SUNDAY WORSHIP WITH CHILDREN – PART TWO

A Time to Teach Structure

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…But all things should be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40

A worship service has a structure to it. We have a time for the scriptures, announcements, singing, praying, and a message. This is all mapped out so that it flows well together so the message is heard loud and clear. Children need structure in their lives. This doesn’t come about naturally; it has to be taught. If we don’t teach structure, then children will create their own way of doing things. Training your children in self-control helps as we look at teaching how to follow the structure. We’ll tackle the one thing that is used by children as an escape from the service: the bathroom.

A time for bathroom privileges.

1. Scheduled Stop
There should be a scheduled stop for the bathroom before the service begins. This should become a habit. You want to let your children know that you care about their needs. It will be a time when you join them so that everybody goes, so to speak. This scheduled stop takes the place of getting up during the service.

2. Kleenex
Make sure that during your stop in the bathroom, you pick up at least two Kleenex each for your children. If they need to blow their nose during service, you already have the Kleenex to give to them. The nose is another excuse to leave the worship service. Be prepared.

3. Service Stop
If your child needs to go to the bathroom during the service, you need to go with him. If there is truly a need to go, you will know the legitimacy of it when you accompany your child.

4. Emergency
An emergency is understandable. What we need to keep in perspective is that our children can play for over two hours without a bathroom break. Therefore, “regular” emergencies are not acceptable.

A time to prepare for all the structured parts of a worship service.

1. Bulletin
Use the bulletin to explain to your children ahead of time what is going to happen during your time in the service.

2. During the Service

Use the bulletin during the service to show the children what part of the service you are experiencing. This will keep them engaged and looking for what will happen next.