As the co-pastor of a funky little new church start, I'm always on the hunt for good music that talks about or speaks to our faith while featuring inclusive language and more progressive theology. As a mama, I'm now looking for the same kind of music but geared towards kiddos (because how do you explain God to your kids?!? That will be a whole 'nother post).
Here are some things I've been introduced to lately that you might find helpful if you are looking for a musical way to teach your tiny people about God:
My friend Bill Sloan is writing/singing/ukuleling a CD of 5 songs based on Psalms for the kids at the hospital where he chaplains. It promises to be awesome! Click here to listen to a one-song preview; click here to donate so he can make the whole CD. I think he'll be selling them (or giving away for a donation) when it's complete.
Big Stories for Little People You'll cry on 3, 6, and 10 (or maybe that was just me)
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like This A good crack at explaining some of Jesus' stories to little (and big!) people. #4 cracks me up; the last verse of #9 made me blubber all over my office keyboard. Awkward.
From my favorite Scotsmonk with red shoes (John Bell of the Iona community), a collection of international songs that will give your child/ren a sense that Christianity ain't just for 'Mericans (or Brits, or whomever) but that kids all over the world love them some Jesus. Great for worship for big people, too!
Sing with the World: Global Songs for Children
What are your favorite faith-based songs for kids??
Update: a friend from my home church reminded me of Bryan Sirchio, a progressive musician affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC--that's roughly the equivalent of the United Reformed Church in the UK). His CD Bugs for Lunch is old school now--so be ready for some synth and attempts at hip hop. "Bugs for Lunch," a song about what John the Baptist ate and his teachings, and "The Day That Paul Fell off His Horse" are classics of my camp years, with some kid-level theology thrown in!
Bryan Sirchio & Friends: Bugs for Lunch