Dismissing Parents First
Lory Mynatt
Anyone who's worked in a church nursery knows the frustration of parents who don't show up until 20 minutes after the service is over. Children become fretful as they see others leaving, while workers stretch their supply of patience as well as crackers.
At Harmony Bible Church outside Danville, Iowa, a simple procedure gets parents on their way in a hurry. "After my prayer at the end of the second morning service," says J. Edward Davis, pastor, "I lead a closing hymn. Before the second stanza, I announce that parents of young children are dismissed." The rest of the congregation—normally around 325 in that service—then finish the hymn.
As a result:
• Parents don't have to fight through clogged aisles.
• Absent-minded parents are reminded to pick up their children first, chat second.
• Children aren't kept waiting and worrying.
• Workers can clean up the area and leave promptly.
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