This is pretty frustrating for a family who is really involved in lay ministry. But my son really dislikes being in church. He is an "all boy" boy - the perfectly stereotypical boy who can't stand sitting still, gets joy from running around and destroying things (and from building things, too), is fascinated with battles and armies, and is great at any sport. He has very little interest in music, some interest in drawing when he feels like it, and zero desire to sit for 30 minutes listening to someone preach a sermon. He is not ADD or anything - he's just a boy!

He does enjoy his Sunday school class - two awesome gals take turns teaching, and they really know how to engage with the wiggly 1st-3rd grade age group. They don't sit around doing workbook stuff, and the kids love what they learn there. And he usually gets about 15 minutes or so between that and the worship service to run around outside with the other boys. But as soon as the music starts, the whining starts. Now, at our church, the kids can play along with the band using a variety of little percussion instruments (there's a tambourine or two, shakers, a drum and castanets to choose from) - but, like I said, he's not interested in the music. And during the sermon we allow him to have a quiet toy to play with or paper to draw pictures. He still gets really bored - or he wants to crawl around on the floor playing. Even though we make a point of sitting off to the side, it can get distracting (at least to us, if not to others in the church).

We are sooo blessed to be in a small church full of understanding, loving people. No one has ever said anything to us about needing to keep our boy under control. But we want him to see the value and benefits of going to church. I don't want him to feel like he's been dragged to church all through his childhood and reject the church community when he's older - and I know he's already thinking that when he's old enough, he'd rather just stay home on Sunday mornings.

I know that this is partly a heart issue and partly a discipline issue. I know that he does have the Holy Spirit in his heart, and I'm praying for God to engage his heart in a new way. And I pray for wisdom all the time. But if there are other parents who have guided their sons through the same stage, I'd love to hear from you!!!!