CHARLESTON, S.C.--The new children's church at Palmetto Community, a Southern Baptist church in West Ashley, S.C. is aimed at people who aren't interested in traditional churches, according to a story in the Charleston Post and Courier.

It's called the Blast Zone and it features loud music, bright colors and stage lights. Organizers see it as a way to bring kids and their parents to church. Attendance at the Zone has more than tripled since the church began offering the fun, interactive worship service.

"These kids grew up on video games and computers. So how are we going to reach them? Through all this media," Associate Pastor Tim Holley says, waving an arm toward his control panel.

"I think it's going to catch on."

Children's church is nothing new, but churches today are concentrating their efforts on dynamic programs for kids in order to reach young families and attract new members.

St. Paul's Episcopal, a large and growing congregation in Summerville, provides children's church in a mini chapel with stained glass, tiny pews and a tiny altar.

The service mirrors the adult service in structure, songs and liturgy, but the kids are allowed to squirm and be noisy.

"Children's church is so they have something to do that's age-appropriate," says Cathy Jacobs, Christian education director, "and they're not in the adult service where they're driving adults, especially mom and dad, crazy."

The kids return to the adult service for Communion. Jacobs calls it the best of both worlds. The kids get their own time but, with Communion, also spend an important part of worship with their families.

The Very Rev. John Burwell saw children's church as a way to revitalize his aging congregation at the Church of the Holy Cross on Sullivan's Island.

Burwell usually leads what's now called the Children's Family Service, including the sermon, and teaches the kids to sing songs from "Jesus Loves Me" to the "Great Doxology."

They also learn the Lord's Prayer and special recitations before prayers.

"It feels like real church," Burwell says.

The service has grown from 16 to 200 since 1988.

"It's real quality time with children," he says. "There's something awesome about kneeling in prayer as a family."