Children

WPCC desires to be a family-equipping church. Simply, parents are the primary faith trainers in their family so we provide resources to equip families to accomplish this.

By the time a child enters 4th grade, they are usually intellectually and emotionally ready for weightier subjects. They are also talkative and maintain a strong connection to their parents. Most 4th-5th graders are able to listen quietly to a sermon, and begin to understand the more abstract concepts. This then equips parents to discuss the sermon points with their children. Parents are able to correct misunderstandings, listen to their child’s doubts or questions, and encourage them throughout the week in their spiritual lives. Not only does this discussion benefit the child, it often proves to be valuable in the parent’s sanctification.

If you would like to have further help in guiding sermon discussions, you can use the pastoral questions here link to small group study or the simpler Sunday School Family guide here link to Family Discussion guide

As important as family discipleship is though, we recognize that 4th-5th grade is starting to be strongly attracted to peer groups. We believe that friendship is vital for children to feel connected to their church body. This is why we offer the Radix class on Thursday nights. Other godly adults are supporting your child by teaching them the gospel and your child can forge friendships with their peers.

FAQs
But my child doesn’t sit still or listen.
The first few times that your 4th grader is asked to sit quietly through a sermon will be difficult. Just ask Pastor Jay or Courtney! However, like any skill, it takes persistence and training. Before the service begins, review expectations of behavior with your child. Provide them with age-appropriate sermon guides (emailed every week). Help them follow along in their own Bibles. Ask them to listen for Key Words (auditory learners) or draw Key Points (visual learners). The goal is not a dutiful child that sits perfectly still through a sermon, but a child that is actively listening to God’s Word being expounded.

But they want to meet other people their age.
This is an understandable concern. Peer relationships are important to feeling connected in a church body. This is why we offer multiple opportunities at other times such as Radix, VBS, or Christmas choir for children to form friendships.

But my child isn’t developmentally ready to sit through a sermon.
While there are expectations of developmental growth at each year, not every child follows this average. We desire to be hospitable to every child so if you have a concern, please talk to Courtney Neuber, Children’s Ministry Director.