Forget ordination standards or mode of baptism. Nothing causes heated conversation and sharp division among pastors like the debate over children’s sermons. Some pastors so dislike the children’s sermon that they would rather preach rank heresy than sit on the chancel steps with the children hoping for some cute “kids say the darndest things” moment.  Others love the moment as they get to showcase their Bill Cosby-like way with the young disciples in their congregation. And some of us have made our peace with whatever objections we may have, believing that this “you belong and we care about you” moment overrides whatever disruption to the flow of worship the children’s sermon may cause. Continue Reading »