Blessings in the Body of Christ Part One

Voddie Baucham Jr, leaves behind a legacy that has influenced our family in so many ways. In 2010, shortly after having our first child, my husband and I read Voddie’s book, Family Driven Faith. In this book, Voddie talked about the importance of families being together in worship services as well as through homeschooling. Although we wouldn’t decide to homeschool until 2014, the Lord used this book to give us the confidence we needed to step out in faith and homeschool when very few others we knew were doing it.

Voddie’s vision for the local church was something relatively novel in our minds. Both of us grew up in fairly good sized churches with ministries for all ages and stages. To be honest, even after reading his book, it took a bit for the Lord to water the seed that was planted in Family Driven Faith to ignite a passion in our hearts for bringing a family style church to our area in 2020. Voddie’s vision for the church brought all ages together to facilitate an atmosphere conducive to multi-generational discipleship naturally. He spoke of the importance of training young children to enjoy worshipping alongside their parents. We began following his guidance and bringing our children into the main church services when they were four years old. I would bring a Bible, notebooks, and sketch books for the children to use to draw and/or write about what they were experiencing in the service. Eventually, they would move to writing and taking notes alongside us. I wasn’t sure how much they were actually absorbing until our first born and I had a conversation in the car.

1st Born: “Momma, I’m sorry I lied. Lying is a sin, and Pastor Jeff said that we should agree with God when he says something is a sin.”

She was six years old! From that point on, I was convinced that she was listening and gleaning more than I ever thought possible. Through the years of bringing the children into the services, they not only learned what it meant to worship in “big church,” but they met so many wonderful adults that poured into their lives. They have developed rich, encouraging relationships that have stood the test of time, and have echoed the truths we so desperately want ingrained in our children.

What are some things that children gain by being in an age-integrated worship service? 1)Children and parents are hearing/singing the same songs to the Lord

2)Children and parents are hearing the same teaching. This allows the parent to know what questions to ask to ensure that the students are actively listening to what is being taught

3)Both hear the prayer requests mentioned and the prayers that have been prayed. This enables even little children to be praying for those inside and outside the body that are in need of prayer.

4)The children see us greeting and engaging with others within the church. They form relationships alongside us.

5)Children are able to serve in small ways that benefit the body from a young age. Some examples of this are handing out bulletins with a church greeter, picking up and disposing of communion cups after communion services, helping the elderly carry their bibles to their seats, and more.

6) Children learn to revere the church service through self-control and self-denial.

7)They learn that going to church isn’t about being entertained or what they can consume while they are there. Instead, they learn the joy of worshiping the Lord comes through singing praises to Him, listening and obeying His word, praying, fellowship, giving, and service.

With that said, teaching our children how to appreciate the blessings of the worship service doesn’t come without challenges. I know from personal experience, that the enemy and his minions work overtime when it comes to discouraging believing parents in their quest to disciple their children through the Sunday morning worship service. How often have we been headed out the door and suddenly been vomited upon or became the receptacle for a diaper blowout? Or what about that flat tire that could’ve happened on any other day of the week? Or the child that was instructed to put their socks and shoes on, only to be found barefoot and distracted? These things happen, and they can be very discouraging. However, do not lose heart. Instead, remind the enemy that you are onto his schemes, and you are anticipating an amazing Lord’s Day with all the overtime he is putting in!

We did glean some wisdom along the way from parents who had walked before us, books like Family Driven Faith, and from trial and error. We began to realize that much of our Sunday experience was prepared for during the week. Stay tuned for Part Two to hear our tips : )