How can we encourage children’s presence and participation in the worship service? Professor Jared Stiek (Assistant Professor, Lutheran Teacher Education; Assistant Dean, College Education, Concordia University Chicago) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what drew him into the education field, what he loves about teaching future Lutheran educators, the aspects of children’s value in church that are often overlooked, what we learn about children from Scripture and our Lutheran doctrine, and some ideas for fostering a child’s upbringing in the church.
Resources in this episode:
- lea.org/childrens-place-in-the-church
- cph.org/whisper-whisper-learning-about-church
- cph.org/about-the-lutheran-church-set (Worship)
- cph.org/right-from-the-start
- amazon.com/Parenting-Pew-Guiding-Children-Worship/dp/0830823409
- blog.cph.org/read/everyday-faith/parenting-in-the-pew-6-steps-to-help-kids-behave-in-church
As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Chicago. You can learn more about Concordia University, Chicago at cuchicago.edu.

