Are some battles reserved for Sunday mornings? Despite our best intentions and Saturday planning, it may seem the Enemy and all his minions move against us. It’s no wonder we give in on Sunday to what we would refuse on a weekday. While it’s still mid-week, let’s talk about kids, costumes, and sabotaging Sunday School.
We don’t leave Sunday morning decisions in the back of the car. We bring them in and send them to Sunday School. Because of that, we can’t afford to hope for the best with costumes and kiddos at church. What healthy, costume-owning child hasn’t imagined the glory of wearing a mask or gown on the red carpet of Children’s Church?
Before your little super hero or princess threatens to get in touch with their little inner sinner if you don’t throw in the cape, let’s talk about why it matters if kids come in costume. I come from my perspectives as a boy & girl-mom, children’s ministry leader, teacher, Sunday School volunteer, and closet princess. Name your angle; I get it.
That’s why my heart went out to the euphoric princess twirled during Jesus Loves Me, but morphed into a chorus of “Let it Go.” That’s why I sympathize with the non-royal girls who watched in awe, forgetting about Jesus, frozen in their unimaginative clothes. That’s why I want the little boy in the shark suit to know he’s an awesome shark, even if he has to stop snapping at others when they bow their heads to pray. Who could resist that!?! I get why kids want to “dress up” for church. I also know our job is more about nurturing a lifetime of holiness than a Sunday morning of happiness.
So why can’t kids come to Sunday School in costumes?
It’s distracting. Think of Jesus …
Children already have obstacles working against them. With an attention span of 5 to 10 minutes, a toddler is challenged to focus. Developmentally, it’s not easy to sit down, listen to stories, and join in group songs. Even the most age appropriate lesson by an engaging teacher tests a toddler’s attention. If you don’t want your child to be distracted from worship and Bible truth at Sunday School, dress without distraction. If given a choice between paying attention to concepts or what they can see, a young child will default to the distraction of a dressed up peer. Invisible Jesus doesn’t have a chance.
It’s disturbing. Think of the teacher …
Every parent who dreams of dropping off a child to soak up verses and love Bible heroes should do some time as a volunteer. It’s not easy; ball gowns and super hero hoodies have made it more challenging. In addition to getting Baby Moses glued in a basket, making sure everyone gets the right loaves and goldfish for snack, putting names on Christian crafts, and teaching about Jesus the Son of God who can live in our hearts and heaven, we face new challenges. Now we have to manage Elsa’s tulle and wash play-dough off of Jedi robes. Talk about miracles! To help teachers and volunteers serve us, our children, and the Lord, let’s refuse to disturb Sunday School because we gave in over cereal at home. Let’s be the mom God calls us to be and do what helps children grow respectful, holy hearts. And while we’re talking about our kids, let’s think of others.
It’s divisive. Think of others …
One joy of Sunday School is it happens away from home, with people other than family. It provides one of the first opportunities to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves,” (Philippians 2:3). By considering how freedom to dress up may distract other children or cause disruption for the teacher, we model how to consider others. We teach heroes and princesses to think of others. While the Church needs imagination and joy, it also needs courtesy born in unselfish, considerate hearts.
There may come a day when your child wants to dress up for church. Isn’t it wonderful they want to wear their joy-clothes, best costume, celebration-wear to God’s house? Yes! So let’s not crush their costume-loving creativity. Let’s use teachable moments to talk about how to think about what we wear. Let’s clothe ourselves in a heart of consideration and join our friends at God’s house.
What have you tried, done, or said to deal with dressing up for Sunday School?
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