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See also: Sunday Bulletins Guest Receptions Children’s Ministry
At the top of our bulletin is a summary of the purpose and form of our Sunday Service. Three short sentences intended to put the newcomer at ease.
Our Format
We gather on Sundays to rehearse and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As Bryan Chapell wrote in his book Christ-Centered Worship, “Where the gospel is honored, it shapes worship.”
Our Style
Our use of contemporary and traditional elements within our service reflects two things: a deep passion for God and a shared heritage with the historic church.
There are no “worship wars” at our church. The old and new blend together as each person adds their voice to the congregation’s voice. In addition, we benefit from the work and ministry of prior generations, who no longer speak into this world but still stand as testimonies to God’s goodness throughout the ages. We learn from them.
Our Response
We call this impassioned orthodoxy.
Truth that moves hearts. Facts that generate feelings. Religious affections. However you want to describe it, we have a commitment to sound doctrine that results in a deep love for God.
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[Click here for Part 1 and Part 2.]
How do we do Children’s Ministry?
Not much changed when we moved to the Woman’s Club of Orange. We still offer childcare for newborns through Kindergarten during the entire service (located in the lobby).
We also continue to offer an age-targeted, gospel-centered class for children in First through Fifth Grade. This class is optional and begins right after the mid-service break.
The teachers are certified with background checks, the kids are registered, proper security protocols are being practiced, and we are still using the Praise Factory curriculum.
Why do we offer Children’s Ministry?
The short answer is because we can.
There are certainly many good reasons for keeping children in the service with the adults (training, discipleship, worship, etc.). We don’t disagree and everyone is free to keep their children with them during the entire service.
However, not every child is ready to participate in the “big meeting,” and not every parent is ready to endure a squirmy three year old. For these families, we want to make every effort to help them hear the gospel on Sundays.
If caring for children enables a guest or young parent to engage with the sermon, let’s do it.
If we can do more to help our youngest engage with God’s Word on Sundays, let’s do it.
We’re not worried about splitting families up. In the end, what will keep families worshiping together on Sundays will be the miracle of regeneration…not discipline from the pews.
