My child doesn’t want to come to church

Recently I have had a couple families come to me very concerned that their children want nothing to do with Church or the things of God.  We watch as they grow up and then out of the church.  Parents no longer “make” their children come trying to help them learn to make good decisions.  Often this leads to allowing them to make poor decisions in other areas of life too.  It breaks my heart and I am sure it breaks many others.  Why do they leave?

Personally, it is a growing concern even as our children see the “side effects” of the ministry and like my parents I pray daily that God will grant them mercy and grace.  I know that my mother sweat greatly in her prayer to the Lord to shelter our hearts and prepare us for work in His kingdom.  It is in her example that I do the same.  Praying that the sweetness and gentle spirit of these children are not hardened.

One piece of advice that I passed out today to a concerned parent that I thought was relative to the over all conversation.

If your children hear you speak bad about the [church/pastor/message/ministries/youth pastor], why would they want to come to church?

In our sermon series on Philippians we ran into a concept of “fear and trembling” in our service to God.  The translation of this in English can often distract us from the purpose of “fear and trembling” in our life of worship and giving glory to God.

Philippians 2:12
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear

If we have a deep reverence for the Lord and a level of respect maybe our children will have the same?  I realize that this is not a “sure” thing and is more just an observation and may not even be true in your situation.  But the old “Monkey see monkey do” seems to often apply.

Pray for the next generation with me.  Pray for our teens and children.

Where are your priorities?