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Small Beginnings

Church for Under 5's

Many churches run well attended midweek groups for under 5s and their carers, but there is a danger that churches will miss the opportunity to spiritually connect with non-churched parents and children if they wait around for families to cross the divide between midweek parent and baby/toddler groups to Sunday worship.

Many of our existing models of Sunday church worship are limited in catering effectively for children under five and their parents. Many parents find they need all their concentration to make sure their children don't run off, hit their heads or make noise at the wrong time. Keeping children happy and quiet throughout even all-age services can leave some parents completely drained.

There is mounting evidence to suggest children might be born with innate spiritual awareness but all-age worship, while effective for older children, is often limited in what it can do to nurture spirituality in children under five. This can even keep young families away.

Children, even the smallest childrenhave the rightto engage with the Christian faith in ways appropriate to who they are. Tired parents shouldn't have to dread church,especially when this time of life often prompts a more serious searchfor answers tospiritual questions.

Encounters on the Edge no.31 Small Beginnings tells the story of two churches who have developed simple short acts of worship that are spiritually enriching for under 5s and their parents, grandparents or carers which have grown into something like church for these families. There is just as much need for mission-shaped church thinking for children.This issue, as well as telling the stories, offers some practical advice on where to start.