As a mom of three grown boys, a grandmother of five, and an occasional children's Bible-class teacher, I have noticed some major changes in how good, God-loving people approach biblical instruction for the younger generation.
If there's one thing I could advise young parents to do, it's to make sure your children are getting sound biblical teaching as early as possible. We cannot leave the instruction of our young people up to schools, to themselves, or to the internet and TV. We must teach them at home, while also ensuring that church Bible classes take priority over going to the lake, playing ball, or just sleeping in on Sunday morning.
I attend a small congregation, and nothing pleases me more than to hear young children during preaching. I am so glad they are there. Children begin learning from a very young age, so those who say they’ll wait to bring a child to church until he’s older miss out on valuable instruction time.
Children do have a hard time sitting still, however, and so there is a point where parents can legitimately take them out of a church service for a break or a reset. But keeping children at home because they’re too much trouble or an embarrassment for the parents is a big mistake.
Another issue that may impede church attendance for young children is the entertainment factor. It's so tempting to hand a child a screen to make our lives easier, especially since today’s kids are accustomed to Disney World-type entertainment. Because of this, it’s easy for parents to fall into the trap of thinking they must find a church where their children will have fun and be entertained.
Yet it’s important to remember how addicting and overstimulating videos and electronic games can be. Research shows that excessive screen time for children can affect their physical health, brain development, social skills, and emotional well-being. It can also impair language development, behavior, and critical thinking.
We need to remember this when it comes to selecting a church. I find that many go too far in trying to make church fun, completely missing the most important part of teaching children about God and Jesus, thus failing to build a foundation where children will understand the history of our world and how to get to Heaven. Bible class is not babysitting, yet those who think young children can't learn, may use it that way.
As a member of a small congregation where the average age is older, I find myself wondering how we continue to advance God’s kingdom and ensure that the next generations will come and grow into faithful Christians.
For starters, we shouldn’t treat babies, toddlers, or even sulky teenagers as if we don't see them. We should let them know we are happy to have them there. We should find ways to encourage them, treating them like God's precious children.
My 5-year-old granddaughter, for instance, LOVES to go to church. Her parents take her Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings unless someone is sick. She loves her church friends, and her teachers provide interesting classes, giving her a surprising amount of Bible knowledge. Yet when she attended church with me one Sunday, she told me how much the teacher loved to see her. I asked how she knew. Her answer: "She told me!"
I made a note to myself that even though I no longer have children to take to church, I can do my part to help by making children feel welcome.
We are all on earth to be God's helpers, getting as many people as possible to Heaven. We start by taking care of our own salvation. Then we teach those in our homes, churches and communities.
Mission work in foreign countries is great, but perhaps we should start closer to home by focusing on today’s children.
Linda Harbison Baker, the former Chief Development Officer for 1819 News, is now happily enjoying retired life playing with her grandchildren. She was lifestyle editor of the Daily Mountain Eagle when newspapers were still printed and has raised funds for nonprofit organizations for several years.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
