Did you and your children join the church for worship last Sunday? It’s possible you were both at the same address, but you gathered with the church while your children went to a ministry of the church.
Churches often betray their own convictions about the church, confusing parents and children along the way. Putting children’s ministry in its proper place is not only a matter of ecclesiological preference; it influences how we affirm the salvation of our children.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY IS A CHURCH’S MISSION FIELD
Jonathan Leeman helpfully defines the local church this way:
a regular gathering or assembly of people who mutually affirm one another as Christians through preaching the gospel and participating in baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Notice the church is not merely defined by those who gather for worship. Non-Christians and unaffirmed professors of Christ will be gathered there too. Rather, a church is made up of those affirmed in their faith who gather around the Word and ordinances.
Might there be children of varying ages counted in church? Sure. It depends on the church. However, it’s best not to think of children’s ministry as part of the church. Instead, think of it as
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