In a conversation with Peter in Mathew 16:18, Jesus announces he will establish the church, described in 1 Corinthians 13 as a “body” of interdependent parts. Later in Mathew 19, Jesus makes it clear that children are a welcome and vital part of the body.
The intention from the beginning was that the church would function as a body, worshipping together, caring for one another, and equipping each another to share the good news with others. We don’t often think of these as spiritual practices. However, if these practices are not centered in Christ with an attentiveness to the Spirit, we risk becoming a church that is self-focused rather than Christ-focused and going through the motions without growing spiritually.
As we dedicate or baptize a child into the body, we promise to nurture, care for, and welcome them into the church as a part of the body. These are easily seen as spiritual practices, where we are drawn collectively in closer relationship to Christ and where the gracious activity of Christ and the Spirit are acknowledged.
In the same way we can engage in the following as spiritual practices.
- Caring for infants and children
Comforting, worshipping through prayer and song, relating through play, and entering into the bible in a participatory way with a focus on Jesus, is more than child care—it is ministry in the shape of spiritual practice.
- Worshipping with children
Preparing and including children as worship leaders, reading scripture, leading prayer, giving testimonies, singing, serving as ushers and greeters can all be spiritual practices when we intentionally acknowledge the presence of Christ in the preparing and the practice.
- Sharing stories
Sharing personal stories of our faith journey, bookended with prayer, should be a regular ongoing practice of the church—and should include children. It honors God, and if we don’t take the opportunity to engage in this practice regularly it will be difficult for any of us to share our story with others.
- Engaging in mission and ministry
Because preschoolers want to help and grade schoolers want to belong, it’s only natural to invite them to participate in the mission and ministry of the church. If children are to grow as disciples of Christ, they must be invited to participate as much as they are able. Further, it provides opportunities for more adults to walk alongside them and is a benefit to both as they serve and seek God together.
These practices are not meant for the few, but for the church as a whole.
Participate with children in the mission and ministry of the church as spiritual practices bonds us individually and corporately with Christ and the Spirit, helping us all to grow more deeply in our relationship with each other and with Christ as we serve to full Christ mission in the world.
