How can we "let the little children come" in our church community today? Begin With Jesus’ Heart for Children • Mark 10:13–16 shows Jesus welcoming children and blessing them. • He was “indignant” when the disciples blocked the way (v. 14), underscoring His seriousness. • Welcoming kids today is not optional; it is obedience to His direct command: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them” (v. 14). See Children as God’s Gift, Not a Distraction • Psalm 127:3: “Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD.” • A congregation’s attitude sets the tone: smiles, eye contact, and genuine greetings communicate worth. • Celebrate children’s noises as signs of life, not interruptions. Cultivate Child-Friendly Worship Spaces • Provide seating where families can see and hear—near the front so kids can watch. • Use clear signage for nursery and restrooms; remove stumbling blocks (Matthew 18:5-6). • Offer children’s bulletins, quiet activity bags, or picture Bibles to keep hands engaged while ears listen. • Keep lighting warm and sound levels safe for sensitive ears. Invest in Age-Appropriate Bible Teaching • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls parents—and by extension the church—to teach diligently. • Create classes that move from Bible stories (preschool) to doctrine and apologetics (preteens). • Use Scripture memory challenges, songs, and hands-on crafts to root truth in young hearts (2 Timothy 3:15). Empower Children to Participate and Serve • Let them read Scripture aloud, usher with adults, hand out bulletins, or join the worship team on simple instruments. • Encourage testimony times where kids share answered prayers or Scripture memory. • Pair each child with a “church grandparent” to nurture intergenerational bonds (Titus 2:1-8 principle). Equip and Support Parents • Offer parenting workshops on discipline that reflects Ephesians 6:4: “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” • Provide take-home discussion guides so families revisit Sunday’s passage around the table. • Schedule family-inclusive small groups with child care to remove participation barriers. Raise a High Safety Standard • Mandatory background checks and two-adult policies echo Jesus’ warning against causing little ones to stumble (Matthew 18:6). • Train volunteers annually on child protection, first aid, and emergency procedures. • Maintain clean, labeled classrooms with secure check-in/out systems. Model Prayer and Worship at Their Level • Pray aloud for children during services so they hear their names before God. • Use short, concrete phrases when praying with kids; invite them to add their own words. • Incorporate motions or simple choruses into congregational singing to encourage full-body praise (Psalm 8:2). Foster Faith Beyond the Church Walls • Encourage families to invite neighborhood kids to VBS, mid-week clubs, or backyard Bible studies. • Organize service projects suitable for little hands—assembling care bags, raking leaves for seniors—to teach missional living early. Measure Success by Faithfulness, Not Silence • A bustling foyer, crayon marks on bulletin covers, and giggles in the pews are evidence that children are present—and welcome. • The true metric: Are little hearts being drawn to Jesus and His Word? If so, we are rightly obeying His call to “let the little children come.” |
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