A new year means a calendar with new possibilities. While some of us have free time to fill, many people—most notably those raising kids—have a schedule loaded with extracurricular activities, get-togethers and meetings.
In light of these commitments, church leaders are asking, “How do we engage families, especially those with young children?”
Many churches say it is getting more complicated to schedule ministry events around family plans. Traditional activities aren’t connecting as well so communities are exploring different ways to gather. The author of Hebrews reminds us to prayerfully “…consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” (Heb. 10:24-25a).
We often think about activities and events to attract families but sometimes forget the spiritual discipline of hospitality. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg talks about “the third place,” a location where people connect outside of their house and workplace, with the environment of a “home away from home.” In our church communities, we strive to be spiritual third places where families feel welcomed and comfortable to engage with God and each other.
Pastor Matt Thrift and his wife, Hannah, help lead Koerner Heights Church in Newton, Kan. The Thrifts have seen families engage well when a church embodies a shared mission and vision that includes multiple generations.
Matt encourages leaders to “write down that you want to engage with kids and families,” and that will help “lead to the goal you are trying to accomplish.” This means creating an inclusive posture toward young people.
Hannah points out that “kids know where they are wanted and where they are viewed as a burden.” A church can create a family-supporting culture that loves children (especially those who attend without adults), teaches teenagers how to lead and disciples parents alongside their kids. The Thrifts value their church’s youth pastor and volunteers and remind others to celebrate those who are serving families in the name of Jesus.
Within the USMB body of churches, youth and children’s ministry leaders embrace families by hosting gatherings that provide food, fun and discipleship. Beyond preparing curriculum and praying over their flock, leaders have conversations with families and coordinate schedules, meet student needs and set up spaces for multiple generations to gather. I personally am part of the Family Ministry Team at my church and can testify to how much time and effort it takes to figure out the details.
Perhaps the most important way to engage families is to remember God’s heart for all generations. Matt reminds us, “Families and kids are not the future church—they are already the present church.”
Caitlin Friesen is a native of Fresno, California, and a 2023 graduate of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. She has a passion for Jesus and a heart for children, both of which has been put to use as a backpacking guide, camp counselor and as associate pastor of children and family ministries at North Fresno Church. In September 2017, she and her husband, Ben, moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Ben serves as lead pastor at Cornerstone Community Church.
