Some of the churches are dropping in congregation and presumably they're wondering why, although I'm not.

They have a project running called 'Open the Book'; this involves adults going into schools and acting out stories from the Bible.

This might be a good idea for children (although I think it would be better to let the children dress up and do the acting) but I don't think all the adults want it in church at a normal service where no children are present. 

I would think there isn't one regular church attendee that hasn't sat through 'Open the Book' at least once if not numerous times during a normal church service or doesn't know what the idea of it is. If there were children present in the normal Sunday services obviously I'd find it acceptable, but in most cases no children are present. 

So why do some worship leaders insist on treating adults like children while a small group fulfil what seems to be their acting ambitions, and expect the adult only congregation to sit through 'Open the Book' yet again?

I have children myself and love children but don't want to be spoken to like I'm a child. 

When this little play acting is followed by an over-length sermon doesn't the preacher notice the person who's scanning their eyes around the congregation counting the numbers that are either asleep or looking at their shoes or the ceiling, and with that persons eyes resting on the gentleman that is anxiously looking at his watch?

Is the preacher oblivious to the fidgeting and sudden unison of coughing, with a few yawns here and there?

If some churches don't want to lose anymore congregation then I think they should close 'Open the Book' in an adult congregation, and with their sermons, shorten them to the length they are supposed to be and stop preaching to the converted about getting out there and doing things for the benefit of the community, when they've no idea what most people do.

When I decide I want to be treated like a child in church I'll join a junior church (when there is one) – at least it would have the benefit of no monetary offering.

Jen Pearce,
Visiting my home in the Helston area