Family Worship, Pt. 1

Posted by Jimi Williams on Mar 28, 2011 | 3 comments

Ever since the Bridge began, one of it’s core values has been families worshiping together. This is evident in our Sunday Gatherings as all our children kindergarten and up are encouraged to stay with their families for singing before heading upstairs for kids ministry groups.

As the Bridge continues to grow, this value will be challenged. There soon will come a Sunday at our present location when there will be no more seating available for guests. Then the question will be raised about why we don’t just send the kids on to ministry groups at the start of the gathering.

Here are a few reasons why we feel it is important for the kids to be in our gatherings:

• Families are running every direction during the week – dropping kids off at school, sports practice, recitals and a hundred other activities. Most families struggle to eat dinner together more than a couple times per week. Isn’t it nice to know that when we gathering together on Sunday morning that families can enjoy a little time together in the presence of their heavenly Father?
• Kids imitate what they see. What a great example to see mom and dad singing praise songs to Jesus! I’m so glad that my boys have grown up watching Jennifer and I engage in worship. I’ve never had to tell either of them that it is right and good to worship God. They see it every week.
• Kids are valuable too. Too often we shuffle kids and teens around to accommodate us adults. When we do this, we send the message that they are not as valuable as “grown ups”. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.” Kids matter to God.

I know that family worship isn’t always warm and fuzzy. It’s amazing how kids can tear through the building chasing one another before the gathering, then become completely lethargic once worship begins. “I’m so tired! I can’t stand up!” However, I think the rewards outweigh the costs.

Those whining, lifeless kids stretched out on the chairs are tomorrow’s church leaders. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. They need to see our passion for God modeled for them.

Pastor Jimi