with His people when they gather.
4. Talk About How They Can Serve on Sundays
Help your children see church as not just a place to belong but also a place to contribute. Discuss ways they might serve others on a Sunday, depending on their age and abilities. Younger children could greet people with a smile, help hand out service sheets, or tidy up their Sunday school area. Older children might participate in the music team, assist with younger children, or help with set-up and pack-down.
Share how you serve at church and why it brings you joy. Highlight how serving reflects Jesus’ love and allows us to use our gifts for His glory. Encourage your children to think about what they enjoy or are good at and how they might use those talents to bless others on Sundays.
5. Sing and Talk About the Hymns and Songs
Songs are a powerful way to help children engage in collective worship. If possible, find out what songs might be sung on Sunday and listen to them during the week. Familiarising your children with these songs makes it easier for them to join in on Sunday. Even young children can benefit from hearing songs repeatedly, whether at home or in the car.
Discuss aspects of the songs—their meaning, beauty, and, most importantly, how they express our faith. Singing as God’s people allows us to declare truths about God together and strengthens our trust in Him. These conversations help children see worship music as a joyful act of devotion.
6. Plan Practical Details to Reduce Sunday Morning Stress
Most families know the chaos of Sunday mornings. Planning ahead can reduce situational stress and foster anticipation for church. Simple steps like setting out clothes the night before, packing bags for younger children, or preparing breakfast in advance can make a big difference. A calm and organised start allows your family to engage more fully in the act of collective worship.
7. Encourage Perseverance and Extend Grace
Not every Sunday will go smoothly, and that’s perfectly normal. Some mornings will feel chaotic, or children may be reluctant to go. Extend grace to yourself and your children in these moments, and remind them (and yourself!) that God loves us even when things don’t go as planned.
Keep persevering. Each small effort contributes to building a positive view of worship in your children’s minds. By showing up, even on messy mornings, you’re reinforcing the importance of gathering with God’s people.
Why Prepare Children for Sunday Worship?
Preparing children for church helps them see it as a joyful and essential part of their lives, not just a weekly obligation. Worship is both communal and personal—a time to hear God’s Word, be with His people, and respond with praise. By intentionally preparing, you help your children engage meaningfully and cultivate a lifelong love for gathering with the church family.
Above all, we do this because Jesus loves His church and calls us to love it too. The church is His body and His bride, bought with His blood and cherished by Him. When our children see us prioritise worship, even on busy mornings, they learn that no effort is wasted when it’s for the glory of God and the good of His people.
In these small, faithful steps, we disciple our children not just for Sundays but for eternity, preparing them to see the church as their spiritual home—a foretaste of the eternal gathering of God’s people around His throne.
