I once got an email from a KidMin lady saying, "I have a group of three sixth-grade boys, and they stand against the back wall during worship. I can't get them to participate AT ALL, except on your song 'Carry the Light.' During that song, they wait for the UNGH! and they GRUNT with all their might, then go back to looking bored and tired. What should I do? - Sincerely, Erin."
I answered back: "REJOICE, Erin. REJOICE! Grunting is GOOD! If they are grunting, they ARE participating in Kids' Worship! Encourage them. Don't judge them or give them dirty looks. To be able to put the 'UNGH!' in the right place, they are hearing all that truth from Matthew 5:16. Pray for them and trust that they are getting it! - Sincerely, Rob."
Years went by and I got to meet Erin in person. She said, "I never told you the follow-up story. I did what you said, Rob. I encouraged them. I wasn't mad or condescending. I stayed real positive and thanked them for grunting. It's now three years later and guess what? Those three boys are now freshmen in high school, and the three of them are my regular 11am Kids Worship leaders!"
I answered back: "REJOICE, Erin. REJOICE! Grunting is GOOD! If they are grunting, they ARE participating in Kids' Worship! Encourage them. Don't judge them or give them dirty looks. To be able to put the 'UNGH!' in the right place, they are hearing all that truth from Matthew 5:16. Pray for them and trust that they are getting it! - Sincerely, Rob."
Years went by and I got to meet Erin in person. She said, "I never told you the follow-up story. I did what you said, Rob. I encouraged them. I wasn't mad or condescending. I stayed real positive and thanked them for grunting. It's now three years later and guess what? Those three boys are now freshmen in high school, and the three of them are my regular 11am Kids Worship leaders!"
