“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” -Luke 18:15-17
As a parent there is a great joy in knowing that your child/children will hear the good news of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Although, such a committed interest from them can take several years, it is a decision we pray our children will make early in life. Understandably, bringing them to church for the very first time can be a tough experience. Trust us! Your children will enjoy a refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable atmosphere for the whole family. They will want you to experience godly music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people, and a place where they will feel welcome and "at home!"
Share the gospel with your children
Maybe your child knows several Bible stories by heart, or maybe he is just now learning basic truths of Scripture. Whatever your child’s level of biblical literacy, establishing a core understanding of God's plan for humanity — how these stories and truths are all linked together — is the first step. Do not assume they have heard it at Baptist Church, and do not leave it to them to connect the dots from Sunday School lessons and sermons. Share the gospel with your children plainly, passionately, and frequently.
Participation in the life of a church is a must. Your children may not always agree. At first, they will go through a phase when they didn’t want to go. Because they were also involved in other youth activities, we told them they didn’t have to participate in our church’s youth group but that missing Baptist church worship was not an option.
As your children begin to grasp how the Baptist Church affects their lives, they will increasingly show more interest. Your child might exhibit genuine repentance over sin, which isn’t just regret over getting caught and being punished, but more about wanting forgiveness. Pay attention for questions regarding heaven and hell, forgiveness of sins, the nature of God or other concepts.
Encourage them to participate in a Baptist church ministry
Another practical way to instill a mission mindset in your child is to go together on a short-term mission trip, either here in the United States or overseas. In addition to the impact you will have for Christ, you will find that your child will change in significant ways as he moves out of his normal comfort zone and sees the need that others have for Christ and the Baptist Church. Enlist your best workers for this ministry. Don’t allow just anyone to work with children; find your absolute best, even if it means pulling them out of adult classes.
Talk with your pastor
Your pastor knows that his audience are children and children love visuals. He will call them to attention occasionally by saying something like, “Boys and girls, let me tell you a story” or “Kids, let me explain this word to you.” If your children are listening, it’s more likely your adults will be, too.
Yes, as parents you may feel awestruck by the opportunity and responsibility of bringing your children close to the Mount Vernon Baptist church. You need to first admit that this will take time to accomplish. But you need to keep plugging away and seek the Lord’s grace in your children’s lives.
As a parent there is a great joy in knowing that your child/children will hear the good news of the Mount Vernon Baptist Church. Although, such a committed interest from them can take several years, it is a decision we pray our children will make early in life. Understandably, bringing them to church for the very first time can be a tough experience. Trust us! Your children will enjoy a refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable atmosphere for the whole family. They will want you to experience godly music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people, and a place where they will feel welcome and "at home!"
Share the gospel with your children
Maybe your child knows several Bible stories by heart, or maybe he is just now learning basic truths of Scripture. Whatever your child’s level of biblical literacy, establishing a core understanding of God's plan for humanity — how these stories and truths are all linked together — is the first step. Do not assume they have heard it at Baptist Church, and do not leave it to them to connect the dots from Sunday School lessons and sermons. Share the gospel with your children plainly, passionately, and frequently.
Participation in the life of a church is a must. Your children may not always agree. At first, they will go through a phase when they didn’t want to go. Because they were also involved in other youth activities, we told them they didn’t have to participate in our church’s youth group but that missing Baptist church worship was not an option.
As your children begin to grasp how the Baptist Church affects their lives, they will increasingly show more interest. Your child might exhibit genuine repentance over sin, which isn’t just regret over getting caught and being punished, but more about wanting forgiveness. Pay attention for questions regarding heaven and hell, forgiveness of sins, the nature of God or other concepts.
Encourage them to participate in a Baptist church ministry
Another practical way to instill a mission mindset in your child is to go together on a short-term mission trip, either here in the United States or overseas. In addition to the impact you will have for Christ, you will find that your child will change in significant ways as he moves out of his normal comfort zone and sees the need that others have for Christ and the Baptist Church. Enlist your best workers for this ministry. Don’t allow just anyone to work with children; find your absolute best, even if it means pulling them out of adult classes.
Talk with your pastor
Your pastor knows that his audience are children and children love visuals. He will call them to attention occasionally by saying something like, “Boys and girls, let me tell you a story” or “Kids, let me explain this word to you.” If your children are listening, it’s more likely your adults will be, too.
Yes, as parents you may feel awestruck by the opportunity and responsibility of bringing your children close to the Mount Vernon Baptist church. You need to first admit that this will take time to accomplish. But you need to keep plugging away and seek the Lord’s grace in your children’s lives.
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