A little bit of background might be helpful. I grew up in a Lutheran church where we sat through the service alongside our parents. My earliest memories are of asking my dad "how much longer do we have?" in a hushed tone as he pulled out the worship bulletin and pointed to where we were in the order of service. I remember being proud of myself for keeping my eyes closed for the entire prayer time. Let's be honest, it was pretty long for child's attention span. But we did it. We moved churches after my 5th grade year, and ended up at a small Baptist church. It was pretty much opposite in every way. There was a nursery for young children and then a "children's church" time for older kids. They would stay for songs, greeting time and announcements and then go to their own, age appropriate sermon message.
Fast forward to today, and I am a member of a Grace Brethren Church that is in between the Lutheran and Baptist church in size. I never paid much attention to what the children did during the worship service, until my daughter was born. Now, almost 2, she is dropped off in the nursery from the moment we walk in the building until the completion of the service. There are classes for students up through 5th grade, in fact. Very rarely are children brought into special services, sermons, songs, or any time with the rest of the congregation. And, truthfully, it rubbed me wrong as soon as I had to drop my young baby off in the nursery. I wanted her with me. That feeling was magnified when I went back to work. I thought, I send my daughter to a babysitter five days out of the week, and now I have to send her off again on Sunday?! Whether it was intentional or not, I felt an unspoken expectation that I maintain the quiet, professional atmosphere in the sanctuary by sending my infant into the nursery. Everyone was doing it. Literally, everyone.
So, as I have spent the better part of 2 years thinking through what I believe and prefer in regards to children in the church service, I wanted to share some of the articles I have found to be particularly helpful and challenging. Many reinforce what I have subconsciously thought for a while: First, children should have the ability to sit quietly through a church service. Secondly, it is good for children to see adults worshiping God. And lastly, children can learn so many things from a worship service.
I welcome any other resources you have found as you are considering how to children can or should be involved in the service. I, of course, understand that there are conflicting opinions and preferences on this topic and that ultimately, each family has to decide what is best in their case.
1. This quick article, "5 Reasons Children Should be Part of the Main Service Regularly" first sparked my serious consideration about the possible negative affects of removing children from corporate worship.
2. Desiring God posted this article, "Should Children Sit Through 'Big Church'?" that referenced this paper, "The Family: Together in God's Presence." They are both my two main pieces of reflection and interest at this point. I really appreciate the emphasis on parenting, and at the same time it is very sobering for me.
3. This article includes both sides of this debate. Here is the "Pro Family Worship" side, and here you can find "Real Kids Worship" points as well. It's worth noting that ChildrensMinistry.com found that 48% of the people polled agreed with family worship time and 52% preferred age-specific worship. Clearly, it's a pretty even split.
