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9.25.2009

QOTD: Babies being barred from the sanctuary

Kids under 2 being barred from the big sanctuary? Read about it here, and let me know what you think. Is it a big deal? Is it not?

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Here's my promised edit with my view.

I agree that it can be distracting for parents to have their baby in the sanctuary with them. BUT, I think it should be their choice as to whether or not have them in there with them. Cry rooms are great, but not all church congregations have them (we don't). I don't think we should force people to go out. I can guarantee that that will turn some people away, especially those who don't want their young babies in the nursery with strangers taking care of them.

As for others who find it distracting, my advice is to get over it. A little crying distraction never hurt anyone; as the community gets used to it, it'll get easier to tolerate. Plus, mothers don't leave crying babies in the sanctuary- they run out because they get nervous and embarrassed.

I think some good points were made in the comments below, both on blogger and facebook. Kids really do learn a lot through observation. During the years 0-3, the kids' brains learn the fastest. They are little sponges, and are very interested in learning what adults do. Sure, it may not all be age-appropriate, and I think it's nice for there to be options of a nursery where the kids are doing age-appropriate activities (singing songs, talking about stories, making crafts)....but, I think there needs to be times of observation as well. I'm not sure playing on a indoor playground is really investing in the children. Fun, sure, but .... ?

2 comments:

Bld424 said...

Oooooh, this seems like it could be highly offensive for his congregation! I bet they have a lot less families attend their church.

As for me, I am totally distracted by infant son during worship service. I am distracted by other kids during service. I haven't used the cry room yet, but I plan on it! I usually wear my baby in a sling and plan the morning around his nap time because I am concious of the congregation.

I know that part of being a Christian mom is teaching my children about our faith and sharing the tradition and process of worhsip service. I think its very important for them to see how adults response to God's word and how church "works". However, I doubt children before the age of 2 really need this experience. That is why I think children's church ministries are effective when they are blended with adult service - so the kids can see parts of the worship time, but then they go hear or do a special activity that is age appropriate while adults spend time in the Word and listening to the speakers.

Seeing a sign like that would put me off, even if I agree with the basic stance of the ministry. 50 screaming babies? Ah!

Ariah said...

Hmm... I totally agree that it should be their choice. While I totally understand the mindset that would think it's not appropriate for crying kids to be around during sermons, I think it's not the mindset and attitude we should have in the church. I like what you shared and I think it should become church policy.