Church of England and iSingPOP Launch Worship Program for Children

In a significant move towards engaging young minds in worship, the Church of England has unveiled an initiative targeting primary school children. This programme, generously funded with £500,000 by the Church’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB), partners with iSingPOP to foster new worship communities.

iSingPOP, developed by the charity Innervation Trust, is known for crafting worship songs and offering resources to educators and clergy aiming to conduct faith-based music events. The programme includes a dynamic four-day event that culminates in a school-wide performance.

This new collaboration aims to connect 300 churches with iSingPOP, seeking to integrate school collective worship with church-based faith activities. A trial in the Diocese of Worcester has already shown “promising growth,” with 161 children participating in follow-up worship activities within a year.

St Barnabas, a church in the diocese, reports an increase in family attendance at their monthly family Sunday service, thanks to the programme.

The Church of England’s collaboration with iSingPOP is a part of its broader vision to double the number of young active disciples by 2030. Suzannah O’Brien from the SMMIB expressed her optimism, stating, “I am so encouraged by iSingPOP’s plans to introduce a new generation of primary school-aged children to faith through vibrant worship.”

Miz Porter, Director of iSingPOP, highlighted the initiative’s potential, saying, “For 25 years, we have been working with churches and schools to create inspirational collective worship resources that uplift children. We believe intergenerational worship has the power to introduce whole families to the Gospel, and we are delighted that this new programme will help churches across the country in deepen their relationships with local schools.”