How a church Welcomes Families Matters
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (BSB)
When we gather to worship, we strive to glorify God through our words and our song – through our observance of the ordinances and fellowship. Nowhere in scripture does it teach us that fellowship with one another does not include children. We believe, as scripture teaches, that families are meant to be together in church. How else can one generation teach and lead future generations?
“Then the little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ 15And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-15 (BSB)
It is said that the signs of a thriving church are singing men and crying babies – So if you are bringing your children to church, we thank you. Children learn to worship from those around them. At Churchtown, we will support you as you try to engage your children in song, in prayer, and in the word.
Do not be afraid to reach out and ask questions of those around you. Do not be afraid to walk around the sanctuary to calm your baby, or to allow your toddler to play in the open space. If necessary, there is a room that is specifically designed for babies, nursing mothers, and toddlers just off the sanctuary. The service is always live streamed in the children’s room. Oh, and the second Sunday of every month our team (complete with all necessary clearances) gathers children of all ages to learn and grow as a group we call, “Kids for Our King.”
You will find resources in the sanctuary that will help your child engage in the service. There are resources for those who do not yet read – as well as for those who do.
These resources are provided not just to entertain, but to engage children and families in every aspect of the worship experience. Take them home, fully complete them, talk and pray about what you all experienced that morning. As Psalm 78 teaches, “Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, that we have heard and known, and our fathers have relayed to us. We will not hide them from our children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and wonders He has performed.” (vs 1-4 BSB)
There are also informative pamphlets and even a little library of children’s Christians books!
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22: 6 BSB)
Welcome to Churchtown. We truly are glad you are here.