A Really Big Deal
As I was reading through the lessons appointed for next Sunday (Steve Engstrom is preaching this Sunday), I was struck by the fact that in the Gospel reading (Mark 10:2- 16) Jesus is once again talking about children. Apparently, to Jesus, children and how we “receive” them are directly and intimately connected to how we perceive and receive the kingdom of God. In other words, they’re a really big deal.
One of the things Jesus adds in this particular encounter is that we not only passively let them come, but also that we actively do not hinder them. I suppose there are numerous ways we can hinder children, but one that springs immediately to my mind is to receive them into a community where they aren’t actively taught and formed by adults who love them in a way that’s meaningful to them. Maybe the sixth grade boy’s question, “Are we ever going to have Sunday school for kids my age?” was code for “I’m bored”, but even if so, it struck a much deeper and more theological chord with me. And really, it makes no difference because boredom is hindrance.
One thing I want to make clear is that I’m not saying we ought simply to entertain or amuse children—there’s way more than enough of that in the world—but as a seminary professor and friend of mine often said in class regarding the importance of practical
preaching, “You gotta take the hay down out of the loft so the cows can get at it.” I think that applies here.
Our shared vision is “To proclaim and promote the Gospel; giving ever more time talent and treasure to seeking the flourishing of our neighbors.” To pursue this vision effectively means we must grow more, but not simply for growth's sake. We need to grow more so that we can give more. Directly connected to that growth will be how we let the children come to Jesus and do not hinder them. Oh, and also, the children in our church are our neighbors.
For this sixth grade boy, for the young family that feels that they have no choice but to find a different church,* and for the future of Redeemer, this is a really big deal.
Karissa Simmons, Redeemer’s Children’s Formation Director sent an email last week laying out our plan for children’s formation and numerous opportunities to serve. Please take the time to look it over again and consider how you might commit your time and talent. You can access it here.
*In case you have no idea what I’m talking about, they were part of my sermon Sunday. You can find it here.
Steve+
