How to Prepare Your Family for Church
Sunday Morning Worship is a Saturday Night Decision
If you have ever been scrambling on a Sunday morning for a Bible, one shoe, or a pair of “church pants” that actually fit.. you know that simple rhythms the night before could create a more peaceful Sunday morning. Implementing a few simple steps on Saturday night could eliminate a lot of stress.
Have a “church bag” for every child
Make sure that this bag is for church only, and that after church it always goes to the same spot. Allow your children to take ownership of preparing and bringing their church bag each week.Prepare the “church bag”
Make sure that the church bag has the essentials every week. Each child should have their own Bible to bring to church, a journal to color or take notes in, and something to write or draw with. I strongly suggest tossing a snack and a water bottle into the bag each week as well.Pick out clothes
Choosing your Sunday morning outfit on Saturday night will simplify Sunday mornings. Encouraging children to pick out all the necessities, from undergarments to accessories and shoes, will help for a calm morning before church.Plan the meals
What is everyone going to have for breakfast in the morning? If so, do you have enough of everything? What is the prep and cook time for breakfast? Who is preparing breakfast? Is the plan to stop by the donut shop? If so, what time do you need to allow enough time for that pit stop?
Sunday Morning Starts Saturday Night
Children in Worship
At The Night Before, we believe that children have a place in the Body of Christ and as active participants in corporate worship. We believe that there is great benefit in the formation of a child’s faith in their having the opportunity to see their parents, friends’ parents, and other spiritual leaders worship, read their Bibles, take notes, give, and pray.
Allowing children the opportunity to be in corporate worship is another decision that takes great intentionality from parents. This is one way that we disciple the children God has entrusted to us. There are a few steps that can help begin bringing children.
Read the Bible together on Saturday
If you know what your pastor is going to be preaching on Sunday morning, have your children find it in their Bible and read it together on Saturday night. A brief discussion can help tackle big words and give children an overview before they join “big church”.Create and Discuss Expectations
Having expectations clearly communicated frequently allows children to know how to not just be present, but be an active participant. Expectations might include things like using the restroom before worship, standing during the songs, opening Bible during the preaching, and taking notes.Choose Seats Wisely
One reason that children get distracted during worship is that they simply cannot see. The tall grownups in front of them can keep them from being able to see the screens. Let your children pick where the family sits. This will give them ownership and excitement about coming to church.
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