Monday, July 27, 2009

Worship

I've long wondered : "Why is it that some kids who grow up in the church stay in relationship with God, while others turn away from Him? My heart aches for the parents whose children were walking away. My heart aches for the children I taught in Sunday school or counseled at camp who are making such damaging decisions for the lives. And my mind wonders, "Is there some reason, rationale or predictable pattern behind who goes and who stays? Nine years ago, about the time I became pregnant with our first son, Josiah, the question became much more urgent to me. I asked parents of teenagers, I closely observed families around me, and I prayed.

In a separate, but parallel, journey, I've been growing as a worshiper. My heart is deeply fulfilled when I am able to enter deeply into worship. Over the last couple of years I have helped with, and my kids have sung in, a children's worship choir at Salem Alliance. It has so powerfully impacted me that I've begun exploring ideas of becoming more involved. Thus, my new book on the book list, Teaching Kids Authentic Worship, by Kathleen Chapman. (Baker Books, 2003) I confess, I've only read through the introduction and the first chapter, but it's already very good.

I had no idea when my joyful friend Christina loaned me the book that it was going to suggest an answer for my long-standing question about why kids walk away from God. But I opened the book and here was my first "wow" moment: "I resolved to find a glue to stick kids to Christ, uninterrupted for life. . . My search resulted in a mind-blowing discovery, shaking me to the very core of my Christian life and ministry. . . The glue is worship -- worshiping God!" 

So I'm embarking on an exciting journey this week. In preparation for this year's August Kids' Choir, I'm reading a couple books, praying, planning, and meeting with joyful Christina. My stated purpose is to prepare to train kids, but I suspect I may learn more than I teach. And my heart is already eager with anticipation! Let's Go!


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