Kids and Church
Bible Verse
Someone might be able to beat up one of you, but not both of you. As the saying goes, ‘A rope made from three strands of cord is hard to break. (CEV) Ecclesiastes 4:12
When COVID-19 hit NYC in the spring of 2020, our children’s ministry team faced a major obstacle: How would we safely encourage children to grow in their friendships with other Christians during a time of isolation? Parents are asking that question today as we navigate ways to worship and gather with other families to form a common bond in Christ. Like the early church, how do we form community and work as a team to provide for those in need?
In our current cultural moment, we’re blessed with the opportunity to explore out-of-the-box solutions to foster togetherness with other Christians. How do we emphasize the need for community to our children? Try these ideas.
1. Find examples of friendships in the Bible.
Look for moments in the Bible where God blessed friendships that were rooted in him.
- Daniel’s friends praying for him (Daniel 2:17-18)
- Jonathan and David’s friendship (1 Samuel 18-20)
- Ruth’s devotion to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-18)
- Jesus speaking to his friends (John 15:13-15)
How does God bless friendships that are rooted in him?
2. Discover ways you can embrace a church community and pray for opportunities to serve others.
Whether you attend church in-person or digitally, don’t limit your involvement to Sundays. Become a part of the community by pouring yourselves into it.
- Attend a community group or family Bible study.
- Explore volunteer opportunities within your church where your family can work with others to serve God and share his love with the community.
- Set aside one Saturday a month for a service project. For example, minister to a local nursing home by organizing an artwork collection in your child’s Sunday school class. You’ll be amazed by the joy of sharing joy!
Whatever way you participate in the Christian community, choose to do it regularly and intentionally.
We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Set an example for your children by carving out specific time for fellowship with other Christians, and they will place importance on belonging to a community of believers as well.
Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire's article Church Family
Areo Keller-Donahue
As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.
