I am giving you a "soapbox" warning on this post: meaning I am getting on my soapbox about something.
Over the last few days, I have been chewing on this subject because I was in church on Sunday a person behind me kept saying "Amen", "Yes, Brother", etc to everything the pastor said. I mean everything the pastor said. It got to the point that I was so distracted by him, I got to the point of anticipating the next Amen. On the way home from church our topic of conversation in the car turned to this gentleman and his style of worship vs. babies in church. We just do not understand how a baby gurgling or even crying if it is not a full blown cry is any more distracting than this gentleman.
Our church has had a baby boom over the last year. I am not sure of the number of babies but I think we have had about 10-12 babies born over the past year. There is a nice nursery in the church but a lot of new parents like to have their babies with them in church for a few months. There has been a great debate over when the right time to take babies to the nursery and when to remove the babies from the service is. I think if a parent wants to bring their baby or toddler to church it is their right. Other people think babies should never be in church, they should go right to the nursery that is why it is provided. I do not think anyone has a right to tell parents that they have to put their baby in a nursery even at church. I think we should feel welcome at church of all places. Do people really think the sermon on the mount was quiet? But when people started complaining about the children, what did Jesus say?
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
Interesting you should post this. I think you do have a valid point with an adult who could be potentially distracting vs. a baby/toddler who is a service. I know I have had to leave the sanctuary a few times when my little ones wanted to walk around. I remember a pastor I was under who did not have children, was very insensitive around children. It got to the point my family left because the children were not welcomed. Mind you, my children were never loud, but it was just the presence of children...yes even a sleeping baby. I am glad you posted this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the response!
DeleteChildren of God are always welcome in his home. :)
ReplyDelete