Expert: Brian Thompson - 12/7/2004

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
My children are 3 and 4, and I have been teaching them about
God.  I don't believe they are old enough to fully understand
salvation at this point.  We have Candlelight Communion service
at our church for Christmas Eve, and the children will be with us,
rather than in a nursery.  I'm afraid it will be confusing for them
to be left out, but my understanding is that they cannot be a
part since they haven't accepted Christ as Savior.  How should
this be handled?
Answer -
I had always been of the opinion that the AOG was inclusive not exclusive , certainly this is my
experience even for small children whwre communion is concerned. You need to discuss this
with youe Pastor and abide by his decision. The Childen will be fine in the nursery and surely the
story of Jesus will be presented at their level. My own son was born again and spirit filled at
seven so age is not necessarily a barrier

Followup Question-
My Pastor has always said that everyone that has accepted Christ as Savior is welcome to share in
communion, and there is no nursery provided during this time.  The children have to be with us,
or we don't go.  My children are headed down that road toward an understanding of salvation,
asking lots of questions about God, but I don't want to rush it just because of this event, trying
to get them to say something just to make the whole thing convenient for me when they don't
fully understand.  If they are left out, then I have to explain why they are left out.  I feel like they
need to understand the salvation message before I make them make a decision about it, but I
feel like if they are left out, they are being punished for not making a decision about something
they don't understand.  What would you do?

Answer
Tracy

I would simply tell the children that taking Communion is something they can do when they are older, but right now this is for those who are older. The children are not being left out and they are not being punished and you shouldn't create that impression, give them some colouring in or other activity to do and it may even pass unnoticed. Even have a biscuit or something they can have to drink at the time.

When I said speak to you pastor I meant seek his advice as to how to handle the matter, there must be other parents who have to deal with this issue in the Church. Personally, I haven't found it to be an issue.