“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”” Luke 18:15-17
Children are vital in the life of a church. This is especially evident when a church no longer has children. Surveys show “younger people are missing from Australian churches, and the churchgoing population is ageing” [1]. When a church no longer has children, it’s future is uncertain. But that is not all, church becomes less vibrant, and less fun.
Our children and young people keep our church young. We enjoy the energy, curiosity, wonder kids bring to faith. For a child, there are no dumb questions, which means we see faith in a new way. With children, adults must work harder at simplifying and energising our worship life and teaching. This is good for everyone. If adults had their way, we could become more serious, reflective, controlled, more boring. Kids quickly get bored and helpfully let us know when we are boring.
Adults believe they have a lot to teach children. It is good for us to remember Jesus said adults have a lot to learn from children. For instance, what would change in your life if you were to “receive the kingdom of God like a little child”?
The next time a child is noisy, curious, or energetic in church, or we sing a lively song for the kids, remember we need children in our church. They are good for us
In Him,
Jason
[1] https://www.ncls.org.au/articles/getting-older-and-younger-at-church/