Reconsidering Children's Church
Nurturing Faith in the Family
Reconsidering Children's Church
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In the context of contemporary Christianity, the concept of "children's church" has gained traction as a way to offer young believers an age-appropriate worship experience. This refers to a program or designated segment within a worship service that is tailored for children, providing a separate worship encounter for those ranging from preschool age to early adolescence. The goal of children's church is to engage children in a manner that is relatable and understandable to them. This is achieved through interactive activities, lessons, songs, and storytelling that align with their developmental level. Children's church supposedly not only allows youngsters to explore their faith in an accessible and engaging manner but also offers parents and guardians the opportunity to participate in the main church service. As good as this sounds, it is important to induce the Scriptures to see whether or not this is an actual biblical pattern.
1. Biblical Foundation:
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 - "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
The Scriptures underscore the significance of parents as the primary educators and nurturers of their children's faith. This teaching should be seamlessly woven into daily life, transcending any isolated church program.
2. Family-Centric Discipleship:
Ephesians 6:4 - "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
The duty of imparting spiritual knowledge and values to children primarily falls on parents. Despite good intentions, children's church inadvertently shifts this responsibility from parents, challenging the scriptural paradigm of family-centered discipleship.
3. Contemporary Wisdom:
Dr. Tim Kimmel, Author and Speaker:
In his work "Why Christian Kids Rebel," Dr. Tim Kimmel emphasizes the significance of relational parenting. He contends that delegating spiritual education to church programs can impede the development of an authentic, personal faith in children. Children's church might inadvertently convey that spirituality is confined and separate from family life.
4. Authentic Worship Experience:
Genuine spiritual growth entails children witnessing and engaging in authentic worship and fellowship within the broader congregation. Shielding them from this experience could hinder their comprehension of what it truly means to be an integral part of the body of Christ.
5. Tailored Family Worship:
Rather than segregating children into a distinct worship environment, parents can foster an atmosphere of worship that includes the entire family. This affords children the opportunity to observe and learn from how their parents connect with God and fellow believers.
Biblical Call for Unified Worship:
Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers to assemble together for worship, fostering a sense of unity and mutual encouragement. Likewise, 1 Corinthians 11:20 emphasizes the significance of coming together as one body to partake in the Lord's Supper. These verses underscore the importance of a unified congregation worshiping as a whole, rather than segregating into separate entities such as children's church.
Conclusion:
Though the notion of children's church aspires to provide a nurturing space for young believers, it's crucial to assess its alignment with both biblical principles and contemporary wisdom. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 reminds us that the spiritual upbringing of children is primarily the responsibility of parents. By cultivating an environment of integrated family worship and discipleship, we can ensure that children not only gain knowledge about their faith but also witness its tangible expression in the lives of their parents and the larger congregation. This approach empowers them to forge a more authentic, enduring, and personal relationship with God.