Children in the Church

A few weeks ago we found ourselves in a different town on a Sunday morning. We figured we'd check out a church in the area that we had heard some good things about. A very, very large church. A mega-church is not our type of church but we're open to trying something new. We drove up and there were tons of greeters, plenty of smiles and warm welcomes. We walked into the atrium (about the size of Texas) and were quite overwhelmed by all the people, tv's, music, so much going on. As we were deciding if we should sit in the balcony or not, a greeter came over with a big smile on her face and asked if we knew where to take the children. I replied that it was our first time visiting and we were just going to keep them with us. (We often keep at least the baby with us even at our own church.) With the smile on her face she then said, "Oh, ok, so then you'll be worshiping here in the atrium." WHAT??!! My husband said, "What do you mean?" and she told us that children are not allowed in the sanctuary until 6th grade. Again, WHAT??!!

"Let the little children come unto me..."

We did not stay for the service. A church that does not welcome children is not the place for us. When we got home I went on their website and looked up their children's ministry. It details how they have a special kids ministry dedicated to teaching them about Jesus on their level. It says they are so passionate about kids learning about Jesus in a way they can understand they do not allow them in the main sanctuary. Not even babies. They have a special room for moms and babies.

Now I understand that children can become disruptive during service. I have 3. I know they wiggle. I also understand that if I take them in service with me that I have to take responsibility to take them out if they begin to disrupt others. But to forbid them to come in.... that just breaks my heart and angers me.

We have been in the process of looking for a church or starting a small home church. We have struggled, prayed, anguished, and gone through many different emotions as we've decided to leave our church we've attended the last 3 years. God is taking us on a new path, a new chapter of our lives. And without a doubt we know that we will go to a church that accepts children.

"... for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."