Kids in church
It's school holiday time and so our kids ministries are on a break and our kids are with us in church. I love the opportunity holidays give us to worship together, all ages, as the family of God. Having little people in church brings an energy, a buzz, and yes a bit of extra noise! This is good! Our church family is healthy, alive, growing.
In the holiday time the services are planned with kids in mind. We aim to have regular Kids spots, familiar songs and sermon/colouring in sheets to help our kids feel welcomed and part of the church family. With this being said, my children were small once and I do remember how restless they could get. Parents, I know that having your little ones with you in church, also presents some challenges. So, here's some thoughts around how we can help our children engage in the church service.
Start a habit of talking with your kids before the service about what might be happening. Talk about who they think will preach, lead worship, read the Bible passage?
Make a list of key words or phrases you are likely to hear in the message. Have your child tick the words each time they hear them. And talk about it after the service. Keep the list on your fridge or somewhere visible as a reminder of the message.
Have your children use the sermon outlines or colouring in sheets available in the foyer.
Young readers might enjoy following the text in their own Bible.
Try gently whispering to explain the service to your children, point things out to them, ask questions, redirect their attention, encourage them to join in.
For very young children, keep a bag of quiet activities or toys that are only played with on Sundays during church.
After church, talk about the service and the message at your next family meal. Ask open questions, and brainstorm ideas for putting things into practice in the week ahead.
Just as we involve very small children in setting the table for dinner, or tidying up the toys together, if we invite them into the church service, their engagement in the service and teaching will gradually increase as they grow. Kids can handle sermons. Don't be tempted to give them something to keep them quiet, rather provide ways for them to engage in the service (older children).
And above all, pray. Pray that your children would have eager and open hearts toward Sunday worship, and to all that God wants to reveal to them through the service.
Caroline
"But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."" Mark 10:14
