Recently, seven-year-old Miles Phillips and his dad shared a song that went viral! Unexpectedly, the whole world has now been walking around singing about Eastern Rosellas.
Many have been surprised that such a catchy song could come from someone so young. But instead of causing us surprise, this actually ought to remind us that young people are capable of amazing things.
Hopefully this revelation should come as no surprise to us in the church, especially those engaged in regularly ministering to children and teenagers. As a pastor, I am often struck by the creativity and insight that comes from kids; it’s not exaggerating to say that they can ask some of the best questions about God you will hear from anyone. Each week, at our church in Bathurst, we have kids and youth expressing their faith in rich and beautiful ways.
Similarly, the experience of parenting my two girls has shown me how children have so much to teach us about faith. I’m sure that seven-year-olds all around the country are coming up with songs, ideas, and perhaps prayers, that have been equally as great as Miles Phillips’ effort but just haven’t hit the internet.
You probably know that the value of listening to young ones is backed up by the Bible. Jesus, the Son of God Himself, was quick to say, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). Even He knew the importance of learning from the example of children in the kingdom of God. Then later in the New Testament, we’re reminded that God pours out His Spirit on ALL people (Acts 2:17), and that kids too have gifts given to them to serve the church today – not just when they turn 18.
The importance of caring for young people in our church is also backed up statistically. Some recent research out of America (from the Pew Research Centre) found that 84% of children who had a mostly positive experience of church still identify as Christians now that they are adults. Similarly, the Fuller Youth Institute found that two of the marks identified in churches that are “Growing Young” (effectively teaching kids/youth) were empathising and empowering young people. This means we must pay attention to the experience of children and value their voice for the sake of their own faith and the health of our churches.
Yet sadly, young people in many churches can often go unnoticed, whether by accident or on purpose. Our programs isolate them, our budgets ignore them or our planning excludes them. Despite their original ideas and capacity for invention, rarely do we remember to make space for the voice of children in our churches in a genuine way. Of course, if this is not the case in your church family then give thanks to God (and your volunteer leaders) and do not take it for granted.
Kids are still little and still learning, so I’m not suggesting that we overcorrect by implementing absolutely everything seven-year-olds suggest. But let’s at least start with listening – listening to what their experience of church is like, listening to what makes it harder or easier for them to feel included, and listening to the ideas they have. It might just surprise you!
What’s more, you don’t have to be the pastor or the one in charge to practice this. Each Sunday, there may be young people sitting nearby that you can connect with. With the knowledge and consent of their parents, I encourage you to make the effort to learn their names, listen to their stories, and ask them how our Sunday gatherings are going for them. Let’s give kids and youth the opportunity to share what things matter to them and invite them to share their God-given gifts with us.
So this week, when you find yourself humming along to Eastern Rosellas or scrolling past another cover version, remember that young people are capable of amazing things!
Written by Ed Sowden, Youth Pastor at Bathurst Presbyterian Church