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Kids in Church

  If you’re a parent who has ever tried to get your kids to sit quietly in church, you know: the struggle is real. They squirm and fidget. They fight over a toy. They talk out-loud. They scream. People are staring and it’s only the first hymn! You think, “Oh good, that will cover their cries! Things are okay, we can make it through the lessons, just giv'em another snack. But oh no, here it comes… the sermon, 20 minutes straight of only the pastor talking. How will we survive!”

  Some parents wonder if it’s even worth it. Some just plain give up. Some seek out a church with a staffed nursery, so they just don’t have to deal with it. Or maybe you’re an older adult and the babies crying seems to get to you. Either way, perhaps you’ve thought, “Maybe it would be better to just keep the kids out of church.” 

  Do you remember that story in the Bible about parents that wanted to bring their kids to Jesus? The disciples were stopping them. Likely they thought it would be a waste of time and a distraction. After all, what benefit was there in kids coming to hear Jesus, right? But Jesus rebuked them and said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matt. 19:14) Jesus wanted the kids there, because children could be part of his kingdom too. They too could believe in Jesus and be saved!

  Sometimes we get caught up in thinking that the church service is only for the adults, but it’s really for everyone. Every one of us can benefit from the reading and teaching of God’s Word, even if we don’t understand every word. God the Holy Spirit is still at work creating and strengthening faith. How will the kids be fed by God’s Word unless they are taught it? How will they learn the hymns, the prayers, and the order of service unless they’re exposed to it again, and again and again? Church isn’t just for the adults its for everyone. 

  Paul reminded young Timothy, "From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15) Even as an infant, Timothy was taught the Scriptures, to make him wise for salvation through faith. And so, wanting our children to know God’s Word and their Savior, Jesus, we bring them to church.

  On more than one occasion, it’s warmed my heart to hear an elderly person remark, “I don’t mind hearing the babies crying, because it means our church isn’t dying, but that God’s Word is being taught to the next generation.” So yes, the struggle is real! It’s not easy to train your child to sit in church, but the benefit is real too, as they little by little learn God’s Word and their faith in Jesus grows.