I have a feeling that I will be touching an interesting topic in the following posts. Too many churches don’t deal with it and therefore, too many children’s churches or services don’t deal with it…
I’m talking about the proper use of an altar time – or prayer time in your children’s ministry service. You say – “an altar time in a children’s ministry?” Yes, unless room for response is made, many times people will only go to an altar a few times in their life; once when, or if they get married… and/or when they get saved. And of course there is that possibility, if they come when they have no where else to turn.
I believe an altar time plays a vital role in the maturing of the child’s walk with God as well as the intensity of the service. I will get into the how’s, what’s, why’s and so-forth in the upcoming posts. I promise; I won’t become super-spiritual on this, nor will I be lazy in my definition and practics during these posts… I do welcome your responses.
I totally agree with you! It is a great way to interact with kids one on one and help them to understand more about God and how to listen to the voice of God. I LOVE That Idea for CM!!! You have a anointing for this and it truly blesses my heart! I love to serve with you all! BRING IT ON!! I have been on alter team's and gone down many times in my life for the support of my family in christ! Blessings and Prayer to you Pastor Jamie!
love the topic and look forward to what you're going to share. I know this — that the things we spend time on displays our priorities. That's true in my home, and also in my kids church.
Jamie…This is good stuff. Look forward to seeing more.
The Lord smacked me a year ago and said what are you? I said, "I'm a children's pastor." He responded, "No your not!" I said, "Lord what do you mean?" He said, You'll be a children's pastor when you start teaching my kids how to pray, worship, & hear my voice. When they are in trouble do they know how to pray? As they get older are they going to recognize my voice as I try to lead and call them? If they don't know how to worship how will I know if they love me or not?
If you teach them and lead them in these then you call yourself a children's pastor."
After the Lord told me that we made huge changes to our Sunday Service. I'm glad I did because now the children are growing, but I had a sacrifice a few tricks, games, sets, and fun things to make room for the later. It was worth it and by the way the kids didn't complain when I made the changes, they followed….
Thanks for the post. I have found more and more that churches are not made to include children. They are designed to keep children busy while the adults do there thing and as you pointed out once their thing is over it is time to go. I have also found that if other parents children are being noisy or disruptive then there is cause for concern because their worship has been disrupted. Being a parent of young children I have come to understand this church dynamic. Our worship includes our children, it should not be despite them. Anyways I'm off topic as usual, thanks for the post.
Richard – thanks for the insight. I think that as Children's Ministry people, we are very aware of the happenings at our own churches – but forget that there are still so many churches that do not place a high priority on children and families.
Richard, keep up the good work and if I can ever be of help to you let me know!