09/06/2026
I was listening to a podcast today that featured Alex and Hannah Absalom and they said something so simple and profound, but it arrested my attention. It was simply “Everybody gets to play.” Now let me explain. When we go to play a game, the packaging will tell you how many people can play and how old they need to be to participate. Those that ‘can’ play do so with anticipation, some because they’ve been told too, other’s cause they aren’t bothered and they are just there. But at the end of the game, those that play have had an experience. Hopefully a positive experience and one that leaves the player wanting more.
So, let’s flip this over and re-word this so you can have a ‘WOW’ moment like me. When we as adults go to church we go to participate. We go with an expectation of what we will experience. We might hope to have encouraging conversations or be blessed with a worship encounter where you feel the Holy Spirit. You might hope that your socks get blown off and you walk out different. These are all good expectations. But my question is ‘who gets to participate?’ Are our children thought of as to young to participate, just like with games? To young to experience the Holy Spirit, to hear His voice, and to know that God is real? What rule book are we following? Is it Christ’s example?
I have refreshing news for you! You might already be aware of this, but children can ‘play!’ Meaning, they can experience God. Yes, even babies can experience God. Don’t disqualify them from participating in learning how to hear the voice of God, simply because they are young. Children, when taught, can hear God’s voice with such simplicity and beauty. God tells them simple yet profound truths. God wants to talk with them. He wants to ‘play’ with his children.
Perhaps, you don’t do it because you don’t know how to show them? And if you’ve not done it before, it can feel awkward for you. But take a leap of faith and create opportunities in safe places where they can learn to hear God’s voice. Why don’t you simply ask them, “Did Jesus speak to you today?” Make it a normal part of your routine with your kids and they will then start to anticipate and expect Jesus to talk to them.
Hope you enjoyed my inspired moment of the day.
Sarah Coupe
Pastor and Children’s Ministry Overseer AGNZ
