Why Kids Are Important in our Churches?

While I, Sarah Beaton, do not have children of my own, yet; God has allowed me to learn how to be a voice for children and to children. God has shown me how important children are to Him.

The Bible is clear about the role of a family. It is clear about the role of the prophet. It is clear about the role of the church. It is even clear about the role of a pastor. But does the Bible say anything about children?

First the Bible does say something about children. In fact, the Bible has many verses talking about children. So, where do children fit in the church? Why do we have children’s church? Are children important in our churches?

Second, children are seen differently in each society. Whether you are in France, South Africa, India or Russia, Asia or even America, children are seen differently. But what does God say about children? We see in Psalms 127:3 that it says,

“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.” (NIV)

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” (NLT)

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (NASB)

When we look at these three different translations, we see that children are a reward. In two translations we see children as a gift and in one translation we see children as a heritage. I would say if children are a gift, heritage and reward that means children are extremely important to God. In the Bible, we see that God calls us His children in 3 John 1:4.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (NKJV)

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” (NASB)

God wants us to walk in truth. One of the pieces of armor is the belt of truth – that means that truth needs to be God’s truth – NOT our own!

“I would say if children are a gift, heritage and reward that means children are extremely important to God.”

In Matthew 18:1-3 (NIV), we see that Jesus says that we must be like children to enter the kingdom of heaven.

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

So, if we need to be like children, we are a reward, gift and heritage then why do we not treat our children in the church as important? Simple answer… We do not see them as valuable. If something is a gift or a reward isn’t that valuable? That would mean that children should be important in our churches. Children grow up to be adults if you didn’t know that. When we do not train or raise our children in line with God’s Word then we will have extremely poor and unhealthy adults. (Like we do now). Training and raising them is not just making sure your children have good morals and know to do good. It is training and raising them to know, God and hear His voice and grow in Him. The Bible clearly tells us in Proverbs 29:17,

Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire. (NIV)

Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul. (NASB)

Our children are important in the church. They are not just the future of the church, they are part of the church right NOW! We need to see our children in the church as valuable, a reward, a gift and important in the body of Christ.

Have a nice day… See you soon