Attracting Young Families to Your Church

Have you ever sat and thought about what Saturday nights might be like for the young parents in your church? How much effort does it take for a new family with tiny children to make it there on Sunday mornings? Often, to those parents, a good night’s sleep seems like just a distant memory—along with memories of how easy it used to be to hop into the car without the car seat, diaper bag, and toys. To some, the nursery may seem to be a “small” ministry because it is away from the public eye. But it can develop into one of the most vibrant and life-changing ministries of your church!

Here are 4 baby steps to attracting young families:

1.

First Impressions

It has been said that the nursery is “the handshake of the church.” Your helpful attitude and friendliness convey a powerful first impression of what your church culture is like. When a parent brings an infant or toddler to the nursery, your friendly greeting and personal comment to or about the child send the message, “We remember and care about you!”

2.

Environment

In the nursery environment, feeling comfortable is vital to the child and parent. Try thinking like a baby when you look at your nursery room. When a church succeeds at stimulating the child’s five senses, a favorable experience can be created

When your nursery sends the message “Come in! We are prepared, clean, competent, and caring,” you are well on the road to building a strong relationship with families. When that message is reinforced by the quality of care you give to children, families want to return!

3. Relationships

Education expert Henrietta Mears once said, “First I loved my teacher, and then I loved my teacher’s God.” It is in this place of developing a trusting, safe, and loving environment that children begin to love their teacher. And as a child begins to love their teacher, they get to know God working through them. Never forget that your ultimate goal is to see each family develop a growing walk with Jesus Christ. Babies and toddlers are not too young to start learning about God’s love for them. Develop a plan for faith to be nurtured in the nursery.

4. Follow Up

Young parents who are not deeply committed to attending church are often influenced to come back by the caliber of care their baby received and by their child’s positive experience. Even though a family has walked out of the church’s doors on Sunday morning, that doesn’t mean they don’t need your help and support during the week.

Here are some tips on staying connected with families who have young ones:

• Invite them to join a family-friendly small group.

• Send a text or social media message letting them know you are thinking about them.

• Check in with them by sending them a note or otherwise indicating that you remember that they were absent or that their child was ill.

Henrietta Mears said, “We have no idea what impressions are made on little children: beautiful music, lovely colors, stories. We have learned to condition them to love the house of the Lord.”

Family ministry begins when adults in the nursery realize that their role is much greater than just caring for babies—it’s caring for the whole family. Families will be forever influenced by those who choose to support and love them in the exhausting time of life they are in.

By Lisa Pham

Available from David C Cook or wherever curriculum is sold.