[ Yancy ] Oh , I love David so much . I ’ m a total fan girl . He ’ s the best example of worship and even worship leading that we have in the Bible . There are many , many things I have learned by simply opening up the scripture and watching his example . But , one of the biggest things is a passage in 2 Samuel 12:19-20 “ David noticed that his attendants were whispering among themselves , and he realized the child was dead . “ Is the child dead ?” he asked . “ Yes ,” they replied , “ he is dead .” Then David got up from the ground . After he had washed , put on lotions , and changed his clothes , he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped .” This passage shows us that David ’ s son had died . No doubt this had to be one of his worst days in life . The lowest of the lows . Sadness , disappointment , anger , all the feelings . Yet , the beauty is in the response that we see David had at that news . Scripture says he got up , combed his hair , washed his face , changed his clothes , and went into the sanctuary to worship . David ’ s worship was a period . It was a mic drop moment . It wasn ’ t conditional . There were no and , if , but , or why about it . I want to help this generation learn how to worship God no matter what .
[ WM ] What is something that you ’ d love to see changed in the church when it comes to kids and worship ?
[ Yancy ] Including motions from start to finish of every song ! It ’ s pretty common in the children ’ s ministry space . It ’ s built up like a snowball over the years and is a bit out of control . I actually unpack this one over the course of a couple chapters in the book . I ’ m not saying that all motions are bad . They aren ’ t . They are a tool . But , most songs don ’ t need them from beginning to end . I ’ m much more a fan of doing them on the sections that they most make sense . What are you naturally compelled to do when you sing that section ? Do that . I think some of the push back or disengagement that leaders experience is from a lack of understanding of what worship is … but also , because of what they are being invited to . Consider the invitation and make sure you ’ re not worshiping the motions more than you ’ re worshiping the One you ’ re supposed to be singing and worshiping to in the first place .
[ WM ] How does worship become discipleship ? Unpack that . Where would you recommend leaders start to make the changes to move into having worship as discipleship ?
[ Yancy ] It starts with understanding the power of their worship . I love Psalm 8:1 & 2 especially in the Message translation . I remember the day I came across that verse . It encourages me to know the power that is unleashed when we allow kids to worship the Lord . There is power in their worship ! Take some time to study the scriptures about children and worship . I believe it will inspire you . It ’ s time to STOP just doing songs and START leading worship .
Become intentional and even strategic about the songs you sing and why . Realize it ’ s not