Expert: Joe Norman - 5/26/2011

Question
Scripturally are non baptized youth of members of the church able to serve in worship service song leading, reading scripture etc? And secondly does it matter if it's 2nd service, bible class etc..?

Answer
Hi Jason, I saw this in the question pool and chose to provide my opinion/answer to your question. I am of the belief that it is not scripturally authorized for anyone who is not baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of sins to serve in a worship service. I know some may say it's okay if you are "training" them in song leading and other things men do in the worship service. I don't agree. I believe it is wrong regardless. You can "train" a boy to lead singing prior to that boy becoming a Christian but the training should take place outside of worship service and not in worship service.

Worship is a serious matter. We are to do all things acceptably and in order. #I Cor.14:40# I believe if you are not yet a baptized Christian you have no way to serve in worship because you are not yet able to access the blood of Jesus Christ which allows us to go directly before God without a curtain blocking us. We need Christ's blood. Kids can learn to do things that are done in worship without actually doing these service acts during a worship. I see nothing in God's Word which would even slightly hint that it would be acceptable to God for non-baptized children to serve in worship. It doesn't matter one bit whether or not they are helping in 2nd service. Bible class could be a place they can be trained to serve in worship without actually being in worship service.

These are my views on it. I will add one thing. My dad told me his when he was 3 years old his grandfather would put him up on the podium standing next to him to help lead singing. I personally think it was wrong to do but that is my opinion. I am sure other "experts" here may disagree with me. If you have a follow up question please let me know. I pray my response has been helpful.

In Christian Love, Joe Norman