Dr. Connie Bull was our recent guest for a workshop about kids and their ministry in the church. Part of what Connie spoke about was her research, not only in the ways children have been viewed throughout the years, sociologically speaking, but also the increasing trend toward a truly inter-generational church life.

But here's what stopped me cold-- and the part that might be difficult for some folks to hear: The way churches engage children may betray these unhealthy attitudes about kids:

That children are Chattel (kids are more of a nuisance or a necessary trial to be endured), Cherubs (an overly sentimental view where children are cherished mostly for their "cute factor"), or maybe Cheerleaders (where we bring kids out at happy times of the year and they're primarily appreciated for their entertainment value).

Does that hit hard? I can recall times past where we fell into those ways of thinking-- where a "children's sermon" was more about kids being a prop for the pastor to get a laugh, or when we brought out the kids on Mother's Day, kind of like decorations, to make us feel good. 

But Connie is calling churches to see children as Chosen-- warmly, wisely, and weekly-- a view that they and their gifts should be treasured and trained to lead in all aspects of worship-- all year around-- and fully integrated into the whole life of the church.

We must give children meaningful things to do in worship where they are not "rewarded" with applause, thereby teaching them that they can contribute in ways that aren't performance-based.

We must incorporate children into the mournful or difficult times of the church calendar, thereby teaching them that they have the capability to learn in those places, too.

And we must design ways, inside and outside of Sunday morning worship, where kids minister to and teach us-- where we receive from them-- thereby teaching them that we are teachable.

Let me recommend a wonderful conversation I had with Connie in our "Chapter House" and hear more from her about this trend toward integrating children into the full worshiping life of the church. Along the way, Connie also gave some practical ideas, mentioned some helpful Scriptures and resources, and even talked about the neglected ministry of blessing.

Thinking about Children's Ministry with Us,

Pastor Chris