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Sweet Sound: The Power of Discipling Kids in Worship
UNLOCK THE POWER OF DISCIPLING KIDS IN WORSHIP
STOP just doing songs and START leading worship by making disciples who know what it means to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
No matter our age, each one of us was designed to praise, and for our praise to shift the atmosphere and usher in freedom and deliverance. Our worship is a sacrifice unto the Lord-this includes the praises of children. It's powerful. It's beautiful. It's sweet. Can you imagine children singing out, with their whole hearts, praises to their King? It's quite possibly the sweetest sound you will ever hear! It matters. Jesus himself said, "From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise." (Matthew 21:16)
This book is full of prophetic, practical, and power-filled truth. It will change the way you view kids worship, as well as your own ability to lead. By using examples from the life of King David, as well as her own personal experiences, Yancy is purposed to empower you to raise up kids who desire to live a life of worship on a daily basis, not only on Sundays. This is about their future. Are you ready to be a part of that?
Together let's learn to lift up the Sweet Sound of praise we were made for!
STOP just doing songs and START leading worship by making disciples who know what it means to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
No matter our age, each one of us was designed to praise, and for our praise to shift the atmosphere and usher in freedom and deliverance. Our worship is a sacrifice unto the Lord-this includes the praises of children. It's powerful. It's beautiful. It's sweet. Can you imagine children singing out, with their whole hearts, praises to their King? It's quite possibly the sweetest sound you will ever hear! It matters. Jesus himself said, "From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise." (Matthew 21:16)
This book is full of prophetic, practical, and power-filled truth. It will change the way you view kids worship, as well as your own ability to lead. By using examples from the life of King David, as well as her own personal experiences, Yancy is purposed to empower you to raise up kids who desire to live a life of worship on a daily basis, not only on Sundays. This is about their future. Are you ready to be a part of that?
Together let's learn to lift up the Sweet Sound of praise we were made for!
- GenresNonfictionChristian
214 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2021
16 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 9, 2022
It’s a privilege to be handed a book by an author. So much goes into a book. There are the primeval rumblings that spark the idea in the first place. Then there’s the realisation that there are no shortcuts. It requires a huge amount of time and thought to get from ideas to words to chapters and make it all hang together and belong between those covers.
In Yancy’s case, she has the added challenge that she’s a songwriter and performer and worship leader. So a large part of her creative life happens in two to three minute chunks. It’s a big deal stepping up as an author.
But different as they are in form, songs and sets and albums need to come from the deeper place. “Sweet Sound” is a guided tour into what drives Yancy to write, lead and perform songs that will shepherd children to worship God. There’s a lovely harmonic resonance between what brought the book into existence and what drives her creative, musical, performing, leading life.
So thank you for handing me your book, Yancy! (In Nashville, no less!)
Another disclaimer which will mean the most to my conservative evangelical friends: this is a book that springs from a worship culture that is not what you might encounter in your typical, say, Sydney Anglican Church. But I’d love my conservative evangelical friends to read this.
Surely our approach to worship is fundamental to what we do as we gather, how we perceive God and what happens when we sing? Certainly. But before we retreat to the perceived safety of the familiar, here’s an analogy I came up with which might help those who don’t share some of the elements of Yancy’s worship culture. (Eg the label “worship” for singing, hand raising, terms like, “God laid it on my heart…”)
Think about two apparently identical houses. Imagine one house is decorated in a way you really love, the other in a way you don’t. Say cottage vs contemporary, or Florentine vs log cabin. But regardless of the decor, both houses have the security of roof and wall, places to sit, to sleep, somewhere to put your stuff. The same functional, practical bones.
Do we want to base what we do on God’s word? Do we want to model King David as a worshipping, God-hearted disciple? Do we want to base our songs and our gatherings on the gospel? Do we seek to build a legacy of worship and discipleship and faithfulness across generations? If you answer “Yes” to these questions, then you share the same bones as Yancy’s book. And I think you should read it.
