5th Sunday Family Service
CCKid’s mission is to partner with families as they disciple their children to bring glory to God through loving Jesus and loving others.
As the Children’s Ministry Director, my objective is to partner with parents as they raise their kids to know and follow Jesus. Because we believe a child’s primary discipleship is from their parents, everything we do is designed to support you in that work, so that you feel confident to do what God has called you to do. The weekly emails give you all the information on what your child will learn, so you are equipped to continue this teaching from home. The Kids' sermon notes—for our main Sunday gathering—can also be used as a tool to discuss the sermon further and allow you to explore biblical truths.
So What’s Next?
We are starting a new initiative this June, encouraging parents to bring their children into the adult gathering on those months with 5 Sunday’s. CCKids will not be closed, but we are encouraging our elementary-age children to check out the ‘big church service’ with their parents. Fifth Sundays only occur around four to five times a year, which is why we’ve thought they could be utilized to help further our goal as a ministry. Of course, our worship gathering is always open to people of all ages so some may already have their children with them, but for those families who generally have their children in CCKids, now we are creating this pathway toward a gradual integration.
Why encourage your elementary-age child to join our main Sunday gathering?
Having your child observe the main Sunday gathering has many benefits.
First, they will get a chance to meet the whole church. By sitting in with their parents on these particular Sunday’s, they will have the opportunity to observe people of all ages and stages of life worshiping the one true God.
Secondly, the church will benefit from seeing all the kids worshipping with them (more to say on this in a moment).
Thirdly, Children will be able to watch the church take communion and witness a baptism—which will give you the opportunity to talk with them about what it means to be baptized and why Communion is only for those who have made a commitment to follow Christ, demonstrated through baptism.
Lastly, this will ease the transition into ‘big church’ for those children who are aging-out. Sixth grade offers many changes in the lives of our kids, and abruptly exiting the Children’s ministry to exclusively attend our main Sunday gathering may be overwhelming. Introducing children into the main service a little at a time will hopefully encourage and excite children into this new change in their lives.
Overall, our aim is that children observing our Sunday gathering will provide new opportunities for parents to hold enriching conversations around Christ and his church for their kids.
So why not close the Children's Ministry for this Sunday altogether?
Children’s ministry will still be fully open for all ages, as usual. We suspect our elementary area on these Sundays will be lightly attended, but we did not want to fully close it down. Some families may feel their child is not quite ready to sit in our main service. And for those new guests who are visiting our church expecting to observe the ministry, we felt it best to still stay staffed on those days.
How will this benefit the whole church?
Having children attend our main Sunday gathering will not only benefit you and your kids, but it will also benefit the whole church. For one, it encourages our older members by seeing all the young people worshipping with them. It also allows them to participate in the process of discipleship as they meet the next generation of kids growing up in their church.
A final word on baptism and communion among our kids?
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, are ordinances of the church, reserved for those who have made a credible profession of faith, reflected by a genuine spiritual conversion. This means when it comes to baptism—and afterward, participating in the Lord’s supper—parents must use discernment to decide when their child is ready for that next step in faith. As a leadership team, we will come alongside parents and do our best to help in this process.
One important thing to keep in mind. Be patient. Allow time to reveal within your child a true faith and understanding. Young children often mimic adult behavior or may respond to emotional appeals without understanding sin, repentance, or the cost of discipleship. Even as you support and see encouraging signs of their growth and faith, there is no harm in giving a kid plenty of time to show the evidence of grace before baptism.
With this new initiative, we hope it offers a blessing to your family and to our whole church, as we continue to disciple one another for the glory of God through loving Jesus and loving others.
