The Value of Art in Sunday School: Creating an Inclusive Space for Every Age and Ability

In my previous posts, I explored how art in Sunday School is more than just a creative activity—it’s a reflection of faith and a powerful way to be seen and known. And just so I'm crystal clear: when I talk about art, I don’t mean crafts. Crafts often follow a set pattern, with a clear example to copy and a “right” way to do things. Art, on the other hand, is open-ended, expressive and unique to each participant. It invites imagination, curiosity, and personal interpretation—just like faith itself.

And, one of the most beautiful things about using art in Sunday School is its ability to welcome everyone. Regardless of age, ability, or experience, art provides a way for every child (and adult!) to participate fully.

Art Adapts to Every Child's Age

I teach in a small church with a wide age range—on any given Sunday, we have 15–30 kids from ages 3 to 12, plus a handful of teen volunteers who can’t quite give up Sunday school (and honestly, we love that).

One Sunday, as we started learning about Moses and the Exodus, we sculpted baby Moses figurines from Model Magic. We talked about God’s presence in uncertainty, imagining what it would feel like to be gently held in a basket on the uncertain stream of the Nile. With just a little guidance—possible ways to shape a baby or “weave” a clay basket—the kids took off with their own interpretations.

Our preschoolers giggled as they wrapped their lumpy little figures in clay “blankets.” The older kids added tiny details—soothers, tufts of hair—while the teens got ultra-competitive, trying to craft the most realistic version. Baskets ranged from adorable blobs to intricately woven designs. Every baby took on a unique personality. Every single kid, from toddler to teen, was fully engaged.

That’s the magic of art.

Plasticine is a great low-cost art material that can be used to sculpt and paint with!

Art isn’t just for multi-age groups—it works just as well in age-specific classrooms. So here’s my challenge: trade in those hours of prepping paper crafts (only to watch kids struggle with cutting on the lines or gluing in the right spots) for something better. Try a new art medium—just one to start! Are all your classes learning about Moses? Hand out some clay and see what they sculpt. Covering different stories with each grade? Set out fresh paint and watch their ideas take shape. Have an artist in your congregation? Invite them to share their work and inspire the kids. Know someone who hoards scraps of paper for the perfect collage? Ask them to show off their collection, then spend a few weeks creating collages that reflect your Bible lessons. Whether kids are grouped by age or learning across generations, art invites participation, sparks imagination, and makes Scripture come alive in a way that’s personal and meaningful. Let’s be honest—traditional Sunday school crafts just don’t do that. (Even the ones that make you say, “Aww.”)

Art Adapts to Every Ability

Speaking of struggling to cut on the lines—art is also an incredible tool for inclusivity. Because art has no single “right” outcome, every child can participate in a way that suits their skills, comfort, and imagination. You can teach techniques, introduce new supplies, and encourage kids to experiment with different tools, but the beauty of art is in its balance—guidance mixed with exploration and play.

Art invites everyone to get messy and join in.

Now, think about how traditional crafts can unintentionally exclude kids. A child with dyspraxia might struggle with the fine motor coordination needed to cut neatly or glue tiny pieces together. A child with sensory sensitivities might find certain textures unbearable—cue the shudders at the thought of cotton balls. A child with ADHD might feel stifled by the slow, step-by-step process of assembling a craft but come alive when handed a paintbrush and given space to move.

And then there are simply differences in how kids like to create! Some kids are energized by bold, fast strokes, painting broad, dramatic colours across the page, while others carefully layer tiny, intricate details. Some love the precision of a fine marker, while others want to sculpt, smudge, or splatter. Art meets kids where they are—it doesn’t force them into a rigid process or a one-size-fits-all outcome.

That’s the beauty of it—art removes barriers. It invites kids to participate at their own level, express their interests, and create in ways that feel natural and empowering. A child who struggles to hold a pencil steadily can still create a stunning painting of swirling colour. A nonverbal child can tell a story through shapes and images. A child who can’t hold scissors can create beauty with torn-paper collage. When we offer a variety of materials and approaches, we’re not just handing kids an art project—we’re handing them a voice.

And isn’t that what we want Sunday school to be? A place where every child—regardless of ability—feels seen, valued, and able to engage with God’s story in a way that’s personal and meaningful to them.

Art Extends to Intergenerational Experience

I know I’ve been talking about kids, but this approach isn’t just for Sunday school—it’s a fantastic tool for intergenerational discipleship too. Let’s be honest: how many adults in your church are lining up to get a peek at the latest paper plate sheep? Or eagerly grabbing construction paper to cut out waves for Jesus to calm? (A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who spend countless hours cutting paper for children with love and care, by the way.) But let’s face it—traditional crafts often have a short shelf life. Art, however, doesn’t expire. In fact, when done well, art teaches us, changes us, and leads us into worship at every age.

Try it sometime. Bring art into your church and let the whole congregation get involved. Find a piece of artwork that ties into the sermon or message, and ask them to share their observations. Then, take it a step further—invite them to participate in making art.

I saw this firsthand during a recent intergenerational service. We split into groups to create paper collages of Bible stories. Admittedly, it was part game, part art project. The teams had a limited time to create scenes from Bible stories that others could recognize. It was chaos in the best way—tables erupted into action. Even the adults I thought might groan at the idea dove right in. There was tearing of paper, careful cutting, and marker details. We had small children creating anatomically correct scenes from the Garden of Eden, while adults giggled as they cut out leaves to stick on top. At another table, folks were meticulously cutting out bones for the story of Ezekiel, and one table leaned over asking, “What Bible story has dog bones in it?” The artwork ended up in a slideshow during the service, helping us explore the themes woven throughout the Bible’s grand narrative. Everyone participated—either by creating or by offering thoughts and opinions. It was joyful and full of energy.

Congregational Mural

We’ve also worked on a congregational mural. We tore paper into a rainbow of colours and created a collage together that reflected who we are as a community—welcoming, growing, and sharing Christ’s light, both in church and outside it. This piece became more than just a project; it became a visual reminder of God’s presence with us and our calling to carry that light wherever we go. It now hangs in the church each week, reminding us of our shared mission.

Art isn’t something we should outgrow. It’s a language of the soul—a way to connect with our artistic Creator and with each other. Whether you’re 3 or 93, art invites you to play, explore, and discover. And that’s exactly the kind of faith I want to nurture.

How are you using art to create a worship space that invites all people to participate?