When Children Worship

Something exciting is happening in our rural Indiana church.  Children are worshiping God.  Let me say that again:  CHILDREN ARE WORSHIPING GOD!!

On Good Friday, this became abundantly clear.  Between one young boy's excited questioning of what we would be doing at the service ("Is it like Ash Wednesday? Are you handing out nails again this year?  Can I extinguish the candles?") and the sound of his younger sister's sweet loud voice trying to read along with us on the responsive readings, I realized.  These children are worshiping God.  Let me say that again, with the emotion I feel.  THESE CHILDREN ARE WORSHIPING GOD!  Even as I write these words two months later, I smile.

After I wrote about this in the church newsletter, other parents and grandparents shared stories.  I was told of the little girl who was excited to receive a $5.00 bill on her third birthday because now she would have her OWN money to give to the church.  When her grandparents offered to give her five $1.00 bills so that she could keep some of it, she became indignant, and insisted on putting the whole thing in the collection plate.

I was reminded of my own daughter's tears at the age of four when there was criticism from a few members of the church we were serving because our children took communion before they had been CONFIRMED!  Through her tears she wailed: "BUT I WANT TO WORSHIP GOD, TOO!"  If I had needed to be convinced, that would have done it.

Congregations make promises at a child's baptism or dedication to be part of the faith-building process.  We promise to nurture the children and provide opportunities for them to grow in faith.  It's up to the parents to take advantage of what we, as a community of faith, have to offer.  it's up to the families to follow up on what they learn in church.  It's up to the parents to choose to get them here-- even if and when that means choosing church over sports or going to bed earlier on Saturday night to be able to rise for worship on Sunday morning.

The best hope your children have for maintaining a faith relationship lies in these formative years.  Even if they leave church for awhile after they leave home, there is a better chance they will return to the roots of faith when (not if) they face obstacles and challenges as adults.

As children learn to worship, here are some things that congregations can do:

• When reading responsive readings, litanies or unison prayers, slow down a little so that children who are learning to read can keep up with us.  Otherwise they might give up.
• Talk to your children or grandchildren about your own faith.  Let them know why faith is important to YOU.  If you don't know the answers to their questions, include your pastor in the conversation.
• Invite families to Sunday School. Offer to pick up the children and bring them with you.  In rural communities like ours, some of the parents may still be trying to feed the animals on the farm!
• Make a commitment to attend faith-building opportunities for a month or two. Once you are in the habit, it's easier to "rise and shine and give God the glory!"

Jesus said, "Let the children come unto me."  That's a good enough reason for me.