Why do I say this? Because I live in a Christian culture where the first mention of hand raising sets off alarm bells and instant dismissal. And as I was reading this book, I’m thinking, “That’s decor. Not bones. People I know need to really think hard about and respond to the truths that Yancy is raising here.”
Some church cultures will be able to immediately identify and implement what Yancy is promoting in this book. But if you aren’t as readily able to cut and paste, let me assure you that there is a LOT of encouragement, challenge, biblical reflection, passion and instruction in this book that will benefit anyone ministering to kids and families.
[On reflection, I think the main rub with conservatives is the tension of “worship as portal” versus coming to God only through Christ. There’s no doubt in my mind that Yancy believes Jesus is the way to God and we’re not saved by worship. But the taxonomy of “coming into God’s presence through worship” can sound to some like a diminishing of “Christ alone.” But put it another way and it doesn’t sound anywhere so polemic: “Through Christ alone I seek to deeply worship God alone.” You don’t have to chop the baby in half.]
The practical nature of a lot of this book really just drills down into the thought that the bible ought to shape practise. I found that a great encouragement and very thought provoking. It is undeniable that we want to nurture worshipping children, teens and adults. Jesus commends the worship of children when the conservative religious power brokers stood by with hard hearts and their hands in their pockets. Kids should worship.
So I’d love my friends - especially in kids ministry - to read this book and think about it. It’s solidly biblical, very thorough and brave enough to be practical. Yancy has put her time and energy into decades of kids ministry, so this is no mere theory for her. And personable as her tone may be (it is very conversational and readable!) Yancy is a serious soul when it comes to knowing God, worshipping him and serving him in kids and worship and family ministry.
Yancy wants us to care deeply about the worship of Almighty God, especially when it comes to kids. Sometimes she writes with a smile, sometimes with a tear, sometimes with a steely, resolute look in her eye. She’s not mucking around, chasing a vibe or ticking the boxes - and neither should we!
I’m running the risk of writing another book by rambling on. Maybe I should write my own handbook about what has guided and shaped the decor of my kids music ministry…
The interesting thing is, if I do ever end up writing such a book, while it may not share quite the same decor as Yancy’s, I suspect I’d end up with a book that shares a lot of the same bones!
In Yancy’s case, she has the added challenge that she’s a songwriter and performer and worship leader. So a large part of her creative life happens in two to three minute chunks. It’s a big deal stepping up as an author.
But different as they are in form, songs and sets and albums need to come from the deeper place. “Sweet Sound” is a guided tour into what drives Yancy to write, lead and perform songs that will shepherd children to worship God. There’s a lovely harmonic resonance between what brought the book into existence and what drives her creative, musical, performing, leading life.
So thank you for handing me your book, Yancy! (In Nashville, no less!)
Another disclaimer which will mean the most to my conservative evangelical friends: this is a book that springs from a worship culture that is not what you might encounter in your typical, say, Sydney Anglican Church. But I’d love my conservative evangelical friends to read this.
Surely our approach to worship is fundamental to what we do as we gather, how we perceive God and what happens when we sing? Certainly. But before we retreat to the perceived safety of the familiar, here’s an analogy I came up with which might help those who don’t share some of the elements of Yancy’s worship culture. (Eg the label “worship” for singing, hand raising, terms like, “God laid it on my heart…”)
Think about two apparently identical houses. Imagine one house is decorated in a way you really love, the other in a way you don’t. Say cottage vs contemporary, or Florentine vs log cabin. But regardless of the decor, both houses have the security of roof and wall, places to sit, to sleep, somewhere to put your stuff. The same functional, practical bones.
Do we want to base what we do on God’s word? Do we want to model King David as a worshipping, God-hearted disciple? Do we want to base our songs and our gatherings on the gospel? Do we seek to build a legacy of worship and discipleship and faithfulness across generations? If you answer “Yes” to these questions, then you share the same bones as Yancy’s book. And I think you should read it.
