Many parents struggle with this question today: “Should I bring my child to church?”

The simple answer is absolutely. But did you expect any different answer from a minister? I’ve been the Preschool Minister at First Baptist Church in Arlington for a little over nine months now, but I’ve worked in preschool ministry for over 19 years. It shouldn’t be surprising that I would encourage you to bring your children to church. Allow me to tell you why.

Growing Trust

First, your child is developing trust in those early formative years. Bringing your child to church will teach them that the church is a safe space. It’s a place where they will be loved and cared for and can rely on the people who care for them.

I would also tell you that trust is built through consistency. Bring your child often. Regularity truly helps your child develop a strong level of confidence in the church. As your child goes through stages of separation anxiety, the consistency of coming regularly to church will help them push through the fear of leaving mommy and daddy.

I can guarantee that our volunteers have dealt with a child having difficulty leaving parents or grandparents behind. They are here to help your family. And if you commit to coming consistently for at least three to four months, I promise you’ll see improvement in how your child engages with their classroom.

Growing Relationships

It’s also important to bring your child to church to develop relationships with friends. Socialization is a big part of our preschooler’s development. They need to learn how to make friends with their peers and teachers. This helps them feel known, loved, and valued at church. Children who regularly attend church look forward to that weekly time to be among friends who love and care for them.

It’s not only that your child needs socialization, however. Regular attendance also reinforces a deeper theological truth – they belong in the church. This idea leads perfectly to the next point.

Growing Faith

You should also bring your children to church to learn God’s word, the love of Jesus, and the gift of salvation He offers through His death and resurrection. We want our children to consistently hear the word of God when they come to church, to be encouraged that God has a plan for their life, and to know that He cares for them. Where else do they go in their week that proclaims the truth of God’s love? The church is here to partner with you to guide and lead your child on their spiritual journey. The more you bring them to church, the better we can do that.

Growing Worshippers

You should also bring your child to church so that they can learn about corporate worship.  Your child needs to hear songs of praise, the scriptures read aloud, preaching, and teaching to see the biblical story come to life in the community of believers. You can’t experience that from only watching a screen. Making worship a priority teaches your child that we are to honor God in His house in fellowship with others.

As your child grows, they will need strong spiritual influencers in their life. Having teachers and ministers who know, love, and teach your child will be a positive influence that will help their faith flourish the older they get. As parents, we cannot take lightly the importance of giving our children an accurate Biblical worldview in today’s culture. When your child starts asking questions – whether needing answers or just wanting a place to be heard – the church should be the first place you want them to go. Unfortunately, children and teens don’t often ask for or listen to their parent’s advice. Therefore, it is imperative to have another role model in your child’s life that you can trust to give them Biblically sound advice when the opportunity arises.

Growing Yourself

Finally, you should bring your child to church so that you can grow, too. Being a part of a body of believers that encourages you to develop and walk with the Lord is just as important as bringing your child. Your children’s growth cannot be the only reason you attend church. You need Christian relationships, encouragement, teaching, and accountability for your own walk with the Lord.

Additionally, you are your child’s best role model. Our children are watching us. Spend time wrestling with these questions: “If I didn’t have children, would I come to church? Is church attendance a priority for me? Why or why not?  Do I let other things get in the way of coming to church? Do I consider church optional?”

If your answer to any of those questions is negative, then that’s what your children will believe. They’ll start to think that God fits into our schedule and that we only attend church when convenient. Teaching your child a healthy understanding of worship and fellowship means making church a priority. It begins with you.

Your approach to church will become their approach to church.

Conclusion

I know I’m stepping on some toes here, but I’m saying this out of love. Have I convinced you to bring your child to church? Maybe or maybe not. But I want to close with one major thought for you to consider.

You’ll never regret bringing your child to church, but you’ll likely regret not bringing them.

So, make the choice now. It’s often been said that attending church is a Saturday-night decision. Sunday morning has too many challenges as it is. So, don’t wait until then. Decide today that a relationship with God is the most important thing in your family’s life and the best gift you can give your child.

See you on Sunday!