Children in the Church

It is my hope that Children as Partners in the Church will help us take a look at our relationships with the children in our churches, our expectations for those children, as well as the expectations we have of ourselves as we provide educational, worshipful, and spiritual experiences for them. May we always remember that, when they walk through the doors of our churches, the experiences they have within our buildings are experiences they may carry with them throughout their lives. For good or ill. The memories may help draw them in with excitement, delight, a sense of warmth, belonging, and curiosity or send them rushing out the door, as soon as they are old enough to get out from beneath their parents' rule, never to return again.

How children will experience church as "God's House" will depend on us.Stop for a moment and ponder that. It's a massive responsibility. Let it sink into your brain. Tell yourself... how the children in my life, in my church will experience this place as "God's House," God's welcoming place, will depend on ME.

Are you ready for that?

I'm assuming you are and that's why you're here.

 As we begin this "study" together, let's begin by taking a look at our own relationships with the church. What is your history with church? 

• Were you one of the little ones running to and fro who was told not to run in God's house? 
• Were you one of the teens who baffled the adults with your presence, your odd clothing, and your music? 
• Were you a young adult who delighted the older members, just because you were actually there? 
• Did you finally start coming to church because you had young children of your own and felt the need?
• If not one of these scenarios, when did you first experience church? And how?

We all had to gave a "first" experience in church, or whatever may be our own faith community, at some point in time. Some of us may not remember, while others may have very vivid memories. Yet now, we come as adults and are able to watch the children and teens in our midst. We probably have a myriad of opinions about them. 

• Why are they here? (Rotten, little beasties.)
• Why aren't they more under control?
• Where are their parents?
• Why aren't there more of them?
• Why aren't there more people willing to work with them?
• What are their parents expecting us to do with them?
• How can we teach them in ways that are meaningful to children in this day and age?
• WHY, OH WHY, AREN'T OUR OLD TRIED AND TRUE METHODS WORKING?
• Insert your questions here...

Okay, presumably, if you are participating in the reading of this book and this blog, you don't really think the children in your faith community are rotten, little beasties. (Except on very rare occasions.) Presumably, you believe them to be wonderful gifts from God. You know that they are treasures and they have been entrusted into our care. And you know that we have but a very few years to awaken within them a love of God, a yearning to build a personal relationship with that mysterious Being, and a desire to remain in the church/temple/mosque long after their parents have stopped making them come on Sunday/Sabbath mornings.

I hope that you will enjoy this time together and you will find this book helpful. It's long been on my shelf and I finally realized it was time to share the wisdom within its pages.

This will be another study in which you can go at your own pace. I'll tackle the introduction one week, then one chapter per week after that. You may join in the discussions at your own convenience. Be sure to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

May God bless each of us as we seek to bless the children in our care.

Tamalyn