Edifying & Thought Provoking Reads - 12/02/2013
Pun is intended in this article. Of course I would never encourage someone to stop going to church. This article does however reveal the pattern people usually follow unconsciously when they are in transition of slipping out of church. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18
To You Who Bring Small Children to Church
This article isn't for just those who bring small children to church, but would be a good read for all who attend church. At Napavine Baptist Church we do have a children's Sunday School, as we also have a Youth & Adult Bible Class. I think these times can be excellent learning experiences. However, for the regular church service we all meet to worship the Lord together as "one body" as they did in the New Testament (Matthew 18:1-5, 19:13-15, I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 6:1-4). God's people also met this way in the Old Testament as well (Deuteronomy 31:12-13, Ezra 10:1, Nehemiah 8:1-2).
We want to follow the Biblical pattern and encourage families worshipping the Lord together. I also admittedly acknowledge that sometimes new families may visit and are not used to the concept, and at times feel embarrassed if their child makes a little noise, afraid they are distracting everybody else. Sometimes they may even feel "There's no point in coming to church, as I can't get anything out of it because I am constantly trying to get my child to sit perfectly still." Be sure to read the above linked post, I think it'll help you feel a little bit more relaxed. And church family, we want to do our best to make visiting families feel comfortable in church even if their child wiggles some and makes a little noise. Let them know that it is a blessing to have them and their children in church.
To You Who Bring Small Children to Church
This article isn't for just those who bring small children to church, but would be a good read for all who attend church. At Napavine Baptist Church we do have a children's Sunday School, as we also have a Youth & Adult Bible Class. I think these times can be excellent learning experiences. However, for the regular church service we all meet to worship the Lord together as "one body" as they did in the New Testament (Matthew 18:1-5, 19:13-15, I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 6:1-4). God's people also met this way in the Old Testament as well (Deuteronomy 31:12-13, Ezra 10:1, Nehemiah 8:1-2).We want to follow the Biblical pattern and encourage families worshipping the Lord together. I also admittedly acknowledge that sometimes new families may visit and are not used to the concept, and at times feel embarrassed if their child makes a little noise, afraid they are distracting everybody else. Sometimes they may even feel "There's no point in coming to church, as I can't get anything out of it because I am constantly trying to get my child to sit perfectly still." Be sure to read the above linked post, I think it'll help you feel a little bit more relaxed. And church family, we want to do our best to make visiting families feel comfortable in church even if their child wiggles some and makes a little noise. Let them know that it is a blessing to have them and their children in church.
Here is a well done review and critique by Tim Chaffey of Answers in Genesis, of the latest book written by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard.
Any thoughts on these blogposts? Share any ideas of how we can be more aware of it when people slowly start to disengaged from church and maybe need some encouragement. Any ideas on how to better minister to young families with children who may feel apprehensive their children are being a distraction even though they really are not? If so, leave a comment.
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