I apologize for such the long break, sometimes life gets busy. But during this time I have had a chance to see God really do some great things in a group of kids. During our Kids Church (B.I.G.) on Sunday mornings my staff and I like to encourage the kids to worship. Normally we will start with what we refer to as a warm-up song, something that gets them moving, out of their shell and also to burn off a little extra energy. From there we will lead them in worship, using songs that they hear during our adult services. We use tracks, videos, live music and even a Capella.
They really worship, lifting their voices, hands and hearts to the Lord. We shout, cry, dance, clap our hands and do our best to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. They watch the adult staff, as we worship and they follow suit. Many times during worship the presence of God moves and they are taught to respond. I believe they are beginning to know what it like to feel God and what happens when we respond.
During our Sunday Night Celebration services, there is usually thirty to forty kids sitting up front waiting for service to start. Once worship starts, they begin to worship, singing, praising and dancing before God. I have heard a few times from others that these kids are just playing, or even mocking. Some have said they are just kids, they don’t really know what they are doing. To others, it just strikes a nerve, how could parents let their kids behave like that.
I guess my first question would be if our eyes were on God and we were worshiping as well, would we see them? Maybe the focus is on the wrong thing. Second, are they really playing? For the most part, they are not. They are doing what they have been trained to do, respond to God with praise and worship. Is that really so bad?
It was during these worship services that I saw a kid that said they haven’t seen their dad in years, begin to worship and cry before God. Another that has had thoughts of suicide, another that is tormented by nightmares, and another that has been bullied all week begin to pour theirs hearts out during worship, responding to God and God responding to them.
The Bible says to train up a child, teach them, instruct them, be an example to them. Life can be hard, even for a kid, but there is a God that loves them and cares for them. The same as He loves and cares for me. Why wouldn’t we want our kids to know and feel this same God? Let’s train them up, let’s be an example to them. Keeping our eyes on God, as they follow us.
Thoughts from the Armchair Dad 