For Presbyterians of the PCUSA variety, any conversation about children in worship very naturally leads to the Directory of Worship (you can read the ENTIRE Directory of Worship in context here:
http://oga.pcusa.org/publications/2009-2011-boo.pdf For those responsible for planning and leading worship, the framework set out in the Directory of Worship is drawn from scripture and is certainly an ideal. It occurs to me that some of the anti-children-in-adult-worship folks are also some of the biggest proponents of following the Book of Order so this might be helpful information in reframing their perspectives on children in worship. Certainly we live in a day that is different from the ideal worship and ministry settings the Book (and Directory) would lead us toward – however, these ideals are rooted in principles drawn from scripture.
If we took W-3.1004 “Children in Worship” seriously, it would radically shift the way we “do” worship. It might even transform the church. I have many opinions and lots of ideas and strategies – and I’ll write about some of those soon – but I think the following (quoted directly from the Directory of Worship – see the link above) is enough to start a fine conversation. Please jump in (Presbyterian or not!)
W-3.1004 Children in Worship Children bring special gifts to worship and grow in the faith through their regular inclusion and participation in the worship of the congregation. Those responsible for planning and leading the participation of children in worship should consider the children’s level of understanding and ability to respond, and should avoid both excessive formality and condescension. The session should ensure that regular programs of the church do not prevent children’s full participation with the whole congregation in worship, in Word and Sacrament, on the Lord’s Day. (W-3.3201; W-3.5202; W-6.2001; W-6.2006) W-3.3201 Setting an Order for Worship In setting an order for worship on the Lord’s Day, the pastor with the concurrence of the session shall provide opportunity for the people
from youngest to oldest to participate in a worthy offering of praise to God and for them to hear and to respond to God’s Word. (W-1.4004, 4007; W-3.1004)
W-3.5202 Elements and Order There should be regular opportunities for worship in each church school class. Such worship may be less formal and more spontaneous than in larger groups. Yet it should include prayer and song that grow out of the consideration of the Word. It may include acts and tokens of self-offering and commitment, which may lead
(1) to requesting Baptism,
(2) to participating in the Lord’s Supper,
(3) to affirming the vows taken at Baptism.
Worship in the church school is not to be a substitute for participation in the worship of the whole congregation on the Lord’s Day. (W-3.1004; W-3.3201; W-6.2001)
W-6.2001 Entering the Community The Christian community provides nurture for its members through all of life and life’s transitions. The church offers nurture to those entering the community of faith,
a. preparing for Baptism,
b. including them in the life of the community,
c. welcoming them to participate in its worship and to come to the Lord’s Table,
d. assisting them to claim their identity as believers in Jesus Christ,
e. equipping them to live as commissioned disciples in the world.
(W-2.3012; W-2.3013; W-4.2002; W-4.2003)
W-6.2006 Resources and Occasions for Nurture The primary standard and resource for the nurture of the church is the Word of God in Scripture.
The central occasion for nurture in the church is the Service for the Lord’s Day, when the Word is proclaimed and the Sacraments are celebrated. All members of the community, from oldest to youngest, are encouraged to be present and to participate. Educational activities should not be scheduled which prevent regular participation in this service. (W-3.1004) An important and continuing context for Christian nurture is the home, where faith is shared through worship, teaching, and example. The church provides other occasions for nurture
a. in the classes of the church school,
b. in other groups and fellowships organized for education and nurture,
c. in groups and associations gathered for service and mission,
d. in committees, boards, and governing bodies,
e. in retreats, camps, and conferences.
The confessional documents of the church provide guidance in nurture. (G-2.0000) Shape and content for study and instruction are provided by the rich resources of the liturgical, cultural, and ethnic heritages of the church. Educational materials developed for various approaches to Christian nurture are appropriate for use as approved by the session. (G-10.0102f)
Ready, set, DISCUSS!!!
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