Why do I say this? Because I live in a Christian culture where the first mention of hand raising sets off alarm bells and instant dismissal. And as I was reading this book, I’m thinking, “That’s decor. Not bones. People I know need to really think hard about and respond to the truths that Yancy is raising here.”
Some church cultures will be able to immediately identify and implement what Yancy is promoting in this book. But if you aren’t as readily able to cut and paste, let me assure you that there is a LOT of encouragement, challenge, biblical reflection, passion and instruction in this book that will benefit anyone ministering to kids and families.
[On reflection, I think the main rub with conservatives is the tension of “worship as portal” versus coming to God only through Christ. There’s no doubt in my mind that Yancy believes Jesus is the way to God and we’re not saved by worship. But the taxonomy of “coming into God’s presence through worship” can sound to some like a diminishing of “Christ alone.” But put it another way and it doesn’t sound anywhere so polemic: “Through Christ alone I seek to deeply worship God alone.” You don’t have to chop the baby in half.]
The practical nature of a lot of this book really just drills down into the thought that the bible ought to shape practise. I found that a great encouragement and very thought provoking. It is undeniable that we want to nurture worshipping children, teens and adults. Jesus commends the worship of children when the conservative religious power brokers stood by with hard hearts and their hands in their pockets. Kids should worship.
So I’d love my friends - especially in kids ministry - to read this book and think about it. It’s solidly biblical, very thorough and brave enough to be practical. Yancy has put her time and energy into decades of kids ministry, so this is no mere theory for her. And personable as her tone may be (it is very conversational and readable!) Yancy is a serious soul when it comes to knowing God, worshipping him and serving him in kids and worship and family ministry.
Yancy wants us to care deeply about the worship of Almighty God, especially when it comes to kids. Sometimes she writes with a smile, sometimes with a tear, sometimes with a steely, resolute look in her eye. She’s not mucking around, chasing a vibe or ticking the boxes - and neither should we!
I’m running the risk of writing another book by rambling on. Maybe I should write my own handbook about what has guided and shaped the decor of my kids music ministry…
The interesting thing is, if I do ever end up writing such a book, while it may not share quite the same decor as Yancy’s, I suspect I’d end up with a book that shares a lot of the same bones!
August 13, 2022
This book is incredible and full of gold. I am currently evaluating everything we do in KidMin praise & worship because of this book. Thanks Yancy!!
March 1, 2022
Very rarely do I purchase two copies of the same book–for myself–and plan on buying more copies to give out to friends and family, but once I started to read Yancy’s Sweet Sound: The Power of Discipling Kids in Worship I knew I had to tell as many people as I could about this book. Sweet Sound is a relevant book that teaches and reminds us what worship is–that it’s much more than a lifestyle, it’s a condition of the heart. Sweet Sound is a wonderful tool to help guide and teach the next generation to worship the One True King.
Sweet Sound is all about teaching young ones–toddlers, preschool, elementary aged– about worship that will make an eternal impact. Yancy gives us tools in Sweet Sound on how to introduce kids to worship and how to guide them through a worship service in age appropriate ways. Sweet Sound includes samples of song sets and playlists to give the Worship Leader tangible examples of how they can lead young ones to worship. Sweet Sound also includes information about copyright and how to do it appropriately in a church setting or activity.
