The children’s workers at our church got a break on Easter Sunday. All the children were in the adult service for the entire time. Usually, the children go to Children’s Church right before the message. But not this Sunday. And since it was Easter, there were many visitors. The sanctuary was packed. And with all the kids in attendance for the entire service, it was a bit chaotic. Usually the kids are really quiet and don’t get up and run in and out of the service. But this week was different. With the smaller kids mixed throughout the crowd, they just couldn’t sit still for that long. It’s understandable. Their attention span isn’t quite that developed yet. Everyone survived the service, but I’m sure the parents were happy to walk out the church doors that morning.
I see the elementary aged kids in the church service with their parents each week. They actually are well behaved. They’re not running in and out of the service. They’re not making noise. They stand and sing the songs. They participate in communion. They are learning the art of worship. And yet they run out the double doors of the sanctuary like it’s nobody’s business when it’s time for Children’s Church.
Oh. I have to say that for the Easter service, the children’s leaders made activity packets for each child. In those packets were activity sheets, crayons, candy and I think I saw cookies or crackers. There were items to keep the kids entertained, so they didn’t get too fidgety. And it worked. The activity packets were a hit for all ages.
When I was a kid, I had to sit in the adult service every Sunday. There was no children’s church. There were no activity packets. No one had cell phones or tablets. I remember the cheerios my mom would bring in her purse. But we had to sit still and listen. And we opened the hymnal and sang. We stood during the Scripture reading and bowed our heads during prayer. We participated in the service, but quietly. And we learned the art of worship.
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. Matthew 19:13-15
I volunteer with the Awana program at our church. I hadn’t worked with church kids for many years, and I find I’m enjoying them. Sure. There’s always at least one who is rowdier than the others. And there’s one who always wants to go first. There’s one who never wants to play the games. There’s one who never wants to memorize Bible verses. There’s one who clings too tightly to his mom. And there’s one who has started to really talk to me. He asks questions. In a round about way, he almost invited me to his piano recital. I think I’ve fallen in love with these kids.
I’ve tried to build a relationship with the kids. I joke with them. I ask about their families. I correct them. They tell me when their birthday is. One boy told me that one of the girls in our group is his cousin. Some of them call me an old lady. One asked if I was married. We’re all looking for connection and acceptance. Even kids. And old people.
After the first week or two of the Awana season, I had convinced myself that I wouldn’t sign up to work with them the next year. I thought this would only be a one-year commitment. But now that I’ve survived a full year, I’m ready to sign up again. Sure. There are nights that I’m worn out when I get home. And just about every Wednesday morning, I’m questioning my decision to be involved. But I go anyway. And I find I’m glad that I did.
Oh. I ran into another volunteer who had started a countdown at the beginning of the year. How many weeks left? And now we’re down to the final week. I believe we’ve survived. I’ve somewhat convinced myself that I won’t be allowed to volunteer in the fall, but I know I’m just being silly. More volunteers are always needed. The more volunteers there are, the more children can be enrolled. And I’m not sure if any other church in our small town offers the program. We get many kids who attend other churches. And that’s ok.
Children are an important part of any church. Families are key to the growth of a church. And I’m proud to say that my church has plenty of children and expectant mothers. We just need more volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours working with the kids on their memory verses. We need volunteers willing to share the gospel with the little ones, so they can learn from an early age about the love of Jesus Christ. We need volunteers who will play silly games with the kids so they can learn godly sportsmanship.
Children in church are important, because yes, they are the church of tomorrow. If they don’t learn the value of Scripture, forgiveness and a biblical walk with Christ while they’re young, we’ve done them a huge disservice. Children’s programs aren’t just about having fun or eating pizza. It’s about teaching them Bible verses and Bible stories that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Children are tomorrow’s leaders not just in business or politics, but also in church and in the home. That means that while it is still today, those children need to be taught sound biblical truths when they are sitting in the church pews, in children’s church and in any other teaching opportunity at church. They need to be taught how to lead and how to follow. When to be silent and when to speak up. When to give and when to receive. When to serve and when to be served.
Will you volunteer to work with the children at your church?
Mercy for the Day 