Why are there children in the service? Is there a reason the children are in the service during worship and then get dismissed instead of going straight to their classrooms? How come at times children remain in the whole service – isn’t there a place for them?
These are questions I get asked and sometimes ask myself! (Especially in Sunday service when my own son desires to run to the bathroom 3 times in 10 minutes or doesn’t use his “whispering” voice!) In transitioning to my new role as Director Children’s Ministries, I have begun to seek out the answers to these questions for myself – even checking out what other churches do for their children. I can say that I’m thankful and excited that our families get the opportunity to worship TOGETHER! We are blessed to be able to model our worship, to share in praise together, to show our children how to be engaged and at times talk them through the service and talk with them after the service.
This is the first year that Isaac (in Kindergarten) gets the chance to worship with us and sit with us. While it can be challenging, distracting, and at times loud (“Mom, when can I go to Pastor R’s house??”), it is also a beautiful opportunity to disciple Isaac and share the benefits of corporate worship. I have observed children focused on their parents and others as they sing and raise their hands to the Savior. I have seen parents lean down and explain the different aspects of the service or allow their children to put the offering in the plate. I watch moms and dads and grandparents, love on their children by putting an affirming arm around them or enjoying having them close. I have also observed parents doing the hard thing and reinforcing to their children how to be quiet and respectful. For our children to see our passion to worship, our desire to be respectful, reverent and engaged and also to know the importance of being part of a church is a way to biblically disciple your children.
Your excitement or lack thereof translates to your children. If you take each opportunity as the chance to teach, model or just reaffirm your love for them, God will bless your efforts!
Some ideas:
- Make sure your child can “see” what is going on. If you have to, sit closer to the front or allow them to stand in the aisle or on a chair to help them to participate in the singing.
- Encourage your children to worship by giving – remind them to bring their own allowance tithe or give them money to put in the offering.
- Listen for key words or points in the sermon that you can reinforce on your way home or talk with your child about. Ask them to listen for one thing they can tell you about after the service.
For those of you who are not in the specific season of having an active youngster in service, pray for those parents who do and who are investing in their children - it is not the easiest part of the job! Take a fidgety baby to hold or smile at a young child and talk to them after the service. You can be part of raising our children in the Lord and in His church.
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.