My husband and I have been going to church on a regular basis for about two months. (something neither one of us did before) I have learned so much and felt so close to God and my own spirituality. I am having a difficult time getting my kids to get into it. Am I wrong to just hope that they will follow our lead? I don't want them to feel like they have to go, like I did as a child. I didn't get anything out of it then. By the way this is a new kind of Christian Church with updated music (played by like a rock band). It really is upbeat and the sermons are totally about what is going on today. Help!?!
2007-01-14 13:50:46 · 19 answers · asked by NaturalMom 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
oh dear sister please be creative, have family devotion. this was an inspiration to me even if I could not see it at the time. Pray with them and make it interesting and include them always,...let them know how precious God is,..
My prayers are with you
2007-01-14 13:59:53 · answer #1 · answered by iroc 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If your children are under 18, and they live in your house, don't look at it as forcing them, but they really have no choice but to go. You and your husband are the parents, and you make the rules.
My mom took me from the time I was a baby, and kept me involved in church activities and groups during my youth. When I became an adult, and had my own children, I've done the same things with them. My children just accept it as part of our lives, and they love going to worship service.
You mentioned that this is "a new kind of Christian church, with updated music played by, like, a rock band". God never said that instrumental music should be played during worship services. He commanded that His followers should sing, and sing only (1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 13:15). If you consider yourselves to be following the New Testament teachings, then you should be doing this, and not depending on instruments to play during services.
If you have any other questions, you can IM me.
2007-01-14 22:09:30 · answer #2 · answered by kellygirlaj 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it was me I would invite the kids to go with you, if they go great, if not when you get home talk about what a great time was had by all and how the music was so good and next time your going invite them again. They may be interested knowing what goes on.
I too was dragged to church as a kid and I did not enjoy it much. Looking back I am glad my parent insisted I go or I would have no religious appreciation at all. It would have been kinder of my folks to make it an outing instead of an obligation.
2007-01-14 22:03:18 · answer #3 · answered by Axel M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep the faith that your kids will follow your lead. That is what chrisitanity says "ask and you shall recieve." God also says that having faith the small amont of a mustard seed is all you need. Living your life as a christian will show your children the ways god can really work and some people need to be showed before they follow;especially children. Prayer is a great way to see results. Prayer for your family. When prayers go up blessings come down.
2007-01-14 21:59:36 · answer #4 · answered by nina 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
there are many questions your question brings up.
first it is good that you found a church that is appealing and relevant to your daily life but is the church more than a show and a feel good hour? who do they say Jesus is ? what do they teach? what is there faith statement? there is so much more to church than updated music......its cool if its supported by truth verifiable bible truth.
the bible says we are to train up a child the he should go. there are many things we have our children do brush teeth, bathe, go to school. but do we worry about turning them off to school or bathing? if church is something you do and not who you are then your kids will see that your not sincere and will call you on it.
you didn't get much from it as a child ? look back at your parents, did they live out their faith or just talk about it? its like teaching your kids the value of a healthy diet & exercise but if you dont live it then they are most likely going to reject it until they are forced to take heed later in life.
i would like to know more about your situation.
shalom.keep learning & growing!
2007-01-14 22:14:04 · answer #5 · answered by lewbiv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say how old your kids are, but if they are younger children, remember you are the parent in control. There are some places that families should be required to attend together. Church is one. I had to go to church when I was a child. I didn't grow up resenting the fact. I appreciated my mom making me go. I drifted away from the Lord later, but because of my Christian upbringing, I am now closer to God than even I realize. The Bible commands us to bring up our children in the ways of the Lord. If they go wrong in later life, at least you tried to teach them right. You shouldn't have any guilt feelings. Your children will someday respect you more for loving them enough to use your parental right to achieve your goal. Regardless of what the professionals say, you ARE still the parent. Use that right to bring your precious children to the Lord. Good luck and God bless.
2007-01-14 22:06:36 · answer #6 · answered by freedomrings 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a youth pastor, I can tell you that I'm really excited for you and your husband, but I think I'd go slowly with your kids. Children and youth often have trouble with quick changes, especially to the family unit. Feel free to share about your excitement in attending church and use this new energy to love on your kids even more than ever. It is my prayer that they will see the positive change in your life and want to come to church on their own. God bless you.
2007-01-14 21:57:01 · answer #7 · answered by Jim 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The best way to get the kids involved is for you to model at home what you profess in church. It may take a long time, but will be worth it.
Keep praying as well. Just as Augustine's mom did. When she was crying out to her bishop, he replied, "It is not possible that the son of so many tears should perish."
For those who abhor the making of children to go to church, I have to say that we make our kids do a ton of stuff they hate, but is good for them. They appreciate it in the end. Whether it be eating vegetables, cleaning their room, doing their homework, etc.
2007-01-14 21:56:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your husband is the leader of the home. You and him both should lead them and be an example to your children. Maybe for a while they'll balk at going but they are your children, someday they'll be glad you taught them those things. I'm 18 i used to hate going every single sunday, but i know my parents are just trying to teach me about God, and now i enjoy going to church. It's just new to them.
2007-01-14 21:57:30 · answer #9 · answered by Angel_Face 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You didn't mention the ages of your children. The older they are, the harder they will be to win over. The best thing you can do for your children is to be a good example and pray for them. If they are younger, you can drag them to church-the may actually like it. If they are older and you force them to go, you may just push them further away. I am so happy for you and your husband!
Keep the faith!!
2007-01-14 21:58:54 · answer #10 · answered by valkyria 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you are on the right track....how old are your kids? I think the best thing you can do is pray for them and lead by example...if they see a change in you, they will want to know more and respect you for not being pushy. Invite them to come but if they resist don't force them. REally it all depends on how old your kids are.
2007-01-14 21:56:40 · answer #11 · answered by 4 Shades of Blue 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