Are Children Welcome?

Adapted by Diane Schmidt

from LCMS Children’s Ministry e-News

 

Children! What excitement and energy they have. Wouldn’t we all like to have some of their energy?  They are creative, fun, smiley, giggly, loving, and caring.  They believe in Jesus without question. They possess that child-like faith because they are children.  But are we a church that welcomes them?  Certainly we have many events and activities for children but do they really feel like church is a place for them?  Or are they just fitting into our adult church world?  If we want to be a Family Friendly Church we should take a closer look to see if we are a Child Friendly Church.  The following are things to consider in determining if we are truly child friendly:

 

· Do adults talk to the children, welcome them and look them in the eye? Do we genuinely want to know them better?

 

· Do adults support the parents of small children?  Do we welcome them to worship and encourage them to nurture their children’s faith?

 

· Do we recognize and encourage fellowship among children and adults? Do we provide intergenerational activities?

 

· Do we provide opportunities for children to be involved in worship? Are worship services planned with the children in mind? Do we include child-focused activities?

 

· Do adults ask the children about their worship experience or what they learned in Sunday school?

 

· Do we place children’s spiritual needs equal to adults?

 

· Do we encourage children to visit, talk and play together at church?  Does our church provide a safe place for children and their parents?

 

· Do adults recognize and encourage the children to identify and use their spiritual gifts?

 

· Do we allow children to use their God-given gifts in service to all members? To the community?

 

I’d say yes to most of these questions. How about you?  Do you want to be a Family Friendly Church?  Do you want to show parents and children that they are important? 

 

Take some time to think and pray about ways you can improve your involvement and support of the children you see in church.  Remember they are looking up to the adults in their world and we can reach out to them and show Jesus’ love.  He said, “Let the little children come to me” And he blessed them.  He gave his time to them.  We can too!