Families at Freedom

Jesus welcomed children and called His people to receive them with the same care (Mark 10:13–16). At Freedom, children are not visitors to the life of the church. They are welcomed among us to hear God's Word, sing with His people, learn to pray, and see the gospel displayed as the church worships together.

Parents and caregivers do not need to arrive with a polished family or perfectly quiet children. Whether you are married or single, fostering or adopting, raising children with particular needs, helping as a grandparent, or caring for children in another season of life, we want to receive your household with patience and help you know what to expect.

Family-integrated worship means that children ordinarily participate with the whole church when we gather on the Lord's Day. They sit with parents or caregivers, hear Scripture read and preached, sing, pray, and observe baptism and the Lord's Supper as part of the church's shared life.

This pattern reflects the way Scripture addresses children within the worshiping community. Paul speaks directly to children and then calls fathers to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:20–21). Children need the same Savior adults need, and they need to hear the good news of Christ among His people.

We do not expect young children to understand everything at once. They learn through patient participation over time. A whispered question, a restless moment, or a child learning when to stand and sing is not an interruption to the church's life. It is part of welcoming the next generation as they hear the truth and watch believers worship Christ.

For a fuller explanation of what shapes our Lord's Day worship, read Why We Gather.

God gives parents the primary responsibility to teach His Word and show their children what faithful obedience looks like in the ordinary rhythms of home. That calling is more than leading a formal lesson. It includes praying together, speaking about Christ, confessing sin, extending forgiveness, practicing hospitality, and helping children connect God's truth to everyday life.

Parents do not carry this responsibility alone. Christ places households within a church where older and younger believers teach what is good, model faithfulness, pray for one another, and bear one another's burdens (Titus 2:1–8). The church does not replace parents, and parents do not replace the church.

At Home
Faithful family discipleship is ordinary and dependent. Parents plant and water through Scripture, prayer, conversation, correction, and example, but only God gives life and growth. Our confidence is not in a technique or a family routine. It is in Christ, who saves sinners and works through His Word.

Among the Church
Meaningful membership gives parents and children the steady care of a particular church body. Through the Discipleship Semester, adults continue growing in biblical truth, prayer, encouragement, and faithful obedience so they can serve Christ in every part of life, including the home.

Each week, the bulletin and email newsletter include a family devotional to help households continue in Scripture, prayer, and conversation at home.

This shared responsibility matters for every household. Single parents, blended families, foster and adoptive families, grandparents, caregivers, and families navigating disability or hardship all need the prayers, encouragement, wisdom, and practical love of Christ's people.

Participate
Children remain with their parents or caregivers for the gathering and participate at an age-appropriate level. They may sing familiar words, listen for a repeated truth, follow a Scripture passage, pray with the church, or ask questions afterward.

Learn Over Time
The goal is not immediate stillness or complete understanding. Week by week, children become familiar with the language of Scripture and the rhythms of gathered worship. Parents can help with simple preparation before Sunday and brief conversations afterward.

Receive Patient Help
Some Sundays will be easier than others. If your child needs a break, you may step into the lobby and return when you are ready. Other members understand that children are learning, and we want families to receive patience rather than pressure.

You can learn more about the preaching, singing, prayer, ordinances, and fellowship that shape the service on the Gather page.

Nursery and Preschool rooms are available during the gathering as optional support for families with younger children. Younger children are also welcome to remain with their parents throughout the service.

Nursery
Nursery serves children from birth through age 2.

Preschool
Preschool serves children ages 3 through 5. Elementary-age children and older worship with the church in the Lord's Day gathering.

Check-In
Parents check children in using the iPads outside the Nursery and Preschool rooms. The building is simple and well marked, and signs will direct you to both rooms. Volunteers are available to help first-time families.

Families may preregister through Church Center to make check-in faster. Preregistration is optional and is never required to attend.

You do not need to master a process before visiting. Come together, and choose the option that best serves your younger children that morning.

1. Arrive as a family. A greeter will welcome you at the church's one public entrance.

2. Choose where your children will participate. Keep your children with you, or use Nursery or Preschool if their ages fit those rooms.

3. Ask for help if you need it. Volunteers can help with check-in, and you may share a specific question before Sunday through our Plan Your Visit form.

For the service time, address, arrival guidance, and other general details, see Plan Your Visit.

Does my child have to remain in the gathering for the entire service?
Elementary-age children and older ordinarily remain with the church throughout the gathering. Parents may step into the lobby with a child who needs a break and return when ready. Nursery and Preschool are available for younger children, but using them is optional.

What if my child is noisy or restless?
Children learn to worship by participating, and that learning takes time. We do not expect young children to behave like adults. Help your child as you are able, step out briefly if needed, and return without embarrassment.

Do I have to use Nursery or Preschool?
No. Both rooms are optional supports. Children from birth through age 5 are welcome to remain with their parents or caregivers during the entire gathering.

How does check-in work?
Use the iPads outside the Nursery and Preschool rooms. Signs will help you find them, and a volunteer can assist you on your first Sunday. You may also preregister through Church Center before you arrive.

What if my child or household has a specific need?
Email info@freedombiblechurch.net before Sunday with your question. We will answer honestly about the building and the support currently available so you can prepare for your visit.

How does Freedom help parents grow as disciples?
Parents need the same Word, prayer, fellowship, encouragement, and accountability as every other believer. Freedom's Discipleship Semester helps adults grow together in biblical truth and everyday obedience. The church then encourages parents as they apply that truth within the home.

What about middle and high school students?
Students participate in the Lord's Day gathering with the whole church. The Students page explains additional age-specific opportunities without separating students from the ordinary life of the church.

If you are thinking about joining us this Sunday, we would be glad to welcome your family. Planning your visit simply helps us prepare to answer questions or assist with a specific need. It does not reserve a seat, and it is never required to attend. You can always simply come.

The Church Center form lets you tell us which Sunday you plan to visit, who may be coming with you, and anything you would like us to know beforehand.