July 17, 2000
FAMILY MATTERS:
Help your child prepare for 'big church'
___Our preschooler now must attend worship with the family. How can I help her?
KAY TOWERS
Program Coordinator
LifeWay Fellowship, Killeen
___This will be an exciting time to model how to worship God and the importance you as a family place on worship.
___First, realize your child is a preschooler and not a little adult. This is a new experience for her. She's not going to be perfect. She's going to wiggle, get tired and probably even talk in "big church."
___Preparation for Sunday should begin during the week. Talk about how pleased you are she will be going to worship with you. Let her hear you thank God for the joy of sitting together in church. Sing songs or choruses that she will hear during worship. Explain the different things that will happen during this time on Sunday. If possible, go to the worship center ahead of time. Make arrangements for her to meet the pastor or some of the worship leaders before Sunday morning.
___On Sunday, take her to the restroom and to get a drink between Sunday School and worship. Let her receive her own bulletin from the ushers as she enters. Having her own bulletin says she is important.
___If your church uses hymnals, help her find the hymns ahead of time and mark them. If your church uses a screen for music, explain to her that is where the words will show while the people are singing.
___Locate the Scripture passage in her Bible and mark it. It is important to remember that even if she can't read and understanding everything, she needs to participate.
___Remember, she may have many questions. Take advantage of teachable moments. When she asks, answer her question right then, in a quiet tone. After church, she probably won't remember the question, nor will it be important at that time. Make your answer brief. Use words she can understand.
___Two books I have found to be helpful on this subject are: "When I Go to Church--An Introduction to Congregational Worship for Preschoolers," by Kay Henry; and "Parenting in The Pew," by Robbie Castleman.
___Worship is one of the most important things you ever will model for your child. It should be observed as something you enjoy doing because of your relationship to the Lord. What joy awaits you as you watch your child begin to grow in her worship of God. Your joy will grow as you realize God allows you to be a vital part of the process.
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