Parents, regardless of how equipped, ready or trained they feel, are responsible to God for the discipling of their children. And if the means by which children are being discipled are leading to bad fruit (take a good look around), then it is definitely wise and wholly appropriate to humbly go back and reconsider what, if anything, the Word of God has to say about the issue. Listen to a bit of our story of why we began to, and continue to, keep our children with us in church.
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Here is a book with the data reflecting when and why children leave the church. I will say that it was odd that the authors felt like age segregated youth groups could just be reorganized better to solve the problem. In that sense, they missed the mark completely even with the “numbers” in front of their noses. Still worth a read, however.
You can watch a trailer of the DVD we discussed here:
…and buy it from here.
Blessings,
You guys when through some very compelling topics on this episode. I agree with a lot of what you were saying.One thing that my church does is that we do not have any Sunday School classes at the same time as our Sunday morning service. The classes are prior to the service so that the children can learn some Biblical truths presented in a manner appropriate to their age group and then still enjoy a worship service and preaching with their family.Great podcast!-JD
KeriMae and Tom, Wow, What a great episode! I agree with the bottom line being to do what the Bible says…not what we are used to doing culturally…and I'm a Sunday School teacher. The Lord put on my heart a while ago the concept of a Family Sunday School…where kids AND their parent would come together to learn about God through age appropriate activities done TOGETHER as a family in addition to Sanctuary Worship time. I'd be interested to know if any of your readers are doing this in their church? I'd love to see this happen. (Please God?) KB
KeriMae,This was an excellent podcast! They way you guys presented your stand was very gentle but to the point and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing what your family does – for stressing the importance of being together. I appreciate so much the time you took to make the podcast and all that you and your husband had to say. I hope you have a blessed day!
Thank you for your kind words. I think it's a good reminder that "Sunday school" teaching really begins in the "7-day-a-week" teaching at home. Getting additional instruction at church in addition to worship can be wonderful, but depending on it as the sole source and time of learning more about God surely is not.
I am so excited to listen to your podcast! Although will have to wait until later while working in the kitchen. I have read quite a bit on this subject lately and am thankful that our church is for the most part thinking along these lines. Our Wed. night Bible and Prayer time is a family time. The children stay with the parents and our children learn to pray along with us. The same is true on Sunday morning. No children's church. The children sit and worship right along with us. At this point the only time they are segregated is during S.S. which my husband and I are mixed on. Each class is learning the same lesson and the parents are given questions to ask, hymns to sing and such during the week to reinforce the lesson.Have yet to see the movie, although really want to. The LeClerc brothers live about 10 minutes from us and their younger siblings are in 4H with us. I think I'll call my neighbor today and ask to borrow her copy.Thanks for sharing your heart Keri Mae!~ Amy
Our church has a "cry room" and I sure use it! I want my son (2) to hear all the prayers and hymns, etc.
Wonderful podcast! We too removed our children from youth activities after watching the movie “Divided.” We had been praying for some time, feeling uneasy about our children being separated into unhealthy peer groups. Divided put words to our personal convictions and reminded us that all our decisions should come from Scripture. At that time our daughter was really struggling, but over the past two years of establishing a family worship bond, both at home and at church, she is flourishing. She writes daily on her blog about the blessings of purity and family togetherness as a young person. So exciting!