“At our (reformed) church, the kid who does this is the pastor’s granddaughter and the mother who lets it happen is the pastor’s daughter. Not just screaming, but tantrums, putting her shoes on the kneelers at the altar rail, talking, and throwing things. We’ve also been treated to several admonishments from the pulpit about how important it is for young parents with children to feel welcome to attend the service. I’m at the end of my rope. “
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As you know, if you don’t already I grew up in a different church. The one I grew up in, the pastor’s kid/relatives would have NEVER done that. Good heavens, I know pastor’s kids who have renounced religion just because their parents were so tough on them to be “extra good” in church. All eyes were on them to set an example. Now you could not pay them to set foot in a church.
There is taking too far then there is not doing enough to keep your kids in line. When we went out in public my Grandmother would say “now be on your best behavior” and I knew what she meant. Do parents/grandparents not say this?
Ours is very Apostolic and Bible-based. It's mind-boggling that this behavior, especially around the altar rail, is not viewed as disrespectful to the Lord.