What Is A Family Integrated Church?
Family Integrated Church is a concept that aims to welcome people of all ages into the worship of God by following the principles of Scripture.
At Awakening Church, this commitment to Scripture has led to the decision to staff a nursery for children up to the age of two, while all others above that age participate in the Church's regular services in the main sanctuary. This approach is a specific implementation of the family integrated church conviction, which varies in its application among different churches.
Why should I be excited about family integrated church?
1. There is only one salvation.
Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
All people are, regardless of age, ability or any other factor, saved only by calling upon the name of Jesus Christ.
2. There has been given a specific way of spreading that salvation.
Romans 10:14 “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
God has chosen one specific way that his Word is to be spread, and that is not given to us in any modified way based on the age or skill of the person hearing. We all must hear preaching to call on God.
3. Children are addressed in the context of a church in the New Testament writings.
Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
In the letters that Paul wrote to the churches in Colossae and Ephesus, he takes the time to address children. Paul doesn’t give a note to parents on how to instruct their children, he expects them to be within hearing of the letter, right next to their parents, learning from the same lesson.
4. We see examples of the results of those raised in the knowledge of God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:14–15 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
This verse is a wonderful example of the faithful action of parents and guardians leading to not just the mental assent of the child, but of their growing into a position to be used greatly with God based on knowledge of Scripture.
5. Children are gifts, not a burden.
Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
The Bible, in no uncertain terms, teaches us that children are a blessing from God. We attempt to show our gratitude by faithfulness in all parts of our life, and children are a significant part of that.
6. Children and adults learn through difficulty.
Hebrews 12:11 “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
The bringing of children into the new situation of “adult” church will initially involve a learning curve. That learning curve will certainly involve some discipline and training; teaching them how to be (mostly) still, (somewhat) quiet, and encourage participation during service. But just as we learn in Hebrews 12, this is how our Heavenly Father teaches us, and we are called to imitate his efforts for our own children.
Conclusion
In short, a “family integrated church” is a church where you can read Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20 and the intended audience is there to hear it. There is no command to separate the people of God into groups for the ease of their instruction, and certainly not for the convenience of parents or annoyed congregants. Family integration in church is an effort taken up by the whole of those in attendance.
Practical Considerations
1. Reach out to a member if you need assistance (e.g. when your husband is absent, or you are a single mother still teaching your children discipline in church), a member would be happy to sit by you to lend a hand and a watchful eye. If you find yourself feeling you need assistance with your children due to extenuating circumstances (dad/mom out of town, difficult morning. Please reach out to the congregation for help, we understand and would be happy to come alongside you in this effort.
2. If you need a place to rock a child to sleep or to let a little one walk out some energy, please feel welcome to take them to the back area of the sanctuary.
3. At the discretion of parents and their assessment of children’s maturity, supplemental materials are available (e.g. paper to draw/color on, clipboards, quiet toys).
4. We ask you to use your discretion, if a child becomes disruptive during service please remove them from the sanctuary for any disciplinary action or for a break. Please come back to join when ready.
5. While we are in our temporary location, no food or drink is allowed in the sanctuary. We understand that little ones may have dry snacks/bottles, if so, we ask that you pick up after your family and ensure no trash is left behind.
6. Children and their obedience does not come from nowhere and cannot not be cultivated with once a week practice. A family’s commitment to building discipline during their daily family worship or devotions will greatly aid in their ability to behave and grow while attending Lord’s Day worship.
Resources
Book on the children in worship:
https://www.amazon.com/Let-Children-Worship-Jason-Helopoulos/dp/1781919097
Article on the above book:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/let-the-children-worship-in-church/
An article by John Piper where he explains his decision to family integrate:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-family-together-in-gods-presence
A practical article by John and Noel Piper covering the benefits of children in worship and practical advice on discipline:
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-children-sit-through-big-church
Joel Beeke Five-Part Series on “Teaching Children to Listen”:
At Awakening Church, this commitment to Scripture has led to the decision to staff a nursery for children up to the age of two, while all others above that age participate in the Church's regular services in the main sanctuary. This approach is a specific implementation of the family integrated church conviction, which varies in its application among different churches.
