Why do we involve children in church? What is our motivation behind giving children various roles in the worship and life of the church? I have in mind things such as children’s choir or plays like the Christmas pageants that usually involve mostly children.

One thing that tends to bother me is that it seems many churches involve children for the Aww factor. Children are cute and children do funny things. Many times children are involved mostly to warm the hearts of the adults of the congregation. This is not a bad thing but it should not be a primary motivation.

What should our motivation be for involving children in church? Instruction, teaching, and growth in Christ. The value of a children’s program should not be determined by whether or not it leads children to do cute or fun things but whether or not it helps them grow in the knowledge of God. Do the Christmas pageants and the children’s choirs but do them with the primary interest of helping the children grow. Put the kids in front of the adults but do it to help them experience the richness of life in the church. Perhaps even have them do some less visible but greatly valuable things – visit nursing homes; see older people in their homes; write letters to missionaries, etc. Maybe even put them in front of people to demonstrate their knowledge of hard things, such as having them learn and recite one of the many catechisms out there.

May your children’s ministry be completely filled with a desire to glorify God by leading children deeper into a knowledge of him. May your children’s ministry be protected from the temptation to simply provide warm moments for adults and fun moments for kids.

Don’t try to obtain a home mortgage in the middle of a national credit crisis.

Looks like we have something figured out but I’ve learned several new forms of pain.