The Benefits Of Active Church Participation
By: Jennie Crawford
There are studies that show that the benefits for our children if we have them participate actively in church activities are amazing. Did you know that active church participation can increase your lifespan by 8 years? There are studies that show this. This prolonged life expectancy us likely the result of some of the other benefits of active church participation.
Some of the other benefits are that children who attend church regularly are much more likely to reduce or avoid the use of alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs. This in and of itself can increase life expectancy. Children who attend church regularly have a drastically lower rate of suicide. They also recover from episodes of depression about 70% faster then those who do not attend church regularly.
They are much less likely to commit a crime. They have a better attitude at school and participate more in school activities and discussion. It has a positive effect on their self esteem. Attending church can reduce the risk of rebellion and risk taking. It can also reduce the risk of binge drinking in college. I believe that being an active participant in church will improve your childs odds of having a happy life. Following church principles will provide your child with a sense of morality which will stick with them throughout their life.
The church that you attend is not important. What is important is the attendance and active participation of your children. There are other benefits as well. The list could go on and on. A more family oriented teen. A young child who has the discipline to sit still throughout an entire Mass. Active church participation provides you with a sense of community. A place to turn in times of trouble and need. For those with s strong religious upbringing, attending Mass can bring a great deal of comfort at times of sadness. These are all things that I wish for my children.
I don’t believe that you have to have incredible religious convictions to benefit from attending Mass. I believe that attending Mass is certainly good for your spiritual life, but that there are other benefits as well that you can appreciated while you are still here on earth. These principles hold true no matter what the religion. You will lead a happier life as will your children with active participation in church.
If we as a society can involve our children more in church and church related activities the benefits to society as a whole will greatly increase. Theoretically, crime rates would drop, drug use and alcohol abuse rates would drop, our children would be happier and healthier. These are benefits that everyone can appreciate. Our churches growth rates would skyrocket and more people could be helped. This is a benefit for everyone.
Jennie Crawford is the stay at home mo of two small children. For more information on church growth, please go to http://www.jenniecrawford.com/workingathome and go to the page entitled Church Growth.