I’ve long been an advocate for children and youth having their own worship service apart from the adults. It’s been one of the many things I’ve been chided for. But I just ran on to the best explanation of why one major church doesn’t allow children in the worship service and thought I would share it with you. The article was posted in this weeks ChurchLeaders.com Click here to read the article.
What is your opinion on the subject and why?
July 5th, 2011 on 7:52 pm
I guess my main objection is that this seems to increase the segregating of church constituencies. I have never wanted to be in a group of people who are like me (though church always seems to want to put me there). But I may be speaking philosophically rather than practically. I absolutely would get bored with sermons when I was a kid. No way I can deny that. But I also grew up to believe that I was there to serve the church and community, not the other way around. I felt great ownership in my congregation as I grew, because the church included me by letting me lead in worship (usher, sing in choir, etc.) I have never been one to try to find a church that “meets my needs,” maybe because being part of the worship made me see church as a community where you live out your life alongside folks of all ages. The sermon is just a part of my faith life, not the centerpiece of my week by any means.
And, admittedly, I am not distracted by kids in worship very often. But I know some folks are. I would like to see worship services be more kid-friendly rather than take kids out of worship mostly because more kid-friendly is more me-friendly.
But that’s me. Never wanted to be in the “young adults” or “young marrieds” or “empty-nesters” group or class. Went to a church away from campus in college so I would be in an intergenerational setting.
Bring on the kids, but for those who prefer something else, OK. Viva la difference