For the Making Meaning Together grant, when we define “worship,” we mean corporate worship — the time when everyone gathers together. This isn’t referring to separate spaces like preschool chapel, Children's Worship, or Sunday school, but rather the main worship service where everyone — kids, youth, and adults — is present together. This is the time when children are in the worship service.

“Intergenerational” refers to worship and prayer that actively involve people of all ages — children, youth, and adults, — in meaningful ways during the service. This includes opportunities for all generations to participate, lead, contribute, and shape the experience together, rather than simply being present as observers in a service primarily designed for adults.

Integrated/Inclusive worship service: a sacred time set apart for people of all ages and all abilities to connect to God and each other through ritual and liturgy — when children are included in faith-forming rituals.

The application process consists of two steps:

1. Step 1 of the application process is a submission of initial information about your church’s background and interest in the project. Completion of Step 1 does not require you to complete Step 2 if your church decides that this project is not right for you at this time. Step 1 of the application process is closed for this year. If you’d like to receive information when applications open again, please email info@makingmeaningtogether.org.

2. Step 2 of the application process includes a more in-depth application, including a pre-assessment and Listening with Children training.  This will be due on September 30th. All materials needed for Step 2 will be emailed to those who have completed Step 1.

• What is Listening with Children Training? Ministry leaders will complete a listening campaign where they listen to children. This may include interviews or focus groups where ministry leaders actively listen to children about their current experience in worship. Why? In the Christian community, we believe all are equal in Christ, and therefore, we believe children understand and experience God in worship. As we listen to and honor children, we lean into wonder, imagination, play, and creativity. This feedback will guide you as you develop inclusive and effective worship and prayer practices.  MMT will provide training and tools for this work including communication/release form templates. 

• What is the Pre- Assessment? Ministry leaders will complete a pre-program assessment to evaluate their views on children and the inclusivity and effectiveness of the congregation's worship design in relation to the initiative's goals

Churches will be notified of acceptance by the beginning of December 2025.

We invite you to listen deeply to the children in your community, to discern thoughtfully, and to dream creatively beyond the usual patterns. While we don’t know the exact context, culture, or needs of your church and children, we want to support you without being prescriptive.. To guide your discernment, we've curated a list of articles and books to help your team navigate this journey with care and imagination. 

We are also gathering stories from churches who include children in worship in meaningful ways and will share those as they become available.

Click here for a curated list to help spark ideas.

Participating in the Making Meaning Together (MMT) Initiative can enrich your church’s ministry with children by fostering their spiritual growth through worship and prayer. This initiative supports:

• Creating worship experiences and prayer practices that incorporate the arts, storytelling, and creative practices welcoming to children. 

• Promoting inclusivity.

• Listening to Children. 

• Offering training and resources to strengthen children’s engagement in faith practices.

By participating, churches can nurture children’s faith, deepen their connection to God, and build supportive, inclusive communities.

Your church might benefit from this initiative if:

• You want to create a culture of belonging for all children

• You seek to increase the number of children in worship

• You want to expand the ways children participate in worship

• Your church desires healing and growth through collaborative ministry

To find out more about the Making Meaning Together Initiative, click here.

• Access to resources and training from experts in worship, child development, children's spirituality, and more. 

• Coaching opportunities (additional cost may apply)

• Collaborative learning with other churches in the cohort

• Seed funding to support your church’s project

Once your church’s application is accepted, seed funding will be provided to support  the development of your intergenerational worship and prayer practices project. Funding is tailored to each church’s project and is determined by the MMT team, which can range from $500 - $5,000. Funds can be used for training, materials, supplies, and experiences of your project. Funds can not be used for staffing or construction costs. Seed money will be distributed to churches in January 2026.

No, this initiative requires a dedicated team to support the work with the support/participation of their senior pastor. A pastor cannot participate without a committed team of laity and lay/clergy staff.

*A Church team should be made up of 2 - 5 individuals, consisting of a worship leader (i.e. music, worship leader, pastor), parent, Children’s Ministry Director (or equivalent for your church)

Cohorts will begin in January 2026 for one year, with the option to apply for a second year in 2027. At least one team member must participate in monthly gatherings. Each cohort will include 6-10 churches. Continued participation in 2026 will determine eligibility for further involvement, with annual evaluations of each project and cohort. 

*A Church team should be made up of 2 - 5 individuals, consisting of a worship leader (i.e. music, worship leader, pastor), parent, Children’s Ministry Director (or equivalent for your church)

This initiative is rooted in connectionalism within the United Methodist Church. Rev. Kathy Pittenger and Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen bring their collaborative experience from previous ministry projects to guide and support this initiative. With the support of both conference bishops we aim to honor the Divine within every child while recognizing their capacities and needs as we all seek to learn and grow together. Our hope is that this collaboration will help strengthen worship and prayer practices in churches and communities across both of these conferences.