Little People, Big Faith
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When I began volunteering in children's church many years ago, I did it out of a sense of duty. I figured by giving up one Sunday a month to tend to everyone else's kids, I'd gain three Sundays in church without my own. I envisioned myself soaking up biblical knowledge on those Sundays, unhampered by continuous whining and numerous trips to the bathroom. Not a bad deal.
Over the years I've come to realize, however, that for all I planned to learn in "adult" church, some of the most important lessons I've gleaned have come as I sat on a tiny plastic chair among a throng of sometimes jittery but always enlightening children. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like little children, and I can see why. They've got it all figured out.
Here are four universal truths I learned in children's church.
Lesson 1: Worship with abandon
Children love show-and-tell. Often on Sunday mornings, a child comes with a new toy or an exciting story he or she wants to share. But one morning I was greeted with a different type of show-and-tell request.
"I have a dance I want to show everybody," six-year-old Meredith said confidently.
"Sure," I answered and quieted all the children. "Meredith would like to show us her—" I turned to Meredith. "Is it a tap dance? A ballet dance?"
She shrugged. "It's just a dance," she said matter-of-factly.
"Okay. Meredith, take it away." I settled in one of the tiny chairs to await what I assumed would be a number from a recent recital or dance class. Suddenly, in a loud, self-assured voice, she began to sing a popular praise and worship song. As she sang, she spun wildly around the floor, waving her hands in the air and swaying her hips in every direction.
I quickly scanned the audience to make sure none of the kids were laughing; obviously, this was an impromptu number. But the other children were watching with rapt attention. Then I looked back at Meredith. From the look on her face, she couldn't have cared less what the other kids thought of her dance. Clearly, she was dancing for an audience of One.
When she finished, the room erupted in applause and Meredith took a sweeping bow.
"Meredith," I said, "that was wonderful." She just smiled and sat.
Often when I'm praising God, I'm more concerned with my reputation than I should be. What if someone is watching? What if I look foolish?
Then I remember Meredith and her dance of abandon. And I try to emulate her, forgetting my inhibitions and offering up my praise to an audience of One.
Lesson 2: Pray with faith
Each Sunday we have a time of prayer requests when the children share things that are on their minds or near their hearts. We often pray for a sick grandparent, an upcoming t-ball game, or a misunderstanding with a friend. And we pray a lot for pets.
This last concern was on the mind of Alana one morning. "Please pray for my cat, Smokey," she said solemnly.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 2009, January/February, Vol. 31, Issue 1, Page 26
Related Topics:
Children, Church, Faith, Love, Motherhood, Prayer, Worship
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jessie
very encouraging and wonderful article!
Michelle
It's so important that we realize that everybody has some knowledge or talent to contribute. We don't just discount children but others that don't fit into our boxes of who is qualified and who isn't--who is worth listening to and who isn't. But when we listen to children we are more likely to listen to everybody with patience and discernment. When we are willing to learn from these people we are truly teachable. Such a quality has a value beyond measure in every area of life. Wonderful article!
Monnie
Ephrem, I feel sorry for you as you do not seem to know what it means to be truly real with Christ. Yes, its very important that we pray within Gods will but God also knows our hearts longings and desires. They are not hidden from Him no matter how "scripturally" we may pray. Maybe praying for a cat isn't important to you but it was to that little girl and that little girl is extremely important to God. Its not for us to say what is and what isn't Gods will for others. By doing so we are saying we are equal to God in His knowledge. Whats important is that we come to Him believing He is who He says He is and that with Him nothing is impossible.
Ephrem Hagos
Praying for a lost cat, like many of our prayers, is completely outside the contract on prayer Jesus taught (Matt. 6: 9-13) and summarized in verse 33. No wonder the cat never came home!
Lynn Delport
Reading your article let me realise in this time and age we are living in, we must have the faith and hopes that kids have. I am from South Africa, and have a 8 year old and through her eyes I see the world sometimes without crime, without pain, all just laughter. Kids do not see colour, do not see the difference, we all are the same and like my little one tell her brother who is 22 years old, they can not help the way they look they just been born like that. I loved your article it just let me think if more of us just put down our heads and be a kid again for a day, the world would be a better place.
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