You may have noticed over the last 18 months or so, there has been an increase in the number of children running around the church. We sometimes have 10 or more toddlers and babies in the nursery and a good number more in our Sunday School classes. This has been a huge blessing for us as a church family. We didn’t have any major ad campaigns aimed at families with young children. No huge billboards with my ugly mug on it, urging parents to bring their kids to Grace Community. These families and their children, along with all the other people who have joined us recently, are God’s gifts of grace to us.
At the recent 25th anniversary, I mentioned that while it was a time for looking back in remembrance, it was also a time to pivot with anticipation and hope for the future. A big part of the future will rest on God showing His favor and salvation to these children. It is why many are in despair as they look at recent numbers that show young people leaving the church in droves. There is reason for concern and we should examine our hearts and our practices to see if there are places where repentance and change are needed. At the same time, I am hopeful because I know that God is faithful and He will continue to sustain His church.
We don’t have the ability to change the hearts of these children. Only God can do that by the power of the Holy Spirit. However, we can provide a place where these kids experience expressions of love and welcome. They should sense that we are glad they are here. Megan Hill recently wrote an article for The Gospel Coalition on tiny ways to welcome kids in church. I share some of her suggestions below and encourage you to either continue or take up some of these practices.
Some of her suggestions are:
- Smile and look kids in the eye
- Say hello
- Get down on their level while also giving them personal space
- Learn kids’ names (NB - This is one of the reasons we did the recent church directory - PJ) and use them and tell them your name
- Ask them about their interests and how you can pray for them. Be sure to follow up
- Regularly greet the shy and reserved kids
- Tell them you are glad they are here and give them a high five, fist bump, or handshake and when worship is over, tell them you hope to see them next week
- If a kid wants to tell you a story, take time to stop and listen
- Carry mints or other small treats to share (with parent permission)
- Be prepared to apologize when you need forgiveness and be prepared to forgive when a child apologizes to you
- Notice kids who are lost or confused and ask if there is anything you can do to help
- If you are serving in some way, ask kids to help you
- Encourage kids when you see them doing something helpful or kind
These are just a few ways that we can make kids feel welcome here at GCC. They may seem like small and insignificant gestures. But could it be that it is through little displays of love and concern that Jesus will build His church? It does seem to be the way He works. Perhaps we should join Him in it and let the little children come for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14).
