The Blessing of Nursery Care
Honoring Family and Worship
The Blessing of Nursery Care
Honoring Family and Worship
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Within the realm of worship, the question of a designated nursery area and the role of women in caring for their young children often arises. Let's explore how Scripture upholds the concept of a nursery and the involvement of both mothers and others in nurturing the faith of little ones while maintaining reverence in the congregation.
1. Preserving Worship's Reverence:
1 Corinthians 14:40 - "Let all things be done decently and in order."
Creating a designated nursery space allows mothers to care for their children without disrupting the flow and reverence of the worship service. This aligns with the biblical principle of maintaining order and respect in the congregation. This is not to say that we do not suffer long with any who have children. We simply want to offer a mother, father, or otherwise the tools to train their children in the way they should go.
2. Nurturing the Next Generation:
Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
A nursery area offers mothers the opportunity to fulfill their God-given duty to train their children in the ways of faith. By attending to their children's needs and behavior, mothers can instill early foundations of spirituality while still being part of the worship community.
3. Ministering Together:
Titus 2:3-5 - "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
While mothers play a vital role in nurturing their children, older women within the congregation can also contribute to the ministry by assisting in the nursery. This enables younger mothers to remain engaged in worship, while seasoned women pass on wisdom and guidance.
4. Serving the Body of Christ:
1 Corinthians 12:12 - "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."
A designated nursery area reflects the diverse roles within the Body of Christ. Just as each member serves a unique purpose, mothers and others contribute their talents to ensure an environment where both worship and child-rearing can flourish harmoniously.
5. Demonstrating Love:
1 Timothy 5:4 - "But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God."
Enabling mothers to utilize a nursery space demonstrates the church's commitment to supporting families and facilitating an environment where mothers can fulfill their responsibilities without feeling burdensome to the congregation. While allowing others, namely widows indeed, to work for the congregation and feel part of the vibrant ministry of the church.
Conclusion:
From providing a quiet space for mothers to tend to their children's needs to involving older women in ministering through the nursery, the use of a designated nursery is supported by Scripture. Such practices not only preserve the sanctity of worship but also affirm the value of family and the importance of raising children in a nurturing environment. By following the principles set forth in the Bible, we honor both God's Word and the well-being of the entire congregation.