This is a great topic Shannon. I think one of the things that helped the most with my children was giving them "Big Church" "jobs" from the time they were very little. Little ones so want to be grown up and do grown up things. My two year old grandson is always wanting to "help" or "do it myself." They can greet, pass out bulletins, help daddy usher, etc. By the time they were teenagers, I think my boys had more responsibilities in the worship service than I did.

That may not help with the challenge to sit quietly in the pew, but it sure cut down on the whining about going when they knew they had a job and were needed.

I can appreciate this post, so much, and I love Patricia's suggestion.

(Took a break, here to spank children. Now I'm winded. What was I saying?)

I was raised in a teeny country church, where all ages were in the sanctuary, unless, of course, your mother took you out to the car for a whupping or you had to use the outhouse. It was THAT little, and not that long ago.  My mom wasn't really all that concerned that we have fun at church, which, looking back, amazes me that we didn't rebel! It was not discussed or debated, we just went because she was Mom and she said we were.

That being said, she put us on either side of her, and after the greeting and hymns, she'd allow us to color, in our laps, eat marshmallows and raisins from a bag (no crumbs, no noise), draw on legal pads.  She saved those coloring books specifically for church, so they would be fresh to us.  Funny thing is, we heard the sermons and actually absorbed the content!  

(Here's where I break into Old-Timer From Little House on the Prairie...) Kids have been entertained a lot and mine are no exception. I'm looking forward to reading the responses to your post, because I can sure use some inspiration.  My kids love to go to church, even if it's just old people, because they get to SEE PEOPLE! But I know those 2nd Grade days are a-comin' and I'm taking notes!

(The two-year old just emerged from his bedroom and announced, "I done screamin, Mama!", so I'd better wrap this up.)

I haven't had a lot of experience with this yet, since my oldest is still in "kids' church" until June.  Since that time is coming quickly, I am very interested in other's responses.  We have taken drawing or coloring materials for the few evening services in which our kids have joined us.  

A friend once told me she folded a piece of paper into several squares and had her children write sentences or draw pictures of something they heard the pastor talk about.  The older the child, the more squares needed to be filled.  I haven't tried it but thought it was worth remembering.

Our church is good about teaching the children some of the same worship songs we sing in "big church."  Then they understand the words and can sing along when they join their parents.

Maybe I'll have more ideas in a few months, but for now that is about it.

I've been getting the sermon ideas and notes (if he has them) ahead of time and trying to come up with a worksheet to help my 6th and 3rd grader to follow the sermon better.  If I can't come up with something like that, I resort to have them draw concepts from the sermon.  Once, I sat there and would write questions that I thought of during the sermon and would hand them to the kids to answer - but I don't prefer that one because it distracts me and also I wonder if other people think we're "passing notes"!  :-)  Also, for songs, I've been using the song list for the week to practice the songs so that the kids aren't struggling so much to just learn the songs.

I would love to get with other parents who want to engage their kids more in big church and come up with some more ideas!  (obviously at CBC for this one)

I actually had no idea this was an issue because the churches we have attended typically have youth services through middle or high school. Is that not common with other churches? With J.P. having Autism, I can't imagine trying to get him to sit in Big Church at this point. The noise alone would overwhelm him.

Thanks so much for all of the input!  I now believe I have more questions than answers, which is a great place to start!

Patricia, I love your idea.  What about a family that hasn't gotten very involved yet?  Any thoughts?

Farmer's Wife, you have hit on a key issue:  Does the church have a responsibility to be 'child centered'?  Also, how has the entertainment industry influenced how our children will approach church?  

Mandi, How do you get the sermon notes ahead of time?  And by 'song list', do you mean the songs sung the week before?  Also, when does interaction become distracting?  How much is too much?

Jenifer, Just before I read your note, I read an email from a mom who keeps her children with her in church from infancy because she feels they get more out of the adult service than the youth service.  (Quite a contrast from how you're feeling!)

In the churches where even the high school students had a youth service, did you notice any attrition after the kids graduated and were expected to join the adults?  Also, do you think those kids felt more connected to the church, since their youth service was tailored to their age?  Or do you think they felt less connected to their church since they were segregated by age group?  

Thanks again, so much for all of the input!

I had a response written and system burped. Grr.

All right, the system has killed TWO of my posts and I am starting to think God wants me to edit what I write. :)

Our last church is an anomaly. Most attendees are lifelong members. Attrition is not an issue. I can't use it as a good example.

I think children learn best at their level. I wouldn't send my seven-year-old into a college theology class and expect him to understand. We only attend churches that have strong youth programming through high school. I want my kids to love church and I think that best happens when the teaching is at their level.

Also, if you have to entertain your kids while they are in Big Church, what's the point?

I think children shouldn't be required to go to big church until they are older.  I think they could handle it in 6th grade somewhat.  Why do we put them in a place where we have a hard time comprehending everything at times.  Many churches have the children join the song service and then go back during the sermon.  This would certainly help the transition when they hit 6th grade and had to stay the whole time.

Shannon,

Even at Spring Creek this is now a big issue for us. Now, after the kids are in 1st grade they come to "big church".  Growing up there, I was in children's programming until 5th grade and LOVED it!  I think our issue is that it's too big to staff.  I am praying about it to and welcome more dialogue b/c honestly, I think there are SO MANY great Bible stories/character qualities to work on with children and I'm not ready to "give up" on children's church.  Plus, every week Caleb doesn't want to go and it does break my heart--even though we go and he usually is fine when done!

Over the next ten Saturdays, I'll post a ‘ Big Church ' idea to try with your ‘little people''

Over ten Saturdays, I'm posting ‘Big Church' ideas to try with your ‘little people''

Many of you would say yes (read comments from previous post ). And honestly, your concerns are being