We all come to church from different places and we bring our previous experiences and expectations with us. This is what makes the church so great, the various perspectives coming together to worship our one God! Here at Bethany Covenant Church we strongly value all who attend, no matter what age. As we look for ways to celebrate the younger attendees of our congregation, we wanted to offer the following encouragement.

TO THE PARENTS OF OUR YOUNG CHILDREN, MAY WE SUGGEST…

  • Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome!
  • Sit towards the front where it is easier for your little ones to see and hear what is going on. They tire of seeing the backs of others’ heads.
  • Quietly explain the parts of the Service and actions of the pastor, ushers, choir, etc. Whispering is not a natural activity, especially for younger children. Take advantage of this opportunity to teach them how to learn and engage in worship.
  • Sing the hymns and songs, pray, and voice the responses. Children learn liturgical behavior by copying you.
  • If you have to leave the service with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.”
  • Remember that the way we welcome children in the church directly affects the way they respond to the Church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in this house of worship.

TO THE MEMBERS OF OUR CHURCH

The presence of children is a gift to the Church and they are a reminder that our congregation is growing. We understand that it takes a village to raise a child. A few tips for engaging our families with small children include:

  • Greeting/learning the names of the young children who sit near you in worship
  • Offering to read or color with one child during worship, especially if another child in the family is fussing or upset.
  • Helping preschoolers and elementary-aged kids navigate our Sunday morning liturgy. (Children learn to worship by participating!)
  • Inviting kids to serve alongside you in worship, as greeters, ushers, serving grapes at communion, etc.
  • Recognizing that certain conditions or disabilities do not present physically, and some children (and adults) may make noises or act in ways that seem strange or upsetting, but are perfectly normal for their situation.
  • Celebrating that God put the wiggle in children, and that children’s “mode of being” in worship is intrinsically more vocal and more physical that that of adults.

We are so blessed with a congregation that values the presence of our children in worship. May we continue to celebrate all ages as we participate in glorifying God together as one unified body!

– Pastor Dan