Children Leading Worship?
January 27, 2009
|
Posted by Ray Fowler
One of our stated core values as a church is that the church is for children as well as for adults.
“We believe that children can become believers, grow spiritually and serve the church body, and therefore, we will have ministries designed to equip and facilitate this process.” (from Agawam Church of the Bible Core Values Statement)
As a result, we encourage our young people to serve in the church. Probably the most visible way our young people serve is on the church worship team, but others help with Sunday morning set-up, running the sound system, children’s church, nursery, and other areas. So I found it interesting to read that John Calvin also encouraged children to serve in the musical ministry of the church.
“The ministers expect the singing of psalms to have a positive influence on the prayers and on the glorification of the name of God. A number of qualified children are to be selected to lead the congregation in the singing of the psalms.” (Wulfert de Greef, The Writings of John Calvin, p. 111)
Does your church encourage young people to serve? If so, in what ways?
Categories: Children, Church, Music
|
Leave a reply
Hi Ray, Yes I agree on involving our youngsters in the worship life and and ministry in the church fellowship. We have children who sing and play instruments… why not let them utilise their God given gifts in His praise. The children are encouraged to participate with songs, dance (coreographed), bible lessons learned in Sunday School and in taking up the offering. They simply love being servants of the Lord.
Blessings
Diana
I agree. If children and teenagers merely come to church to be “entertained” and their entire experience at church is one of receiving teaching, but not giving anything…it is too easy to find other avenues as an adult that also don’t require anything of them and to feel that church is not necessary. If, however, even as children and teens, they are taught that they are needed (which they are) and are an important part of the body of Christ, then they will view the church not only as a place where they can grow but also a place where they can serve. We all are called to work in His kingdom and that sense of purpose when one finds one’s gifts is hugely satisfying. 🙂 Sounds like your church has truly valued this, Ray. That’s great!