Serves Two Functions: Kids have a worship experience “at their level” “better or kids to get something out of worship” Adults receive a moment’s respite for undisturbed worship

Seriousness Of The Departure Involved Saul contended he had obeyed God when in fact he had not done so – 1 Samuel 15:3 Took Agag alive and spared best of the sheep for sacrifice – 1 Samuel 15:9 “I have performed the commandment of the Lord” – 1 Samuel 15:13 Samuel set record straight – 1 Samuel 15:24

Jesus Recognized Two Sources Of Authority Matthew 21:25 “from heaven or from men?” Goal of the lesson is to find our whether “children’s church” is from God or from men

We Look For Biblical Examples Of Children Separated In Worship There Are NONE! Many don’t care about Bible Authority Forget such passages as: Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18-19 Teaches us that one cannot add or take from God’s word

Examples Of Children Present In Worship To God Deuteronomy 31:12,13 “women and little ones” Children to learn and hear – fear God Matthew 14:21 “besides women and children” Children present and witnessing miracles He used to teach Matthew 15:38 “besides women and children.” Mark 10:13,14 “Let the little children come…”

Obviously Not Of God Things men want are not always pleasing to God Galatians 1:10 “For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Paul says we cannot serve man and please God at the same time

Where Did It Come From? Latter half of the 20th century, part of youth centered focus in Protestant congregations. Came from belief that pleasing & socializing youth would create growth & increase retention. Studies have shown that youth retention declined with the youth movement Some already moving away from the youth minister practice.

What Are The Major Objections To Children’s Church? Adult Christians who lead are forsaking the assembling of ourselves together Where is the Biblical authorization for some to miss to provide an alternative program for children? This is a violation of Hebrews 10:25 “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, …”

What Are The Major Objections To Children’s Church? Children’s Church deprives the children of things they need to learn – Ephesians 6:4 Each child needs to learn the discipline of sitting still, of concentration, of having an attention span longer than a 30 second commercial Each child need to learn what true worship is Each child needs to learn what true, good, sound preaching is

What Are The Major Objections To Children’s Church? Is it any wonder that today’s generation want to be entertained during their assemblies for worship? If you give a child Children’s Church to keep him entertained instead of teaching him true worship, if your allow VBS to be primarily shouting, raucous, noise with a sporting-event atmosphere, and if you send him to Youth Rallies with entertain with skits, parties, concerts – why be shocked when he doesn’t want to worship decently and in order as an adult? (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Never Be Deceived By What Seems To Be Right Proverbs 14:12 “there is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” Elders have authority to call saints together for specific purposes – Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1,2; Hebrews 13:17

“Children’s Church” Popular “Youth Ministry” – But Not From God Children best served by learning to sit quietly and in reverence for God in the assemblies Seeing adults, Bibles in hand, turning to God’s Word with hunger for growth Seeing adults taking notes Sitting next to parents singing praises to God

Children And Adults Missing From Designated Assembly Of The Saints Is Sinful Let us be more concerning with proper teaching and examples for our children (Proverbs 22:6) Rather than leaving them with the idea that the Church of our Lord is a country club focused on socialization where they can do things according to their own will and desire