Thanks for sharing this, Derek. How have you guys walked alongside new believers or new members coming from other churches that *do* offer children’s programming during the service? I imagine what she’s writing will take a lot of work, time, and effort from even seasoned Christian’s who are more readily able to get behind this idea. How have you seen this adapted by young and new Christians? We’ve had a number of visitors with families visit and find it disappointing we don’t offer what they want in terms of kids programming, and then never return — or even never giving me the chance to explain. While I understand Reformed churches aren’t for everyone, it feels like this is a piece of the puzzle I’m struggling to figure out. Thanks again for sharing!
I am not sure I have an encouraging answer. Integrated worship is definitely something that many Christians and non-Christians find off-putting, too difficult, or undesirable. We definitely have people visit and not return as a result. We make this clear on our website as well, which I am cure prevents many from visiting.
Our church has grown primarily through the witness of our members and not our Sunday gathering. We have focused on worshipping in a way that we believe is faithful and best informationally for our members, always seeking to speak in a way that welcomes outsiders, but unapologetically worshipping as Christians. So integrative worship has not been an oddity in this regard.
Thanks for sharing this, Derek. How have you guys walked alongside new believers or new members coming from other churches that *do* offer children’s programming during the service? I imagine what she’s writing will take a lot of work, time, and effort from even seasoned Christian’s who are more readily able to get behind this idea. How have you seen this adapted by young and new Christians? We’ve had a number of visitors with families visit and find it disappointing we don’t offer what they want in terms of kids programming, and then never return — or even never giving me the chance to explain. While I understand Reformed churches aren’t for everyone, it feels like this is a piece of the puzzle I’m struggling to figure out. Thanks again for sharing!
I am not sure I have an encouraging answer. Integrated worship is definitely something that many Christians and non-Christians find off-putting, too difficult, or undesirable. We definitely have people visit and not return as a result. We make this clear on our website as well, which I am cure prevents many from visiting.
Our church has grown primarily through the witness of our members and not our Sunday gathering. We have focused on worshipping in a way that we believe is faithful and best informationally for our members, always seeking to speak in a way that welcomes outsiders, but unapologetically worshipping as Christians. So integrative worship has not been an oddity in this regard.