Unison Parenting Blog: Families and Church Go Together

In recent decades, but especially post-Covid, church attendance has declined. Instead of delving into the many reasons for it, I’ll just say: That’s a bad trend for families.

In my decades of youth ministry, I witnessed how the arrival of children leads many families to church after years of absence. I also witnessed when children grow up and leave home, parents abandon the church again.

Participating in a church home is a biblical principle. Jesus ordained the church’s creation. Meeting together is essential to encouraging and loving each other, then going out in the world to provide that same encouragement and love.

I want to focus on four of the many benefits that occur when families attend church.

First, churches help parents teach and reinforce religious principles. Parents hold first responsibility for their child’s spiritual growth, yet they don’t know everything about the topic. The church teaches parents and children important spiritual lessons that can be applied individually and within the family.

Second, other adult voices are vital in your child’s life. I promise you, as a youth counselor, I could repeat the same message as a parent, but it impacted the child more because it came from someone else. Despite my extensive knowledge about how to handle tweens and teens, I made sure other adults were involved in my children’s lives.

Third, where else can children find as many wholesome, fun, and safe activities? Besides regular weekly events, churches offer a range of adventures from Easter Egg hunts to mission trips and retreats. Get your child involved in age-appropriate church activities, and they won’t be bored.

Finally, church is a great place for your kids to give back. They learn to help others and give generously. They join a bigger movement that reaches outside church walls to serve others and share the good news of Christ, daunting tasks if done individually.

By placing the church in the center of your family’s life, you and your children will be enriched and will grow in faith, wisdom, and relationship with Jesus.