There are so many benefits to bringing a child to church. They will have the opportunity to interact with other children in a safe environment, fostering God-centered relationships. They will be equipped with practical tools and a guide map (the Bible) to help them navigate life. And most important of all, they will grow in their personal relationship with the Lord.

Let’s take a look at each one of these and see what the Bible says about each topic.

We encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, which describes in great detail what the body of Christ should look like. We believe unity is important because God did not create us to be alone, therefore, children should also not be alone.

For instance, here at City Builders Kids, if we hear that one of our kids is having trouble making friends, we remind them that they are not alone and that we all care for them–they don’t have to compromise for friendship because they already have good friends right here at church and the friendships they make often produce long-lasting relationships as well. Besides a shared love for God, church friends can easily stay connected as they grow. Most churches have groups or programs for each stage of life. Your toddlers eventually will graduate from kids church and move into youth, and then move into young adult groups, and so on.

Children need to be equipped for the ups and downs of life. According to Ephesians 4:11-13, we are all given gifts from God to share with others.

Children also have access to these gifts and have the ability to trust in God–they just need to learn to apply it within the context of their lives.

Finally, the most important part of bringing your child to church is to foster their relationship with the Lord. With increased pressures of the world; bullying and violence have become an everyday occurrence for our children. It is important that your kids know now more than ever who is on their side and how to love their enemies, no matter the hurt that is inflicted.

Often children hide bullying from their parents, but they will trust a children's pastor. There is an opportunity for us to partner with you in protecting your children from bullies AND speak life into their situation.

We've named just a few reasons for why children need to be in church, but Jesus gives us the ultimate example. 

Jesus told his disciples to allow the children to sit at His feet and learn from Him. He also said that only those who are like children can enter His kingdom.

Jesus talks about children a couple of times in scripture. One of the most famous instances is found in Luke 18:15-17, where parents are bringing their children to Jesus, however, the disciples stop them. Jesus responds by telling the disciples that the children should come to Him because the Kingdom of Heaven is open to all–especially the young ones.  

During the time of Jesus, and even still today, children can be looked down on because of their age. Whether we intend to or not, children can be left feeling voiceless or unimportant. Jesus, however, stood up for their right to His kingdom.

Another example of this is found in Matthew 21:15-17. Jesus had just ridden into Jerusalem with the cries of Hosanna echoing behind Him and was performing miracles in the temple. The Pharisees were questioning his identity amongst themselves when children began prophesying that He was the Son of David. The Pharisees reprimanded Jesus–and He responded to them saying: “Have you never read: From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise?” The children were the only ones who could recognize Jesus as the prophesied Messiah.

There are so many stories even today of children–some of them toddlers–who heard the voice of God and led their unbelieving family to the Lord! So be encouraged today in knowing that God loves the little children and has given them unlimited access to His kingdom–just as you and I. Praying blessings and favor over you and your family today!