Why Bridge Kids?
Passing our faith on to the next generation is a big deal to us at The Bridge. We never say, “Kids are the future church.” Kids ARE the church, every bit as much as you and me! So why do we encourage parents to put their kids in Bridge Kids and not bring them into the service?
1. It’s Biblical.
Jesus blessed the children and rebuked those who were keeping them away. He wasn’t teaching that children shouldn’t be taught at their level in a kid-friendly setting.
Kids in Jesus’ day were not allowed in the main court in the Temple (and local synagogues). And this was based on Yahweh’s design in the Torah. Children attended synagogue schools where they learned our Old Testament. Jesus would have attended one of these. They understood that for the children to learn, they needed to be taught at their level.
The contemporary movement of “Family Worship” is not a Biblical concept.
2. It’s to their benefit.
85% of Christians in our country became followers of Jesus before age 14. Nineteen out of twenty were saved by age 25.
In Bridge Kids, the kids really learn. Most of my kids’ Bible knowledge didn’t come from Bible college (all three went). They’ll tell you it was from their kids ministry when they were little.
Our adult worship services are geared for adults. The teaching is academic. I know my sermons are not deep theological treatises, but I would hope they are at least deep enough to go above the head of a five-year-old. Our sermons are not meant for kids. But the lessons in Bridge Kids and Awana are.
3. It’s to their parents’ benefit.
I needed help teaching kids about Jesus! And so do my kids who are now raising my grandkids. Parents, you need other godly people helping mentor your children.
It’s also important for parents to worship God with other adults, without the distraction of children. You need that time! Bridge Kids gives it to you.
4. It’s to our benefit.
Church without kids is lifeless, dull, dying, or even dead. Kids running around the lobby is beautiful.
And being able to worship and learn in the adult service without distraction is also valuable. I’ve heard preachers say, “I can out preach any crying baby.” He can’t, and he doesn’t. I see it so clearly while teaching as all the eyes in the room look towards the noise. Even more distracting is a smiling baby. None of us can look away! Then, we also aren’t getting the sermon.
The teaching of God’s Word is too big of a deal. It’s vital that we do so with as few distractions as possible. And it’s vital that we teach children at their level so that they get it too.