It happens constantly. In our hyper-busy world, there are so many things pressing for our time and attention. It used to be that worship times were pretty much free from other activities, such as school events or civic meetings. That is, simply put, no longer the case. So, what are we to do when worship and the world’s schedule collide? I can’t answer that for you, but I can tell you what I did as a kid and what we have decided as a family. Worship wins. When I was in high school, I was in the band. For a small-town band member, I was a fairly good trombone player.…

It seems to be happening in more and more places. It is about time for the sermon to begin, and a boatload of parents carry or walk their precious children to a different part of the building and then return for the lesson. The kids are in “children’s church” and the adults are in what is sometimes jokingly called “big church.” Today, I want to urge congregations to rethink this approach. Typically, when people want to start (or defend) “children’s church,” they give the same couple of reasons. Admittedly, both are understandable, but both also need to be thought through carefully. Some suggest that children’s church gives young people a…

Occasionally, I will read an article on Facebook that has to do with something I find interesting. A few weeks ago, I read one that cited a Harvard Study about the role of religion in the lives of children. I hope you will forgive me when I tell you I can’t remember who posted it or really much of what it said. It had to do with them growing up and leading healthier and happier lives. One of the comments made after the article has stuck in my mind ever since I read it. Someone made this statement, “Take your children to church.” Now most of us would agree that taking our children to…

It happens every few years. Christmas day falls on a Sunday. Amazingly (and tragically) there are churches that cancel all services on that day or move services to a weeknight. Other congregations decide to only have one worship service or to move the time of services, but they are still meeting on the Lord’s Day to worship the Lord. Still, a lot of families decide that “since it’s Christmas” they do not have to attend services on that day. After all, it’s a day for family and traditions and it only comes once each year. So, many people will stay at home while the church meets. However, barring illness or some other…