Children Belong With Us In Worship
Our worship at St John’s is corporate, that is to say the entire body of Christ gathers together as one. As the congregation sings all the voices of the church unite. When God’s people read the confessions of our faith they confess the same truth in unity. When God’s people hear the public prayers, they voice a loud “Amen” together. Children benefit from witnessing and participating in this unity. As a result we have hope that children will stay in church for most of the service. For those times when a separate space is required, families are welcome to bring their children into the Narthex where they can continue to listen via a set of lobby speakers controlled by a dial on the wall.
God Is For Children
Our children also learn that God is for them. When we include children in the corporate worship service, we communicate that they too can worship the one true God. Christianity isn’t an adult-only religion so it is that worship isn’t adult-only either. God calls on all people to worship him. When we exclude children from the corporate worship service, we are communicating to them that the things of God, the good news of Jesus, and the universal human need of a Saviour aren’t for them.
Children Are Imitators
Children pay special attention to the adults in their life, especially their own parents or carers. They learn to observe and discern the things that their parents or carers deem important and what gives them delight. Bringing our children into worship lets them observe the importance and delight of the corporate worship service in the life of their parents. If they aren’t in worship, they won’t ever see that delight, and few things have greater effect on our children’s spiritual lives. Parents and carers are to be the primary spiritual guide in the lives of their children, however the church is willing and able to help you in this work. Speak to our Vicar or one of the Wardens if you would like help sourcing appropriate resources, or would like your child to be catechised for Baptism or Confirmation.