Sweet Sound is one of the best books I have ever read geared to the Children’s Ministry audience! (Hence why I bought two copies for myself and literally highlighted almost every page.) Sweet Sound is full of thought provoking, Biblical Truth. I loved how Yancy backed up every single word with Scripture. I love how Yancy takes you on a journey through the Bible by showing us examples of worship. I love how Yancy shows and tells us that worship is a requirement because of the One who gave us life. I love how Yancy gets to the nitty gritty of worship, reminding us time and again that it is a condition of the heart that will help kids get through the tough things of life. Sweet Sound changed my mindset on how to approach worship and kids–it’s more than checking something off a to-do list during the Sunday morning service. Worship helps them in their relationship with Jesus and giving them something to build upon in the years ahead. I also loved that the worship ideas Yancy gave can be adapted and molded to fit your congregation, no matter it’s size. To me, Sweet Sound is much more than a book that teaches us how to teach our children to worship, it’s a reality check to us to make sure not only are we teaching our kids to worship, we are preparing their hearts and helping them establish a firm foundation for a relationship with Jesus. I believe whether or not you are in Children’s Ministry, you need to read this book! I know that this is a book I will read over and over (which I rarely do) and plan on buying more copies to give out (which I also rarely do). I believe Sweet Sound will impact your life in indescribable ways!
(This review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.)
Sweet Sound is all about teaching young ones–toddlers, preschool, elementary aged– about worship that will make an eternal impact. Yancy gives us tools in Sweet Sound on how to introduce kids to worship and how to guide them through a worship service in age appropriate ways. Sweet Sound includes samples of song sets and playlists to give the Worship Leader tangible examples of how they can lead young ones to worship. Sweet Sound also includes information about copyright and how to do it appropriately in a church setting or activity.
Sweet Sound is one of the best books I have ever read geared to the Children’s Ministry audience! (Hence why I bought two copies for myself and literally highlighted almost every page.) Sweet Sound is full of thought provoking, Biblical Truth. I loved how Yancy backed up every single word with Scripture. I love how Yancy takes you on a journey through the Bible by showing us examples of worship. I love how Yancy shows and tells us that worship is a requirement because of the One who gave us life. I love how Yancy gets to the nitty gritty of worship, reminding us time and again that it is a condition of the heart that will help kids get through the tough things of life. Sweet Sound changed my mindset on how to approach worship and kids–it’s more than checking something off a to-do list during the Sunday morning service. Worship helps them in their relationship with Jesus and giving them something to build upon in the years ahead. I also loved that the worship ideas Yancy gave can be adapted and molded to fit your congregation, no matter it’s size. To me, Sweet Sound is much more than a book that teaches us how to teach our children to worship, it’s a reality check to us to make sure not only are we teaching our kids to worship, we are preparing their hearts and helping them establish a firm foundation for a relationship with Jesus. I believe whether or not you are in Children’s Ministry, you need to read this book! I know that this is a book I will read over and over (which I rarely do) and plan on buying more copies to give out (which I also rarely do). I believe Sweet Sound will impact your life in indescribable ways!
(This review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.)
July 19, 2022
Full of wisdom and practical solutions
Yancy has written a powerful tool to help equip children's worship leaders in forging a strong foundation of worship in the lives of young people today. Her passion as well as practcal applicaton helps guide leaders to instill life changing times of worship in various settings. If you have a heart for children's ministry, yet are unsure of how to implement times of worship to become more than just singing, you haave to read this book!
Yancy has written a powerful tool to help equip children's worship leaders in forging a strong foundation of worship in the lives of young people today. Her passion as well as practcal applicaton helps guide leaders to instill life changing times of worship in various settings. If you have a heart for children's ministry, yet are unsure of how to implement times of worship to become more than just singing, you haave to read this book!
June 18, 2022
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is leading worship for students and adults alike.:).
August 14, 2023
Great book about the power of disciplining kids in worship from a young age. Good info, but not super practical for me. Would read again if I was in a role of leadership over youth/younger kids.
September 8, 2023
Listening to the audio version of this book. I am enjoying hearing the author share her experience and advice for worship leaders. Very helpful for both children's and adult worship leaders.
October 26, 2023
Instantly became a book I will recommend to any and all children's ministries. Similar to a semi weigh station this book makes you slow down and evaluate. Some great conviction, great encouragement, and lots of truth.
November 25, 2024
I was able to get some good ideas from this book. Worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews