The Fifth String

  A friend tells the story of sharing the ‘children’s message’ at the beginning of the service.  His object lesson included a five string banjo.  He explained that the fifth string on this musical instrument was vital to the best melodies he would play, even though it was significantly shorter than the rest of the strings. This string at the higher pitch, he continued, usually gets a lot less attention than the other strings, but is still very important.  Demonstrating, he played the same tune twice; once without the fifth string and once with it.  It sounded vastly different.

His point was that even though the youngsters didn’t seem important or usually noted, they are still very important. I love this idea.  Children offer a fresh look at their faith and honest praise.  It’s an important gift for the adults, and often an example of how we should worship!

We have attended churches where children are hardly noticeable. They seem to have no part in the morning worship or in any other way, except during the Christmas program when all the classes participate. The youngest are excused to ‘children’s church’ early and the teens seem to be lost in the crowd, if they are there at all.

We also attend a church, when traveling, where youth and younger people are a vital part of the service.  It isn’t uncommon for my tears to flow with joy as I see a young person singing their hearts out in the morning choir on ‘Youth Sunday’ celebrated once a month.  These young people don’t just include teenagers, but younger ones if they desire.  Even on those Sundays that are not designated for youth, they still seem to be a vital part of the service through the singing or in other ways. 

Following the opening, often a teen will offer special music, as well.  They offer their praise because it’s what they believe and haven’t caved to the stigma of shyness and inadequacies which often plague our young people at that age in front of their peers.

My heart soars when the adult choir sings and encourages young ones to join them, as well.  The younger ones will sit near a familiar adult and will sing with gusto with the words they know, or read the words from the hymnal or sheet being used.  It’s such a joy to include them this way.  Even when the Pastor invites people to come to the altar and pray near the end of the service, it isn’t uncommon for a young person or teen to come visibly bowing before the Lord.

These young people, often over looked in some churches, will one day be the leaders of the church, their communities, perhaps even our nation. I heard it said once, “A church will soon die without the children.”  I think perhaps they are right.  They are such an important part of the church body; the gateway to the future of the church, their families and those who come after.

    We need to cherish these moments and encourage our young people to become an active part of the service.  Worship is not a spectator sport.  We are called to participate with other Believers in true praise.  Including children in this way--even if they don't 'get it' perfect,-- in their early years, prepares them and encourages them to continue to give everything they have to the Lord they know, and in so doing, helps their faith grow.

Photo Credit:  https://www.freeimages.com/search/fiddle