PODCAST · religion
Worship Whys
by Augsburg Fortress
Discover why your church is called to welcome kids in worship. Host Dawn Rundman interviews a church leader who gives insights on topics from ushers to pipe organs to why worship is good for babies' brains. A quick listen for ministry leaders, worship planners, and anyone who wants to support the presence, gifts, and leadership of children in worship.
Episodes
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The Impact of Deep Listening
Why does listening matter so much in children’s ministry? Host Dawn Rundman talks with Sierra Keene, project manager for Augsburg Fortress’s Unbridled Presence Project, about how deep listening shaped the project. That includes the Sacred Story Time with Pastor Priscilla podcast and the...
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Lifelong Stewardship
Is it ever too early to teach kids the joy of giving? In this episode of Worship Whys, Dawn Rundman of Augsburg Fortress, who holds a PhD in developmental psychology, explains why even the youngest children are ready to learn about stewardship. She shares memories of growing up as a pastor's kid…
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Welcoming the stranger
Why worship leaders need to be ready to support children when large, disruptive societal forces show up in our communities. The Gospel tells us to “welcome the stranger,” and Jesus continually reminds us to show compassion to the vulnerable. In this episode of Worship Whys, host Dawn Rundman…
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The power of books
WHY picture books create excitement for children worshipping at your church! We know that kids are naturally drawn to stories, and books can be a powerful way to lead a children’s message. In today’s episode of Worship Whys, children’s book editor Naomi Krueger tells host Dawn Rundman how worship...
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Witnessing worship
Why children often learn about their place in the world at church—not just through learning the Gospel, but also in how they are invited to participate in worship. Pastor Jia Starr Brown brings her own background rooted in the Black church to her conversation with host Dawn Rundman. She has an...
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Child-friendly church spaces
Why it’s worth making some simple adjustments to make your church spaces feel more inviting to families. The very space that is impressive to adults may not feel welcoming to children. In this episode, host Dawn Rundman gets some innovative ideas from Julie Marie Seibert as they discuss why it’s...
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Making memories, building faith
Sounding out words in the bulletin. Becoming an acolyte. Holding the baby in the Christmas pageant. WHY participating in such classic church rituals, activities, and holiday traditions creates memories and builds faith in children as they come of age. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks her own...
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Faith autobiography—from youth!
WHY asking young adults who’ve been raised in a faith community can be eye-opening for worship leaders. In this episode, Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman asks a college senior—who happens to be her son, Paavo—to reflect on his faith autobiography. Hearing his thoughts on how church membership and...
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NURSING AND BABYWEARING
Welcoming and supporting new moms and their babies WHY your church should be proactive in advocating for the needs of nursing mothers, both those on church staff and those in your congregation. Youth and Family Ministry leader Melissa Ramshead talks to Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman about her…
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Making Vacation Bible School memorable
Why it takes planning to create an exciting VBS experience that will deepen faith in kids at your church. Veteran VBS creator Arlene Flancher shares her tried-and-true strategies with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Hear Arlene’s thoughts on which VBS activities have high impact and pack a punch,...
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CHILD CENTERED WORSHIP
The New Testament’s lessons on welcoming children to worship WHY re-reading the Gospel stories of interactions between Jesus and children gives guidance for creating worship that truly centers children. Host Dawn Rundman talks to Biblical scholar, professor and author (and mom!) Amy Lindeman…
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Creating relatable children’s sermons — from the Dollar Store!
Why using familiar items in a children’s message lets them know that they are welcome at the table. Today’s Worship Whys episode features the Rev. John Stevens, who shares his innovative sermon ideas with host Dawn Rundman. His ideas can provide a springboard for creativity for worship leaders.…
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DESIGNING TRAUMA-INFORMED WORSHIP EXPERIENCES
Why knowing “The Five F’s” will deepen your understanding of children who’ve experienced trauma Worship leaders may meet children who arrive at church after overwhelming traumatic experiences. These children can truly benefit from caring adults and faith formation, but connecting with them can be...
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Why making art makes worship memorable for children
Today’s Worship Whys episode will give ideas—and confidence—to worship leaders who are not trained artists. In a conversation with host Dawn Rundman, Rev. Mary Button, a pastor with an extensive background in visual arts, shares her creative ideas that draw in the whole congregation. Find out WHY...
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A recipe for using food to build faith
WHY worship leaders can find food— snacks, treats, and meals—as an exciting way to teach Bible stories to kids. Youth ministry leader and food writer Tera Michelson shares her vision of gathering at the table for some “donut evangelism” with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman. Tera’s got ideas on how...
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Want to guide kids in your church to see themselves as disciples? Here’s how.
This episode is all about WHY adjusting your worship service can connect children to God, each other, and their place in the world. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman sits down with Rev. Heather Roth Johnson, who’s built her ministry career around inviting children to be fully engaged participants in...
