K IN G 'S BUSINESS C H R IS T IA N EDU CA T IO N SECT ION
Pros and Cons o f a
ßrim ary (jjhurch
by Glenn O ’Neal, Ph.D.
M o s t churches have asked the question, “ Should we start a ‘primary church?’ ” In order to help you answer this question wisely, some arguments in favor of such a program will be presented, as well as several objections that have been raised. Then for those who decide to start a primary church, or already have one, some suggestions will be m a d e which could make it more effective. There is opportunity to teach the Bible lesson in terms that the children will understand. There is all too little time afforded for instruction in the Word of God. This gives a half hour more each week. 2. The children are taught the meaning of worship. If this is prop erly done, it should enable the child to appreciate the meaning of worship all through his life. 3. The parents are more likely to stay for church. Anything that will stop the Sunday-school exodus will help. Parents will find staying for church much more inviting if they don’t have to look forward to enter taining “ Johnny” while they wor ship. 4. Staying for church will become a habit in the life of the child. He’ll know that church is expected, and this pattern will tend to become fixed as he reaches adulthood. People shouldn’t go to church just because it’s a habit, but it’s a good one to cultivate. 5. Primary church keeps children from creating a disturbance in the Argument's in Favor 1.
children, and have a working knowl edge of the Word of God. 2. Make the service worshipful. Children, as well as adults, have be come so accustomed to being enter tained that it is often difficult to convey the idea that this service is not for that purpose, but solely to worship God. The leader should in sist on strict discipline, and remind the children constantly of the mean ing of each part of the service. Open ing the service with “ Running Over,” “ Deep and Wide,” and “ Bubbling” is not worship. Direct the hymns and prayers in adoration of God, let the lesson from the Word be the message from God, and the closing hymn the act of dedication to God. 3. Use the children in the wor ship service. A member of the group can often be used for the Scripture reading, prayer, and song leading. This will create added interest and provide good experience if they will take the task seriously. 4. Be careful not to allow the age variation to become too great. Some have combined the beginners and primary departments with success, but others have found it advantag eous, where the groups are larger, to have a separate church service for these departments. Juniors should be “ graduated” to adult church or to a church service of their own if this seems advisable. 5. Above all, if you decide to have a primary church, determine to have the best one possible. The attitudes of children toward worship are being formed. Many of these will be main tained throughout their lives.
adult worship service. Most churches have extreme difficulty providing an atmosphere of quietness which is con ducive to worship. A separate wor ship service for the children should prove helpful. Objections Often Raised 1. Primary church does not pre pare for adult worship. This, of course, depends on how the primary church is conducted. It is without doubt a valid criticism where the chief motive of this program is to keep the children occupied while the parents are in church, and strict dis cipline is not enforced. 2. It is too long for children to stay. This objection is often voiced by parents. If the program of Sunday school and the church is interesting, the child will not tire unduly in this period of time. The parent is usually just expressing his own feelings! 3. It keeps families from sitting together in church. This is a fine ^custom and certainly needs encour agement. 4. It keeps the leaders out of adult church. This is true. The leaders must be called to this work, and be so convinced of its value to be will ing to make this sacrifice. Perhaps there could be a periodic rotation of leaders. Helpful Suggestions 1. Secure qualified leadership. This can be said about any worth while project, and especially it is true here. They should know the meaning of worship, have some musical abil ity, be acquainted with the needs of
THE KING'S BUSINESS
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