Training children to sit and to behave in worship can be a challenge, but it is a challenge worth taking and mastering—for the child’s good, for your good and for the church’s good. Children have been part of God’s assemblies since Old Testament times (cf. Deut. 29:10-13; 31:9-13). To properly train them and nurture them in the ways of the Lord, children need to be raised in worship assemblies and properly instructed in the behavior and demeanor of worship.
Be ready. Prepare your child, starting the night before, to focus on worshiping God. Talk about it. Pray about it. Before worship starts, go to the restroom and get that out of the way.
Be insistent. You are the parent, and your child is the child (not vice versa). Set high expectations for your child’s behavior; they will achieve them with your help and encouragement.
Be consistent. Once you have set and communicated your expectations to your child about behavior in worship, enforce them and do so regularly and uniformly. Inconsistent discipline confuses a child rather than comforts.
Be involved. Involve yourself in all aspects of the worship and assist your child in participating, as well, to the extent to which they are able. Set a good example.
Be practical. Find ways for your child, appropriate to his/her age, to be appropriately active in the worship. Children can sing, pray, give and should be taught to do so. Sermon time should not be play time; use Bible books and activity sheets for the young and simple sermon notes for the older.
Be “up-front.” The further to the back you sit, the more distractions there will be to challenge for your children’s attention (and yours). Sitting near the front helps keep focused on the service (and always face the front, too).
Be sensitive. While your child’s misbehavior, talkativeness or constant stirring may not bother you, be mindful of others sitting around you, near you or behind you, who are trying to worship.
Be humble. Seek advice from “older” Christians whose children behave appropriately in worship. Humbly consider any counsel offered to you.
Be prayerful. Don’t try to bring your child up without the Lord’s help. Pray for wisdom, understanding and courage.
Be patient. No child is or ever will be perfect. Even your greatest efforts will be met with resistance and even failure. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Stay the course.
Be big-picture-focused! In the midst of all the little details, keep your eyes on the ultimate goal—raising one of God’s children to grow to love Him and to go home to Him!