Getting Ready for Church
As parents, we often find systems for our families that will help us have what we need when we need it. Maybe it’s a mud room with all the hooks lined with jackets, backpacks, and shoes. Maybe it’s a central location with a family calendar that keeps all of the practices and appointments from getting missed. Maybe it's a routine of picking out clothes or making lunches to keep the morning on schedule the next day before going to bed. We check backpacks after school for important reminders, see the child’s work, and ensure they haven’t misplaced their overdue library books.
We know these systems and routines are important for smooth school days. We make sure our kids have what they need to be successful in the classroom, and we gather the information to help them do so from home.
So I’m wondering, are we doing the same for church? Do we put in the same effort to prepare our children to grow and learn on Sundays or Wednesdays? Are we following up to see what our child is learning and how they’re growing and understanding what they’re being taught in Small Groups?
These steps are even more important in the long run. We want to use our time with our children in our home to show them the importance of growing in the Lord.
Here are a few things we all can do to set up for a great Sunday morning!
Pack a church bag before bed.
If you have a baby or toddler, then you’re likely packing a diaper bag still, but even for older preschoolers, it’s a great practice to continue sending an extra set of clothes and a water bottle. Preschoolers love bringing their own Bible to church, too!
If you have elementary kids, then they definitely need to bring their Bible! Choose a fun journal or the Time Alone With God notebook for KidsLife to take sermon notes in Big Church, and find some fun pens that your child will enjoy writing with. A few quiet toys to keep hands busy during Big Church is okay, too! We know kids are often listening even when their hands are occupied with other things. Consider packing a quiet snack, too - throw a few crackers or fruit snacks in your bag.
Choose outfits for everyone - and find shoes, too.
There are not many things more frustrating than everyone getting ready to head out the door, and you can only find one of the white sandals that match your 4-year-old's dress perfectly. On Saturday night, have everyone choose and lay out everything they're going to wear the next day to avoid missing pieces or squabbles over what to wear in the morning.
Look at what your child brings home.
Oftentimes, your child is bringing home an activity page, craft, or even a specific resource for family discussion! Look at these pieces to see how your child is learning Bible truths in class at church. Sometimes, it’s hard to know how to teach a Bible story to little ones or how to explain a Bible truth to preteens. These resources can help you see some keywords in having those discussions at home. That leads me to my last suggestion:
Talk about the Bible truths.
Parents are the primary spiritual leaders of their children. Don’t take this lightly, but don’t let it intimidate you! Incorporate faith conversations into the everyday things you are already doing! Use those resources and tools that are coming home with your child and continue the conversation. Use times like bath time, while you’re driving to the store, or going for a walk to talk about the things they are learning at church. Don’t wait until your family is in a crisis situation to point your kids to Jesus!