I want to do the best thing for my child! It’s a noble and loving desire shared by many parents. But what truly is the best thing? According to Jesus, it is this: that our children are known, welcomed, and blessed by him. Jesus says in Mark 10:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
What good would it be if our children gained the whole world, received the finest education, achieved worldly success, yet forfeited their souls? (Mark 8:36). At St Andrew’s, we are invited to join in Jesus’ work: to bring our children into his presence and to show them his kingdom, which belongs to them. This happens not only in our Sunday gatherings but in the daily life of our church community.
Research has shown that children who have five adults outside their parents intentionally invested in their lives (who know their story, understand their hearts, act as cheerleaders, and can be confidants) are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and adhere to the positive values parents want to instil, and therefore more likely to keep their faith in late-adolescence and early adulthood.
It takes a church to raise a child in the Lord.
In a sizable church like St. Andrews, our children have wonderful opportunities to form these relationships with godly, mature adults who will bless them (with discernment and safeguarding in mind). But this doesn’t happen by accident; it takes prayerful, intentional effort. Here are three ways we can all play a part:
Pray. Parents, speak with your children about their Kidzone teachers and spiritual “uncles” and “aunties.” Pray for them together before Sunday. Building a relationship with their leaders is just as important as the lessons they learn in class.
For others, pray for the children you will meet at church, that they grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus.
Presence. It can be hard to pray for someone we haven’t met. So being at church matters. Parents, let’s do our best to prepare and bring our children to church joyfully, without depriving them or hindering them from meeting Jesus and his people. For others, let’s take the initiative to welcome and get to know the little ones amongst us and their parents.
Participation. Our presence can be enriched by meaningful and active involvement. Parents, we can model to our children how we speak with and care for the other adults we meet: the welcoming team, the Kidzone teachers and volunteers, other parents, and new friends. Teach your children to greet others and ask friendly questions to get to know others. Free up your afternoons to have a meal with others. It takes a church to raise a child in the Lord.