Why should I be excited about family integrated church?
1. There is only one salvation.
Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
All people are, regardless of age, ability or any other factor, saved only by calling upon the name of Jesus Christ.
2. There has been given a specific way of spreading that salvation.
Romans 10:14 “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
God has chosen one specific way that his Word is to be spread, and that is not given to us in any modified way based on the age or skill of the person hearing. We all must hear preaching to call on God.
3. Children are addressed in the context of a church in the New Testament writings.
Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
In the letters that Paul wrote to the churches in Colossae and Ephesus, he takes the time to address children. Paul doesn’t give a note to parents on how to instruct their children, he expects them to be within hearing of the letter, right next to their parents, learning from the same lesson.
4. We see examples of the results of those raised in the knowledge of God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:14–15 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
This verse is a wonderful example of the faithful action of parents and guardians leading to not just the mental assent of the child, but of their growing into a position to be used greatly with God based on knowledge of Scripture.
5. Children are gifts, not a burden.
Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
The Bible, in no uncertain terms, teaches us that children are a blessing from God. We attempt to show our gratitude by faithfulness in all parts of our life, and children are a significant part of that.
6. Children and adults learn through difficulty.
Hebrews 12:11 “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
The bringing of children into the new situation of “adult” church will initially involve a learning curve. That learning curve will certainly involve some discipline and training; teaching them how to be (mostly) still, (somewhat) quiet, and encourage participation during service. But just as we learn in Hebrews 12, this is how our Heavenly Father teaches us, and we are called to imitate his efforts for our own children.
Conclusion
In short, a “family integrated church” is a church where you can read Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20 and the intended audience is there to hear it. There is no command to separate the people of God into groups for the ease of their instruction, and certainly not for the convenience of parents or annoyed congregants. Family integration in church is an effort taken up by the whole of those in attendance.
Practical Considerations
1. Reach out to a member if you need assistance (e.g. when your husband is absent, or you are a single mother still teaching your children discipline in church), a member would be happy to sit by you to lend a hand and a watchful eye. If you find yourself feeling you need assistance with your children due to extenuating circumstances (dad/mom out of town, difficult morning. Please reach out to the congregation for help, we understand and would be happy to come alongside you in this effort.
2. If you need a place to rock a child to sleep or to let a little one walk out some energy, please feel welcome to take them to the back area of the sanctuary.
3. At the discretion of parents and their assessment of children’s maturity, supplemental materials are available (e.g. paper to draw/color on, clipboards, quiet toys).
4. We ask you to use your discretion, if a child becomes disruptive during service please remove them from the sanctuary for any disciplinary action or for a break. Please come back to join when ready.
5. While we are in our temporary location, no food or drink is allowed in the sanctuary. We understand that little ones may have dry snacks/bottles, if so, we ask that you pick up after your family and ensure no trash is left behind.
6. Children and their obedience does not come from nowhere and cannot not be cultivated with once a week practice. A family’s commitment to building discipline during their daily family worship or devotions will greatly aid in their ability to behave and grow while attending Lord’s Day worship.
Resources
Book on the children in worship:
https://www.amazon.com/Let-Children-Worship-Jason-Helopoulos/dp/1781919097
Article on the above book:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/let-the-children-worship-in-church/
An article by John Piper where he explains his decision to family integrate:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-family-together-in-gods-presence
A practical article by John and Noel Piper covering the benefits of children in worship and practical advice on discipline:
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-children-sit-through-big-church
Joel Beeke Five-Part Series on “Teaching Children to Listen”:
- Part 1 - How to Prepare Children To Get the Most from Church
- Part 2 - How to Listen to the Sermon
- Part 3 - Putting Listening into Practice
- Part 4 - Teaching Children to Listen in the Home
- Part 5 - Teaching Children to Listen in the Home (Cont.)
Posted in Resources
No Comments