Do Not Hinder The Children

Written on June 8, 2025

Let me set the current scene for you - I am sitting in bed with pjs that I've been wearing for several days, spontaneous worship playing, and a satisfied belly from a sweet treat. I look a mess, my yesterday ended at 3am and my today began at 7am. If I'm honest, I really want to just put on a show and fall asleep since I have a long list of tasks to tackle this week. But God has inspired a new writing from the powerful day of ministry I had today, so here I am.

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I had the privellege to serve at my childhood church for 3 services this morning. They were doing their first worship event for kindergarten through fifth grade. Each time I am offered with an opportunity to serve, I ask Jesus what my answer should be. Yes, serving is always good but genuine service is for the eyes and approval of God alone. I do not say yes to please man; I say yes to glorify my Father in Heaven. Anyone can be a humanitarian. Not everyone is a kingdom laborer.

My job in each service was to worship and pray, the easiest task.

First Service:

Starting at 8am, this service was smaller and less energetic. In worship, one little girl stuck by my side. She saw me dancing and was so excited when I asked if she wanted to dance with me. She didn't realize that she could too. She began to move her body freely in worship and there was a big shift in her once she learned this. We held hands, twirled around, and lept with joy. In the prayer section, her and one other girl asked me for prayer. They didn't explain much of how they needed prayer, they just wanted someone to help them learn how to talk with their Father.

Second Service:

I gained confidence in this service, my worship was less tamed or planned. This time, three girls joined me in dancing. Again, so exicted to have permission to move their bodies in worship. They copied a lot of my movements, memiking what they were seeing. In prayer, one boy stood out. He so confidently and vulnerably shared what he was struggling with, despite the fact that we had never met. He needed someone to talk to him and remind of him of how God is in the hard times. He was so encouraged by God's promises to help us when we are fearful and replace it with his peace. There was also one staff member that does not agree with the biblical base for dance in the church that got to witness the children and I dance in worship. There was nothing but joy in worship and I pray that seeds were planted in his heart to learn the importance of dance in the church.

Third Service:

At this point, it was FULL freedom. There were 10+ girls that followed me in worship dance around the room. They danced with all their might and joy before the Lord. After service, each one of them came up to me to thank me for allowing them to dance because they had never expienced that. One girl in particular, had a clear anointing of worship leadership on her life. She confidently led me in worship along with the other girls. This was so humbling and ministered to my soul so deeply. She was hungry for this to be every sunday morning and I said, "It can be. Dance is a way of worshipping God." She was filled with joy to hear that. This service was the first time I felt a full release to dance in this church building and it felt like chains were broken for true worshippers to be built up.

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Let them Come

The purpose in sharing this is to say, welcome the children in. Things don't need dumbed down for them, only simplified. It's easy to say they're distracting or disruptive but how will they learn if they are never taught or shown? Although my role was rather insignificate, my example allowed the children to step out in boldness. Children learn through mimicking adults, just as we learn by mimicking Christ. They won't hinder our growth but rather strengthen our witness.

They are capable of ministering to us, they're not too young. As a 19yr old missionary, my age is the first thing questioned. Yet, Jesus' disciples were children and we are told to approuch him as children. There is wisdom that comes with age, but don't limit anyone because of it. When a child questions something, they boldly ask and expect an answer. It's not even disrespectful for them to test boundaries, that means they are discerning the truth of what they're told. Jesus himself came as a baby and went through all the developmental stages. It didn't take away frim his holiness but rather increased his glory. He humbled himself to complete and utter dependance on the Lord. Satan attacks the youth because they're the most vulnerable. They need protected and let into atmospheres of worship. "You're too young" is a lie straight from the enemy.

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 19:14

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward."

Psalm 127:3 ESV

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

Blessings in Christ Jesus,

Harper Foriest.