IDEAS THAT WORK
Including children in worship
Virginia C. Thomas
July 1, 1983
Do children belong with the congregation in worship? Some churches cautiously answer, "Maybe as long as they're quiet and require no special attention." Others say, "Part of the time," so children leave after a hymn and a children's sermon. Several churches respond with a definite "No." They plan an alternate activity, frequently a worthwhile activity, outside the sanctuary. Our church found it hard to reconcile these three answers with our faith. We follow a Lord who welcomed children and called us to learn from them. We stand in a biblical tradition that instructs parents to answer children's questions in the midst of a most significant celebration, the Passover. We've learned we cannot honestly fulfill our vows to nurture children in Christ without nurturing them in worship. We're expressing our 'yes' to children in corporate worship in at least six ways: We state our intentions clearly. Children are welcome in our worship at any age. We want them; we need them. They need the experience of growing in worship with their church family. It's an officially adopted policy of our governing board and a constantly publicized policy among our members through personal letters, pastoral visits, and classes. We're as diligent about inviting children to worship as we are to vacation church school, day camp, or choirs. We make sure our scheduling never compels families to choose between study and praise. We support parents as God's primary teachers of worship. "My child bothers the people around her." "Kim doesn't want to come to church. It's such a battle." "I get nothing from the service if I have two wiggling children beside me." "We want Johnny to worship, but what can he understand about the service?" We plan a class where parents can share ...
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