Speaking Their Language

“What language do they speak in church? I don’t understand it?”
The preceding question was posed one morning to my wife by one of the young boys who studies English with her. To understand the question one has to grasp the complete dominance of “sign gift” theology here in Brazil. Most certainly he has been exposed only to churches where more than half the service is conducted in some “angelic” tongue.
Yet, I wonder how many kids could ask the same question after a visit to one of our churches. Certainly the words we use can be found in any dictionary–but I am afraid their meaning would be lost on many children.
As I have frequently mentioned, we are privileged to serve as missionaries (or, as they put it “Church Staff Around the World”) of Fellowship Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. No missionary could ask for a better sending church. And having a sending church involves more than just financial support and prayer letters. We have learned much from Pastor Piatt, Pastor Dan (aka, “Bro”) and the church family–much that has been beneficial here on the mission field.
If you were to visit Fellowship Baptist on Sunday morning, you would witness a truly amazing sight. Just before the message Pastor Piatt calls all the children down to the front. There he preaches to them a sermonette, usually having to do with the message he is about to preach to the “big people”. This sermonette includes visual effects–often involving one or more animals from his astonishingly large menagerie.
As I observed this practice, I realized that this was more than just “something nice to do”. There is a very well-crafted philosophy behind this tradition.
Participation In calling the kids up front and speaking directly to them, Pastor Piatt affirms to them that they are an important part of the church. They are not spectators looking on as the “big people” worship–they are the church.
Pastoral Relationship In bringing the kids up front and speaking directly to them (while the adults listen in), Pastor Piatt helps to establish himself as pastor, not just of the adults, but of the entire church.
Transmitting Truth In the process of preaching to the kids he puts theological truths into language the kids can understand. They receive the same instruction and edification as their parents.

Generational Influence In these little segments, Pastor Piatt is making an investment in the future of the church. And the proof is in the results. The children who listened to those first children’s messages years ago are now part of the youth and college-and-career groups. I’m sure there are other factors involved, but I know that the five-minute investment in the lives of the kids has played a significant role.
With these advantages in mind, I have made it my practice to do the same thing here in our little congregation. I’m not nearly as good at it, and I don’t have a private zoo at my disposal, but One of the first ones was filmed, and sent to be shown at Fellowship Baptist. It includes a special greeting to Pastor Piatt. Now that the folks at FBC have seen it, I present it to you.