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WHY invite children to be part of the Sunday morning corps of ushers at your church?
Lauren Morse-Wendt, deacon at Edina Community Lutheran Church, recruits children to be ushers at her congregation and sees first-hand how they invigorate worship. Talking to Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman, Lauren explains her tried-and-true methods on incorporating children into this leadership...
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Inviting children (and their families) to take part in funerals
WHY including children in funerals can teach them how life after death is woven into our faith story. While worship leaders are justifiably concerned about how to talk to children about death, knowing how to prepare children to attend funerals can help them learn how to grieve. Worship Whys host...
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Storytelling is a uniquely powerful way to connect children to God—and it can begin even before they are born!
In this episode, Dawn explores WHY storytelling can be built into into your every encounter with children. Biblical stories and stories about Jesus equip and accompany children as they step out of the worship space and into their young lives. Pastor (and expert storyteller) Priscilla Paris-Austin...
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Reimagining and expanding the idea of children as church leaders
WHY consider bringing children at your church into leadership roles every week, not just on Youth Sunday. Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity chats with Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman offering ideas about how to more fully incorporate children into every aspect of worship, the jobs borth large and…
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WHY we should modify worship practices to include our littlest kids—but without simplifying so much the older children feel left out or bored.
It’s a challenge! Worship planners know that one size DOES NOT fit all when welcoming children in worship. Creating developmentally appropriate activities for all young learners can be done, but it requires preparation and flexibility. Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman shares some insight and ideas…
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Drumming up joy for children through worship with a beat
WHY do drums engage children—and the whole congregation—with the power of percussion? Rev. Lowell Michelson, senior pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in West Chester, Ohio and a lifelong musician, brought his drums along as he joined host Dawn Rundman. Think drums involve loud banging that...
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Welcoming the wisdom of all ages—including the youngest—in worship
WHY people of all ages worshipping together enriches the experience for everyone! “Intergenerational worship” creates more benefits for all than “multi-generational worship” does. What’s the difference? How can worship leaders create an environment that does more than acknowledge a diversity of…
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Happy campers at your church: using the outdoors to grow faith in children
WHY is church camp such a pivotal faith event for so many kids, and how can worship leaders expand that special summer experience to create excitement year ‘round? Worship Whys host Dawn Rundman talks with Rozella Haydée White, who shares experiences from her decades of youth ministry experience…
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The power of poetry in children’s worship at your church
WHY incorporate poetry into your children’s ministry? Children crave rhyme, rhythm and wordplay as their language develops and poetry, like music, will amuse and amaze them. Published poet and multi-disciplinary artist Joe Davis shares powerful ideas about how to incorporate poetry in worship…
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No need to ‘pipe down’ at church! Your pipe organ can fire up faith in youth ministry
WHY use the pipe organ in your church to more deeply engage children in worship? Children are curious about the magnificent instrument in your church—and sometimes a little frightened by it! David Sims, longtime church organist and current Music Development Manager at Augsburg Fortress, pulls out...
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Baby brains: Why being plastic is a good thing
WHY to think about the brains of your youngest congregation members as you plan worship. Neuroscientists have made dramatic breakthroughs in mapping babies’ brains and are learning how the brain’s plasticity in the first few years of life shapes lifelong development. Worship Whys host Dawn...
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Examine your own faith story to help children in your church find theirs
WHY does reflecting on your own faith story give you insight into children at your church today? What are your childhood church experiences that were meaningful, even profound? Reflecting on your own personal faith journey can give you insight into what is impacting the children you connect with....
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Survey says! What children’s ministry leaders told researchers about what’s working with kids in worship
WHY isn’t there more information on how churches are doing when it comes to welcoming children in worship? Get ready to hear some good—and not-so-good—news from research that reveals just that. Augsburg Fortress has completed a groundbreaking national research project with children’s ministry...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Discover why your church is called to welcome kids in worship. Host Dawn Rundman interviews a church leader who gives insights on topics from ushers to pipe organs to why worship is good for babies' brains. A quick listen for ministry leaders, worship planners, and anyone who wants to support the presence, gifts, and leadership of children in worship.
HOSTED BY
Augsburg Fortress
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Worship Whys have?
Worship Whys currently has 29 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Worship Whys about?
Discover why your church is called to welcome kids in worship. Host Dawn Rundman interviews a church leader who gives insights on topics from ushers to pipe organs to why worship is good for babies' brains. A quick listen for ministry leaders, worship planners, and anyone who wants to support the...
How often does Worship Whys release new episodes?
Worship Whys has 29 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Worship Whys?
You can listen to Worship Whys on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Worship Whys?
Worship Whys is created and hosted by Augsburg Fortress.
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