Children's Ministry

We are convinced that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3). God deeply loves and values our children. When a group of parents tried to bring their children to Jesus so that he might place his hands upon them and bless them, his disciples attempted to stop the children from approaching Jesus because children simply were not valued in that society. Jesus, however, encouraged the children to come to him. In fact, he claimed that the kingdom of God belongs especially to children, and he lifted up the faithful dependence of a child as the model for all believers (Luke 18:16-17). Central places a special priority on children because they are dearly loved by God.

The promise of the gospel is for our children. When God entered into a special relationship with Abraham, God made his covenant with Abraham and Abraham’s children (Genesis 17:7). Today we believe God continues to work through families. After Jesus established the new covenant through his life, death, and resurrection in fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, the Apostle Peter proclaimed that the promise of the gospel is for our children (Acts 2:39). Children, therefore, not only represent the future of the church but also play a vital role in the present as members of the covenant community. We thus regard children as members of the church and strive to help them grow in their faith, develop their relationship with Jesus, and live in light of the gospel of grace.

The primary responsibility for the Christian nurture of children lies with their parents, but this responsibility extends to the entire Christian community. No one has more influence over the spiritual lives of children than their parents, and the Apostle Paul accordingly instructs parents to raise their children in “the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Nevertheless, the whole corporate body of the church has a role to play. God calls us as families and as the family of God to teach our children about him at all times and in everything we do so that they might share in his promises (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 11:19-21). In response to this call, we at Central seek to faithfully immerse our children in Jesus’ gospel of grace through:

• Embracing them in the life and community of our church
• Engaging them in worship, prayer, and the study of the Scriptures
• Equipping them to pursue a life of Christ-likeness in grateful response to God’s love
• Empowering Central’s parents to nurture the spiritual lives of their children