When Jesus said, "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou has perfected praise,'' (Matt. 21:16) I think he knew the poweful influence of children to touch the hearts of all people. The innocence and faith of children is a reminder to the person in the pew of a purity of heart we should all possess.

Some of the most effective moments of worship I have ever experienced have involved the use of both younger and older children. They were not loud and modulating; nor were they bright lights and fireworks. They did cause reflection and soul-searching among the worshipers. Not only did the worshipers benefit, but the children were also given the opportunity to use their talents for the Lord.

Here are some suggestions for including children in your worship services:

1. Use children with dramatic sketches and songs from Specially Special Songs or Holly Day's Songs of Praise at appropriate times throughout the year. My favorites have been "A Place Called Home" from Special Songs and "Thank You for Teaching Us" from Holly Day's.

2. Use the children in a Fourth of July presentation and use a song from Amerikids.

3. Have a father and son dramatize the song, "I Just Want to Be Like Him."

4. Use a child to do a monologue about commitment and have him the Bible story in first person of the boy who gave his fish and bread to Jesus.

5. Let a little girl do a monologue about Jairus' daughter and the miraculous, healing faith of Jesus.

6. Let children sing the hymn or chorus segment of a package of praise and anthems containing a medley.

7. Let children participate in signing or miming an anthem such as "He is There."

8. Use a father singing to children of three different ages the song "I'll Be There" from Bind Us Together.

9. Use young children in an edited video to songs such as "A Place in this World" by Michael W. Smith, "It Will Never Be the Same Again.'' by Gary McSpadden or "We're Building Temples" by Kathie Hill.

10. Use a child playing a violin or a piano during the offertory. A service when a children's choir is already singing would be effective.

11. Using children with banners may be effective during a special hymn or anthem.

12. Children's handbell choirs often have been effective in worship services or in ministry opportunites out in the community.

Be creative and keep children in mind as you plan your worship services. Are there places you could effectively use children during the year? Often truths can be shared more subtly using children without being offensive. Who knows? A spiritual truth spoken from " the mouths of babes" may end up in the heart of an adult.

Robert R. Wagoner is a large church worship consultant for the Music Ministries Department of LifeWay Church Resources.