Children in ChurchThis is what the Rev. Dr. Frank Senn, Zion’s 2002 Visiting Theologian, had to say about children in church. “People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’” This scene is described in three of the Gospels—it must have struck the Gospel writers as a pretty important teaching of Jesus. (See Luke 18:15-17; Matthew 19:13-15; and Mark 10:13-16) Children need to be at worship because parents and sponsors promise at the time when children are baptized to faithfully bring them to the services of God’s house. They need to be there because the entire congregation has pledged to share in the work of bringing up these children by helping to provide for their instruction in the Christian faith and by modeling a lifestyle of faithfulness in worship. Children Are Not Miniature Adults Dr. Senn makes the point that Jesus calls children just as they are—squirmy, wriggly, fussy, noisy, curious—and he accepts them as they are. In fact, on several occasions Jesus tells his followers they should be more like children! (Truly I tell you. Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3) For parents who say, “My child is too young, (active, noisy, etc.) to benefit from worship attendance” Dr. Senn reminds us that children have an amazing ability to “multitask.” They can be playing, squirming, crayoning, having a snack—and still be listening and observing all that goes on around them. What
about adults who find the presence of children distracting? Yes,
it is easier and more comfortable for us to focus on the scripture readings,
prayers and sermon when the nave is quiet and all present are still.
Including children in worship means worshipers--especially parents!—must
sacrifice some peace and quiet. |
