In Their Own Voice

A healthy congregation finds ways for the young people to express their personal walk with Christ with their church family.

By Dishon Mills, Pastor, Steele Creek, NC

We have started a tradition at Grace Communion Steele Creek called Family Sundays. Every fifth Sunday, we have a special service geared towards our younger members — our children and youth. Instead of dismissing our young people to the children’s ministry during the sermon, we keep everyone together to strengthen intergenerational ties and communicate to our younger members their value to God and to the adults. As much as possible, we try to create opportunities for young people to speak about their relationship with Jesus in their own words.

Our approach is notably different from the children’s days I remember growing up. What typically happened was that we, the young people, were taught a song that we would sing for the adult members. Or we would perform some kind of skit or play to show what we were learning. I can vividly recall some of those songs and how much I disliked the entire experience. On one occasion, I was dressed as a turtle on Noah’s ark, complete with green tights, turtleneck shirt, and cardboard shell. I hated it, especially the green tights! While it was clear that the adults involved invested a lot of time and effort into these events, little Dishon would never have chosen any of it. I felt like we were simply providing entertainment for the adults.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I think it is fine to teach children songs, skits, and plays that they perform for the congregation, especially our preschool and early elementary aged children. Performances can help children build confidence and remember important information about God. At the same time, we need to be mindful of the fact that, developmentally speaking, adult-driven programming gets less and less useful as the child gets older. In fact, for teenagers, adult-centered activities can push them away, making them feel like adults do not really know them or are out of touch.
A healthy children’s ministry strives to see its young people deepen their personal relationship with Jesus, not simply remember Bible facts. Part of cultivating a child’s relationship with Christ is helping them find their own words to speak about God and their faith. Therefore, congregations should provide opportunities for their younger members to share their testimonies, beliefs, and other aspects of their walk with Christ. I believe some wisdom offered by Peter applies to our children:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15a)

During Family Sunday, we have a new tradition where we interview a young person, asking them about the topic for the day (e.g. Jesus never rejects us). That young person is given an opportunity to articulate their understanding of God and faith in their own words. The adults are given a glimpse into the lives of our young people to better direct our prayers and actions. Despite the work that goes into the facilitated discussion and activities, the words of the young people are often the most memorable.

This is what seems to be working for our congregation. What might work in your congregation? If your congregation does not have young people, what can you do to create room for the voices of the young people in your neighborhood?

I have heard it said, “There are no grandchildren in heaven — only children.” In other words, all Christ-followers have to develop their own relationship with Jesus. We cannot get to know him through someone else. This is why it is so important that our young people are given the opportunity to speak about God in their own voice. It is a blessing for both the children and the adults.