This Song Is for the Burnt-Out Church Kids

by Alaina Goode

January 15, 2025
3 minute read

Why share my testimony? It’s not even that great of a story.

Growing up in church, I often wrestled with the thought that I had a “boring testimony.” I’d hear these incredible stories of people surviving unimaginable hardships—abuse, trauma, addiction—and finding their way back to Jesus. And there I was, raised by two loving parents who dedicated their lives to Christ and the church.

Every time the church doors were open, we were there. If your family was like mine, you probably remember lines like: “Mom said I can spend the night if you come to church with us tomorrow,” or “Sorry, I can’t come to the game—I’ve got church on Wednesday night.”

It kind of set me and my sister apart from the other kids. But looking back, I can’t thank my parents enough for showing me how important church was.

Some of my lifelong friends that I now consider family came from that church. When a loved one dies, or someone gets married- I have never seen something so powerful as a church family coming together to celebrate or mourn with each other.

Someone wise once told me:

“Your testimony of growing up in church is powerful. You’re not boring, you were protected. And there’s power in that.”

Hearing Natalie Layne’s new single, “Church Kids,” took me right back to that dimly lit youth room. Her lyrics paint a picture of an off-key praise band and just a few teenagers worshipping. We didn’t care about perfection—we just wanted to praise Jesus.

And honestly? I could use a little bit of that faith again.

It’s easy to praise God when you’re a little kid worrying about math homework. But when life hits you with its hardest valleys, praising Him feels like climbing a mountain.

Whether you grew up in church or found a faith community yesterday, here’s the takeaway:

Your story matters. If it’s a story of Jesus saving you, that’s enough.

And no matter where you are in life—whether you’re climbing that mountain or walking through the valley—praise Him through it. Dance, sing, and just be a kid again.

“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” | John 4:24

Lyrics:
37 kids on a good day
In a fellowship hall on a Wednesday
That’s where I met God in a big way
All the church kids said “Amen!”

Praise band played a little out of tune
Same old songs it was nothin new
But God showed up in that little room
All the church kids said “Amen!”

We were hearts on fire for Jesus
We were hands up high in the air
We were sold out, all-in believers
And I don’t know about you,
But I could use a little going back to church kids

Well the world don’t know how to slow down
I’m a few more miles down the road now
There’s a lot I still gotta figure out
Even church kids gotta grow up

Who says that flame’s gotta burn out?
Who says my faith’s gotta run out
Oh I can tell you right now
This church kid’s still showing up

We were hearts on fire for Jesus
We were hands up high in the air
We were sold out, all-in believers
And I don’t know about you,
But I could use a little going back to church kids

This little light of mine
I’m gonna, I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
All the church kids said “Amen!” (Amen!)

We were hearts on fire for Jesus
We were hands up high in the air
We were sold out, all-in believers
And I don’t know about you,
But I could use a little going back to church kids

This little light of mine
I’m gonna, I’m gonna let it shine

Watch Natalie Layne Cover 90s Christian Music | Songs From a Mug
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