While visiting a church's worship service a number of years ago, Lynn and I were shocked to be met at the entrance of the auditorium by an usher who wanted to help get our children to the "appropriate" place for the service. The "appropriate" place turned out to be in another room. He informed us that this church did not want the adults to be distracted from their worship so it really discouraged parents from taking their children in with them. After we got over the shock, we politely declined and went in together as a family to worship.
Lynn and I can definitely understand how, at times, there are high levels of frustration and noise with our children sitting next to us on a Sunday morning ... remember we've been there a few times ourselves. However, the words of Jesus Christ help us to stay the course. He said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Our Lord said this in what many were trying to make an "adult only" setting. He shut that idea down and welcomed them into His circle of instruction and blessing. Even today, our great God, who finds nothing too difficult, is still able to minister and bless people of all ages during the worship service.
So if you're struggling right now with all of this, hang in there. This season of life passes quickly as our children mature and you reap the reward of children who actually sing and pray with you, and listen to the sermon and laugh at the pastor's jokes. Then as they transition into adulthood, the practice and rigor of worship (because it is work--even for adults) have been established and they make worship and serving an integral part of their lives.
Here's a link to a thorough explanation of why children are to be worshiping with us.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/03/06/children-in-worship-lets-bring-it-back/
Lynn and I can definitely understand how, at times, there are high levels of frustration and noise with our children sitting next to us on a Sunday morning ... remember we've been there a few times ourselves. However, the words of Jesus Christ help us to stay the course. He said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Our Lord said this in what many were trying to make an "adult only" setting. He shut that idea down and welcomed them into His circle of instruction and blessing. Even today, our great God, who finds nothing too difficult, is still able to minister and bless people of all ages during the worship service.
So if you're struggling right now with all of this, hang in there. This season of life passes quickly as our children mature and you reap the reward of children who actually sing and pray with you, and listen to the sermon and laugh at the pastor's jokes. Then as they transition into adulthood, the practice and rigor of worship (because it is work--even for adults) have been established and they make worship and serving an integral part of their lives.
Here's a link to a thorough explanation of why children are to be worshiping with us.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2012/03/06/children-in-worship-lets-bring-it-back/
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