Old enough to serve

In a worship-committee meeting, much debate occurred about the minimum age for acolytes. “If kids can’t reach the pulpit to place the Bible, then they shouldn’t be allowed to carry it,” some said. Others complained that young participants didn’t carry the candlelighter straight enough or that their childish delight seemed irreverent. The conversation seemed to overshadow the central question: “Who gets to serve?” Does God’s calling have limits? Shouldn’t our faithful, joyful hearts, not our talents or abilities, define the quality of our service? Perhaps we can learn from the child standing eagerly in the back of the sanctuary, clutching the candlelighter and asking, “Can I help God?” I don’t want to be the one to tell him no.

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