I myself see no place for either of these in worship, but my fiancee' favors the children's choir because she believes that it teaches them sound, basic doctrine in a memorable manner.

I see both of them as a means of distraction during worship that places our attention on a specific individual or group of individuals. Perhaps I am being some sort of prude, but I disagree with their presence in worship.

Has anyone else suffered through this practice, or do others find it to be acceptable?

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Andrew DeShazo, Deacon, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN
"All of us stumble in many ways, but if anyone is never at fault in what he says, then he is mature, able to control his whole body."(James 3:2)

I was in one congregation where the children mostly sung classical selections and were taught to a very high level of musicianship. If memory serves me correctly, they also sang from the back; this truly contributed to worship.

In my current congregation, the children sing before the call to worship, which I think is appropriate and helps to encourage them to participate in the coming worship service.

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JWithnell
Member Bethel OPC
Virginia

The goal mentioned in the OP (teaching sound doctrines through music) could be/should be done in our homes.

As for children singing in the worship service, parents will get out the camera to record such a cute thing... but that is certainly not going to help the child to distinguish worship from performance.

I have come full circle on this issue. I sang solos at age 8, and was in children's/ youth choirs till high school. Now, I just cannot find a good justification for it.

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Bethany W.
SBC
Girard, IL

My Blog

We have the children occasionally (3-4 times a year) sing before the call to worship. It is not a distraction at all. NO one records or takes pictures. Since our musicians are all at the back of the congregation, I would say that the majority of people don't even look at the children (not that that would be wrong), but instead use the song to meditate upon Christ.

Teaching and preparation are important in all aspects of this question.

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Fredrick T. Greco
Senior Pastor, Christ Church PCA (Katy, TX)
Christ Church Blog

"The heart is the main thing in true religion...It is the hinge and turning-point in the condition of man's soul. If the heart is alive to God and quickened by the Spirit, the man is a living Christian. If the heart is dead and has not the Spirit, the man is dead before God." (J.C. Ryle)

Thanks all!

__________________
Andrew DeShazo, Deacon, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN
"All of us stumble in many ways, but if anyone is never at fault in what he says, then he is mature, able to control his whole body."(James 3:2)

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soli Deo gloria!
~N!ck Nap!er~
Ordained Pastor, Associate, Cornerstone Church, NC
Christians are like snow covered dung; it is the purity of the covering which the Father sees.
-Luther-
There is nothing more ugly than a Christian orthodoxy without understanding or without compassion. -Francis Schaeffer-

Looks like you better put away the popcorn, no showing here.

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Paul Woods
Currently attending
http://ChristOurKingColumbia.org(PCA)
Columbia, MO