OUR CHURCH IS IN A GROWING YOUNG SEASON
On a regular Sunday Morning at Christ Church, nearly 20% of everyone in the church is between the ages of 0-10 years old. We see our mission as deepening our value of “whole-life discipleship” by creating a spiritual pathway for children and families, by making room in our facilities for all of our children, and by ensuring our practices and policies are aligned to keep children safe. In this Growing Young season, we want to give special attention to Jesus’s command to “Let the little children come to me.”
What is a Growing Young Season? The church is being renewed in the 0-25 year old age groups among our children, youth, and young adults, which brings a liveliness, passion, and energy in the church. This season emphasizes intergenerational relationships as adults in all stages of life participate in raising the next generation in the faith. It does not mean that we shift away from adult formation and mission, but become more intentional about the younger generation which invites children and youth to take their place in the church, being filled with the Spirit. It emphasizes the commitment of the whole church to spiritual formation for every generation.
A recording of the Annual Parish Meeting is available here until the end of October.
BACKYARD PROJECT
With so many children at Christ Church, we are facing facilities challenges. Our nursery rooms are overcrowded and even our Kids Quest classes have grown quite large. We can provide much needed space by setting up a portable building with two classrooms in our backyard.
Our backyard is a central hub hangout for children and adults alike. On a Sunday morning, it is abuzz with activity as children run and play, and adults visit and talk. Yet, there is limited seating and play spaces and older, bulky playground equipment that is outsized for the area.
We have an opportunity to add a portable to the backyard and upgrade the area by replacing bulky playground equipment with natural playscapes and plants, and create a more beautiful and welcoming space for community engagement. Will you help?
“Our research revealed that growing young can energize your entire congregation. As you navigate the waters of growing young, your other priorities (like effective evangelism, dynamic worship services, powerful service and missions, and authentic community) will gain momentum.”
– KARA POWELL, GROWING YOUNG
WHOLE LIFE DISCIPLESHIP
FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Every believer is called to become like Christ (2 Cor 3:18). And while the destination is the same, the process and habits along the way look different as we age.
We have created a Spiritual Pathway for any child ages 0-22 years old associated with Christ Church. This provides clarity for parents, godparents, and children about how the church and families partner together to see each child grow in their faith from infancy to young adulthood. While parents are the primary disciple-makers for their children, the church and community play an important role in helping children mature in Christ. The Spiritual Pathways lays out vision and expectation families can expect from the church, and will provide resources and guidance around key areas of conversation.
We strive to provide age-appropriate community and discipleship to encourage and celebrate each stage of growth. We offer shared liturgical experiences, service projects, and faith-building activities. The goal is spiritual formation and transformation, beginning at birth.
*This pathway will continue to develop and mature as more resources are added. Follow along to see the first version outlining church-directed formation. Reach out to our Children’s Ministry Team Leader, Olivia Bruner, or our Director of Student Ministries, Beau Pruitt, for more information including parents’ meetings where additional resources are provided.
SAFE CHURCH
We believe the Church has a responsibility to take action in safeguarding the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of every person in its care.
As such, we are committed to standing with the most vulnerable, holding one another accountable, trauma-informed care, abuse prevention, and creating an all-around culture of goodness and safety for all.
Take a moment to review our child and youth protection policies by clicking the link below.