Parenting and the Church: 10 Things to Say

Group of Friends Smiling

Parenting and the Church. Too often as parents, we just don’t know where to put church on the lengthy list of family priorities.

As a Minister with Youth & Children, I listen to kids say lots of things about going to church. Teens, and children too, have so many obligations–great things that keep them busy with meaningful tasks. I get it! There are many wonderful things for kids to do and I agree that most of these things are valuable and important and can even affect our children’s futures.

I’m not suggesting that all kids should give up all activities and cleave only to the church (though I don’t hate that idea). I just want church to be a priority for them too.

So here you go:

My Top 10 list of “Comments I’d love to Hear Parents Say about Church Attendance.”

1. Church is community. When you aren’t there, the community suffers.

2. Sure, you can get a job. Just be sure to schedule ahead with your employer to make sure you can take off for church activities.

3. It doesn’t matter if no one else is going to be there. Tell your friends you’ll be there and I bet some of them will go.

4. I’m sorry you haven’t finished your homework, but we have church tonight. You can do it when you get home. It never takes as long as you think it will.

5. That academic summer program sounds great, but it would prevent you from participating in church events. Let’s see if we can find a substitute that will work around church activities.

6. You don’t like all of the people on your sports team, but you have to learn to get along with them. Let’s try that with the kids at church.

7. Sometimes you think you don’t get anything out of going to school either, but you still have to go.

8. I’m sorry you have to miss that athletic competition on Sunday morning too, but we go to church at that time.

9. We can’t go on vacation that week. Our church is having VBS then.

10. Yes. You do have to go to church.

 

By Aileen MItchell Lawrimore

Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore is a mother x 3, wife x 35 (years not men), minister, speaker, writer, retreat leader, and lover of beagles and books. She has a lot to say.