January 21, 2002
TOGETHER:
Bless the children in our churches
___The room was full of wonderful people who love children and have given their lives to working with them in our churches. Diane Lane, the Baptist General Convention of Texas preschool and children's consultant in Bible study/discipleship, had asked me to meet with these gifted and eager leaders.
___My wife, Rosemary, spoke first, recalling a Sunday morning years ago. Virginia Oswalt, our preschool minister, was trying to find me for a meeting with parents of 4-year-olds. I had agreed to talk to them about bringing their children into "big church" for the first time. Rosemary asked Virginia: "Why would you ever want him to talk to parents about helping their children come into church? He's never sat with one child through a service!" Virginia asked Rosemary to come and talk to the parents the next year. It was a good choice.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___You can tell if a church is a Jesus kind of church by how they treat children. Some people seem to come to church looking for any scuffed wall or other sign that a child has been around. But others have heard Jesus say, "Let the children come unto me, and do not hinder them." They thrill at the sight of children in and around the church buildings. They watch for ways to invite children to church and to make them welcome.
___Children have God's full attention. Jesus said, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 18:10). It appears that angels who watch after the children are just a breath away from the heart of God.
___Children are never to be second-class citizens in a community of Christians. Church-growth experts point out that providing quality facilities and loving, well-trained adult leadership for preschoolers and children is one of the top five factors in a church being able to grow. That is true. But even if it were not, the church that loves Jesus will love children and care for them faithfully.
___A church is wise to pour good money and good leadership into its work with the boys and girls God has trusted to its care. God bless the hundreds of vocational ministers and the thousands of dedicated volunteers who work with children in our churches.
___The Bible says children are to be taught to know God and his love and will for them (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Teach them the stories of how God has worked in the life of your community, and teach them the meaning of the symbols of our faith.
___The Bible also tells us that children are to be protected (Matthew 18:6). In one of his harshest statements recorded in Scripture, Jesus expresses horror at the thought that anyone would cause a child to stumble. Churches are right to exercise great caution and do background checks when it comes to qualifying people to help take care of our children. And church members should watch carefully their discussion of issues and personalities in their church. Children and teenagers are hurt worse by church disputes than anyone else.
___God bless the called women and men--vocational ministers and committed volunteers--who serve their Lord by caring for the children. Bless them as they show the rest of us how to teach and bless the children in our families and in our churches.
___We are loved.
Get printer-friendly version of this story
Send this story to a friend
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!/ Signup for FirstLook
