---
title: "Children's Worship Initiative"
date: 2025-09-29T11:52:00-05:00
author: Hannah Yockey
canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/childrens-worship-initiative"
section: Landing Pages
---
![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DJI_0618.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=20&f=webp&c=14367f85&v=8d6e6b4cf0d2315679c0c203af8f4a9104dc6199b84a9e4f4955dc9783667d6f)  # Children's Worship Initiative

 

 ![]()   ![]()## On This Page

 

- [Vision](#toc1380919)
- [Directors](#toc1381205)
- [Resources](#toc1381210)
 
 

      ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Untitled-1_2025-10-07-220235_jovs.png?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=07fb830e&v=84af92e177b20300707cce23bf0610b74eabfbe2b04e2d41639703484a73268d)  ## Vision

The Children's Worship Initiative at Dordt seeks to engage children in worship, empowering them to share their unique artistic and leadership gifts within their local churches. Also, this initiative aims to equip churches and families to give greater attention to welcoming children's presence, participation, and leadership in intergenerational worship. Arising from the mission of Dordt University "to equip students, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life,” this initiative seeks to strengthen congregational belonging and participation through nurturing the faith lives of children.

This program is funded through [Lilly Endowment](https://lillyendowment.org/)’s Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices.

For information on upcoming consultation, training events, and publications, contact us at <angela.perigo@dordt.edu>.

 

## Directors

   [     ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815b729e3bcb444e.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=165aabb0&v=de9f1998a5e24836b9b0ac85bba8087b2823bfd72695ca18ecb2a0af96dd2755)  ### Angela Perigo

 Co-Director of Children's Worship InitiativeMore 

 ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/angela-perigo) 

 [     ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815b73c16f9d5637.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=5908cdc9&v=877b62da1bcb8226a52f001a3cacef32555bd2472da4b77e794cb1dd3b0a8cad)  ### Jeremy Perigo

 Co-Director of Children's Worship Initiative/Prof of Theology &amp; Worship ArtsMore 

 ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/jeremy-perigo) 

 

 

 

## From the Directors

 

 “Our deep hope is that through this initiative, children come alive in their faith. We believe that the unique worship lives of children matter, and catalyzing growth in worship arts can be so formative in giving expression and shape to how God is nurturing them in the faith.”

**- Angela Perigo**

 

 

 ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)     ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/perigo1.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=5ee0c923&v=9d8a41f039b275b32dc857f9593f409c1996107cdba375b36b849fa2f761e31e)   

  

 “The idea of the entire family and community coming together for worship is vital. Pastors, leaders, and parents are invited to create opportunities for children to be engaged as well. I think of the words of Jesus: “Whoever welcomes this little child welcomes me.” While each community may vary, the invitation remains: to have worship that welcomes all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.”

**- Dr. Jeremy Perigo**

 

 

 ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)     ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/perigo2.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&c=170cb0e4&v=a40bbebf4c634769cad23d1720c4d6a099a5dc7214954e44e85dfa7dfebd1568)   

 ## Resources

### Worship for Everyone Podcast

Worship/Theology Podcast on Worship for Everyone: <https://worshiptheology.podbean.com/e/worship-for-everyone-with-nick-becky-drake/>

More resources coming soon.

 

 

## Related CWI Articles

Articles related to the Children's Worship Initiative and its mission.

 

  [### Raising Worshippers: Cultivating a Life of Praise

How can churches create space for kids to participate in each service? What role do parents play in nurturing faith at home? Hear their insights on the lasting impact of early worship experiences and the value of multi-generational worship in building enduring faith.

 Learn More  

 ](https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/raising-worshippers-cultivating-a-life-of-praise)  

  [### Dordt University Receives $1.25 Million Grant for Children's Worship Initiative

Dordt University received a $1.25 million grant for the "All Kids are Worship Leaders" initiative, led by Rev. Drs. Jeremy and Angela Perigo.

 Learn More  

 ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-receives-1-25-million-grant-for-childrens-worship-initiative)