Why do we have multigenerational worship?

The Spiritual Power of Play

Sometimes meaningful worship moments come from the unexpected.

In our recent multigenerational service, The Creator’s Workshop, adults wore animal masks, the congregation helped imagine a new world into being, and worship became playful in a very literal way. We named beloved rivers and forests, encountered animals, reflected on what makes us human, and considered the gift and challenge of freedom. It was creative, participatory, and just a little silly in places — which is exactly why it mattered. 

Play has spiritual power.

For adults, play can loosen something that everyday life keeps tightly buttoned up. It helps us step out of our usual habits of observation and into participation. It makes room for wonder, surprise, and imagination. In a service like this one, adults were not just watching a lesson meant for children. They were being invited into a deeper way of experiencing worship — with their bodies, their voices, their laughter, and their curiosity. 

And that matters for children, too.

Children need opportunities to see that worship is not a serious grown-up activity happening around them while they wait to be dismissed. They need to experience church as something they already belong to. When children see adults willing to enter the story, wear the mask, answer the question, and join the moment, they learn that spiritual life includes imagination and joy. They learn that worship is not about performing stillness or pretending to be older than they are. It is about bringing your full self into the room. 

That is one of the gifts of all-ages worship: children and adults get to practice faith together.

In The Creator’s Workshop, the story moved from oceans and forests to animals, human beings, emotions, senses, and finally freedom — reminding us that life is full of beauty, connection, responsibility, and choice. Those are big ideas. But sometimes big ideas are easier to feel when they come through story, movement, participation, and play. 

Play does not make worship less meaningful.

Often, it makes the meaning easier to receive.

Sometimes the spiritual life asks for silence and stillness. Sometimes it asks us to wonder, to laugh, to imagine, and to join in. Multigenerational worship gives us room for all of that. And every once in a while, it reminds us that one path to wisdom begins with being willing to look a little silly.

That, too, is sacred.