The sermon in an intergenerational worship service that includes children does not need to be ‘dumbed’ down for younger participants, however sermon delivery should be different!

Following are some tips:

• Consider breaking down the teaching into 5-7 minute segments with experiential elements coming out of each segment. This could include videos, response activities, discussion opportunities, movement, etc.
• Use simple language and define terms that may not be familiar to all participants. Even if not all participants can understand every sentence spoken there should be an opportunity to connect with the main theme in some way.
• Consider equipping parents of younger children ahead of time with tips for how they could help explain different aspects of the message. Also consider having something like Worship Bags available for the youngest kids.
• Choose Scripture that all ages could learn from. Questions to consider: What is the main point or theme? What does it say about God? What does it say about us? How does it relate to people? Choose a single theme that can be developed in many ways throughout the rest of the service.

A great resource to develop an understanding and get ideas for preaching for all ages has been written by Canadian David M. Csinos, Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Atlantic School of Theology  You can read our review of his book: A Gospel for All Ages: teaching and preaching with the whole church