HearTalk: A lesson from the Milwaukee Brewers 

But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:16-18

The church could learn a few things from the Milwaukee Brewers. After spending the weekend at Miller Park watching the Twins take two out of three from the home team (Go Twins!), I came away with an appreciation for what sports teams call “the fan experience.” Fan-friendly Miller Park was set up to make you enjoy yourself – even if your team was losing.

What impressed me, most, however, was how “kid-friendly” the park and the team were. In the parking lot in the shadow of the stadium is a miniature version where Little League games are played – or parents and kids can just play catch before the game. There is a park with playground equipment and grass in the middle of the parking lot as well. Inside – more play places for the kids. On Saturday night a group of kids whose parents were serving over seas sang the National Anthem – out of key and wonderful. On Sunday, it was a girls’ chorus. Before the game, there was the “major league moment,” where kids were announced at each position and ran out onto the field. Then the Brewers line-up was announced. They ran out to their positions, autographed a ball for the kids and stayed with them while the National Anthem was sung. Kudos to Brady Clark, the Brewers’ center fielder, who was clearly engaged in a long conversation with the little girl who was center fielder for the night. Do you think she is probably a fan for life?

So, what does this all have to do with youth ministry? Everything. Those kids were made to feel welcome. They had a part in what was going on. Everywhere they looked, they saw something for them. Can we say the same about the church, and especially about worship? We do a great job of having ministries and programs for kids and teens, but when it comes to worship – the big game, they are often left out. I know, kids get restless in worship. They don’t understand it. Teens get bored.

But frankly, a 4-hour blowout of a baseball game can get boring, too – unless you understand the game. Then there is more to look for than just the score. That, however, requires teaching. We’re willing to do it with sports. Lots of parents spend hours teaching a kid to throw a ball, kick a soccer ball, or shoot a puck. But how often do we bother to teach kids about what’s going on in worship? How many adults really understand why we do some of the things we do?

Here’s the deal, though, if we don’t engage our children and youth when they’re young, they’ll grow up and they still won’t understand or appreciate the game. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

So, maybe it’s time to take a lesson from the Milwaukee Brewers and figure out how to create the “fan experience” at our churches. As the “managers” of the youth team at our churches, it’s our job to help others see the value of our young people. Are there ways we can help our children and youth feel more welcome? Can we make worship more family-friendly? Are there “major-leaguers” in our congregation that we can pair up with our youth to help them learn the faith? Can we involve children and youth in meaningful ways in worship?

I hope so – after all, it’s what Jesus calls us to do.

Blessings,

Jacqui

jacquithone@adventlutheran.com 

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