(Dave Ramsey)
Our 1st through 5th grade Kids’ Choir led the musical portion of worship in all three services a few weeks ago. Although this really exhausts the kids and sets it up for their parents to finally get a Sunday afternoon nap, that’s not our primary motivation in doing so! Our real goal is all about vision and value.
First, we want to give the kids a vision of what it means to serve their church body. We want them to recognize that this is their church, too, not just that of the adults; that they can be used to lift up the name of Jesus and provide the Holy Spirit an opportunity to draw others to Him. This also reinforces the value God places on music as part of the worship experience. (Psalm 66:4) Over and over in Scripture, throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we are urged to sing out both to and of our Lord. (1 Chronicles 16:9…1 Corinthians 14:15) This isn’t about our great ability or some great opportunity; it’s about one great God. (Revelation 15:3) We want the kids to recognize that they don’t have to have the greatest talent or make music their fondest pastime; it’s not about them at all. We want them to recognize that God yearns to hear our voices lifted up in honor of Him. (Psalm 5:3)
Music is big in our world today, especially in the culture of our youth. Just look at the success and acclaim of High School Musical and American Idol and you will recognize that the world knows well how to proclaim value through music. We want to teach our children from the earliest age to proclaim the value of Jesus through this avenue He Himself created and blessed.
One thing I came to recognize early on as a parent is that our children learn best by seeing us do stuff. Although I would occasionally prefer to deny this fact, the truth is that they most often walk, talk, and live the way they see us walk, talk, and live. (Luke 6:40) What’s that got to do with having them in the “big church” service? Well, for one we want them to see their parents and other adults worshipping and realize that this is something that is valuable in their lives from childhood through adulthood. It’s not a childish thing to sing praise, it’s not immature or some passing stage, it’s a God thing. The children of the Lord have been singing His songs for thousands of years. There is a rich heritage to be passed on to this next generation. We teach them the value of worship through how we ourselves worship.
Finally, we want our church body to catch a vision for the church of tomorrow. It’s not about picturing us middle-aged parents trying to keep up with the motions to Spin twenty years in the future. Thank goodness for that! Rather, we get to see that those boys and girls who led us on Sunday morning are some of those who will one day be the worship pastors, small group leaders, lead pastors, and parents of the church to come. That thought can be a little scary, humbling, and sobering. As discouraging as our culture can be when we look for a spiritual light in the next generation, we can be encouraged when we see these children proclaiming His name in song. Music is a powerful medium; it reaches deep and is remembered long. We know that they are learning truth by what we hear come out of their mouths. We know that they are being drawn close to God by the very fact that they are learning ever more about Him. And to know Him is to praise Him.
Chris Marsh
Children's Choir Coordinator
cmarsh@fbcloganville.org
