Bible Question: Is it more of a distraction or a blessing to have little children and babies in the sanctuary during church? How does your church handle little babies and young children during church? |
Bible Answer: Nolan (and others)- I was raised in a church where the children had to sit quietly for over an hour or were threatened and taken out. Church was sober and very, very serious. I do not know of one child that grew up to enjoy being in church. It was a duty. I now belong to a church that welcomes and makes a place for the children. When church first starts we have faster praise music. The children enjoy singing their praises to the Lord. Babies are kept with their parents unless they are fussing and then we have a soundproof nursery in the back with viewing and sound. When the worship and teaching begins, along with the slower music, the young children go to children's church (4-10 years or so) and the toddlers and infants (if the parents want) go to toddlers church. The children see how much the adults love to worship and they learn that praising and worshipping God is something to look forward to.In their "church", they find learning about Jesus is something that is fun. I know it is not a distraction when small children sing praise songs and we are blessed by having conscientious parents of babies. |