Whether as a nuisance or a promising possibility, children have become a major force in shaping the life of the contemporary church. There is an increasing demand for many and varied programs to meet the needs of children of all ages. Families want to know what children’s programs are available. Churches are having choir programs for all ages, midweek educational programs, youth programs, scout programs, sports programs, etc. Some churches are spending large sums to create “family life centers” which will provide even more through the week programs to strengthen family life.
In the church of the modern era, there is a demand for child-care to be available for the various church activities. It is not an easy demand to fulfill and the request can easily become an irritant to a church short on resources. It would be easier if the children would just disappear. “But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.'” (Luke 18:16)
Next week we will look at some of the decisions that Highland made and ask what how the church listens to God’s word being fleshed out in their midst.
