(originally posted on FB 12/17/15)
This is for adults who want the children to receive and follow Christ.
You really should be in some of our services. I get questions and comments and responses (while I am teaching and preaching) from the children (even the youngest ones) that blow me away. I wish I had kept a record of the gems that have fallen from the mouths of these little ones.
It is great to be under such scrutiny from children. Though I have always tried to present deeper truths in simple terminology, I do not neglect a mature vocabulary. But if I say something, with which they are not familiar, they will raise their hands, wanting to understand. If it is a definition question (such as,"maelstrom"), I usually realize what the question is going to be. Sometimes it is a Biblical or a theological comment or question. Even when their initial comment seems to be very shallow, I give them the opportunity to elaborate. This usually reveals a very insightful and sophisticated view that could have been easily overlooked.
* I could refuse to let them come to services, as is popular in the more "mature" "churches" today. They just shuffle them off to Buffalo (children's church).
* I could try to dazzle the children (and their parents) with my theological greatness, by using high sounding words and phrases.
* I could exalt my office above my calling and just not allow any interaction during my message or lesson.
* I could respond to them as little inferiors instead of little people, by treating them in a condescending fashion.
* I could let them voice their concerns (while ignoring their intense interest) and then give them superficial answers (but they would see through that).
This would all result in "neglected" or "rejected" children and produce a new generation of "know nothing," "care less," "Bible denying," "God-less" youth and young adults. There should not be an "exodus" of young people from the church when they are in their teens or in their twenties.
OR I COULD give them vital, life changing truths that they understand, need to know, want to know, and then listen carefully as they share the secrets and inquiries of their own hearts.
* The children should want to be in services (worship and study).
* They should want to hear the Bible.
* They should want to learn about Jesus.
* They should want to become stronger Christians.
This is true for children everywhere. And we either draw them to God or drive them from God, by the way we present God and His word.
You really should be in some of our services. I get questions and comments and responses (while I am teaching and preaching) from the children (even the youngest ones) that blow me away. I wish I had kept a record of the gems that have fallen from the mouths of these little ones.
It is great to be under such scrutiny from children. Though I have always tried to present deeper truths in simple terminology, I do not neglect a mature vocabulary. But if I say something, with which they are not familiar, they will raise their hands, wanting to understand. If it is a definition question (such as,"maelstrom"), I usually realize what the question is going to be. Sometimes it is a Biblical or a theological comment or question. Even when their initial comment seems to be very shallow, I give them the opportunity to elaborate. This usually reveals a very insightful and sophisticated view that could have been easily overlooked.
* I could refuse to let them come to services, as is popular in the more "mature" "churches" today. They just shuffle them off to Buffalo (children's church).
* I could try to dazzle the children (and their parents) with my theological greatness, by using high sounding words and phrases.
* I could exalt my office above my calling and just not allow any interaction during my message or lesson.
* I could respond to them as little inferiors instead of little people, by treating them in a condescending fashion.
* I could let them voice their concerns (while ignoring their intense interest) and then give them superficial answers (but they would see through that).
This would all result in "neglected" or "rejected" children and produce a new generation of "know nothing," "care less," "Bible denying," "God-less" youth and young adults. There should not be an "exodus" of young people from the church when they are in their teens or in their twenties.
OR I COULD give them vital, life changing truths that they understand, need to know, want to know, and then listen carefully as they share the secrets and inquiries of their own hearts.
* The children should want to be in services (worship and study).
* They should want to hear the Bible.
* They should want to learn about Jesus.
* They should want to become stronger Christians.
This is true for children everywhere. And we either draw them to God or drive them from God, by the way we present God and His word.
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