Spare Change

More than a Nursery, More than Babysitting

Posted by Kelli

Yesterday while at the swimming pool with the three kids, I saw a lady who has been attending our church. She has four daughters (9,7,3,2). I had have the honor of teaching her younger two in Extended Session on many occasions.

Unfortunately, the mom didn't recognize me, since I wasn't in the "church setting." I said hi and walked toward her. She gave me the "up and down" and just stared at me. I took off my sunglasses and said, "Hi, it's Kelli from North Cross."

She said, "Who?" I said again, "Kelli, from North Cross Baptist Church."

She said, "Oh yeah, you're the babysitter in the nursery."

Babysitter. The nursery.

I wish everyone could understand that "watching" children during a worship service is SO much more.

During those few precious moments when we are entrusted with the care of preschoolers, we are teaching so much about God, Jesus, the Bible, church, family, others, self, and God's world.

Here a just a few things we teach to babies through 5 year olds about "Church" through our words and actions.

• People at church love me.


• People take care of me at church.


• I use books, pictures, toys, and puzzles at church.


• People at church talk and sing about God and Jesus.


• I have friends at church.


• I can help at church.


• People at church help others.


• People use the Bible at church.


• People give money at church.


• Going to church is important.

So, please understand that leaving your children in someone else's care during worship is much more than babysitting. It is much more than a nursery. We are teaching preschoolers about God's love.

As preschoolers develop healthy attitudes about God, they can understand that God can be trusted. We are laying foundations for children to trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord.

June 4, 2004 11:16 AM