Worship: The Beauty of Church

September 7, 2024

Church can be difficult for our kids to understand: it is a building, but it is also the people; it involves the people we see each week and people on the other side of the world. We can show the beauty of the church to our kids by reminding them that the church is made up of "strangers" who have been made "members of God's household" (Ephesians 2:19).

One Sunday, I was talking to an older member about how crazy my kids had been that week, and she began to tell me of the shenanigans her now-grown kids got up to when they were little. Conversations like that encourage me because they remind me that others have survived and that God walks alongside our kids. Like our earthly families, there are times when the beauty of the church is complex to see because of hardships or questions, and we may feel distant from the family of God.

Here are some ways that can help you feel connected to the church throughout the week and be reminded of the church’s beauty:

Pray through the week. It is easy to feel like people forget about you when you no longer see them. One of the ways the church encourages us is through the prayers of others. You can remind your kids that people are praying for them by including requests mentioned during the service as part of your regular family prayers. Use the photo directory to guide your prayers. Introduce your kids to the people you pray for after the service so they can picture them as you are praying.

The Family of God. It is easy to feel alone when you may be one of the few Christians in your school or work. The church reminds us that we belong to the family of God. When your kids were baptized or dedicated, your fellow church members promised they would love, encourage, and support your family through their teaching, the example of their lives, and their prayer. If your church does infant baptism, point out the baptismal fount to your kids. Ensure your children are present to see what happens during a dedication or baptism. They are church members too. Remind them that everyone around them promised to pray for and encourage them in their faith.

The “Why” of Church. Does going to church feel like another trip, like going to the grocery store? Parent’s attitudes toward going to church influence how their kids view it. Don’t ignore any of the challenges you may have with church, but take the time to explain to your children why you are going. What do you find encouraging about church? Why do you listen to the sermon? Why do you visit with people after the service?

Saints of Old. Growing in faith means you and your kids continue to learn and ask questions. Introduce your kids to the foundation of church history and some individuals—past or present—who are also part of the family of God. These saints of church history have already answered many of your questions. Memorize some of the creeds and confessions. Read through a biography together. Visit with an older members and hear how God has led them.

Our experience during church can vary from week to week or year to year. There are ups and downs, and we may be encouraged one moment by our kid's attitudes about church and discouraged the next. Praise God that he is the one building his church. May he continue to use the family of believers to encourage, support, and pray for each other.

Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire's article Church Family.