Children’s Ministry

Children’s Ministry

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)

Manhattan is a wonderful and challenging place to raise kids, so we at Christ Church NYC seek to establish a strong community, where kids can have fun and learn and where there are ways for a whole family to serve and grow. Our church family sees that we have a great responsibility to support families in the hard task of bringing up children in “the nurture and training of the Lord”. We invite families to catch our vision to grow together as a fellowship that includes kids and adults of all ages!

Vision

As we minister to the children that God has placed under our care, we seek to guide them to an understanding of the glory and majesty of God as seen in his perfect character and as revealed in his Son, Jesus Christ. Recognizing that God has given parents the primary responsibility for the spiritual instruction and discipline of their children, we intend to partner with families in the process of teaching and training children in the prayerful hope that through the Spirit they will grow to trust, love, and worship Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Mission

The children’s ministry exists as part of the broader gospel-centered ministry of Christ Church NYC.

  • We are committed to preaching the gospel for the salvation of everyone who will turn from their sin and put their trust in Christ alone.
  • We are committed to providing gospel-centered discipleship and nurture, with the prayer that our covenant children will continually grow in their relationship with Christ.
  • We are committed to preparing children to gather with the whole church and welcoming them into our midst.
  • We are committed to coming alongside parents to serve and provide them with the resources and partnership they need to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
  • We are committed to providing a safe, Christ-centered, loving environment where children feel comfortable learning, and where parents feel secure entrusting us with their kids during the church service and other special events.

Sundays

Age 0 – 2:  A nursery is available downstairs for children age 0-2 with nursery workers. Nursing mothers and infants are also welcome since the audio and video of the service is fed into that room. Parents can check their children into the nursery prior to the start of the worship service and then pick them up immediately following the service. Children will only be released to their parents.

Age 3 – 5th grade: At Christ Church, we value engaging children in corporate worship by having them begin in the main assembly. In this way, they become familiar with the liturgy and your family has an opportunity to worship together. After the passing of the peace, the service leader will dismiss the children, who will meet their teachers in the back of the sanctuary. During our Children’s Worship, children grow in their knowledge of and love for God through prayer, song, Bible stories, and fun activities. 

For first time families to Christ Church, you can register your child before service by completing this registration form or you can accompany them downstairs at dismissal to register them with their teachers. At the end of the service, please come downstairs promptly to pick up your child in the Sunday school area. 

*All of our teachers, whether parents themselves or not, are background checked members of Christ Church NYC. All are trained in curriculum instruction, safety procedures, and child protection policies. 

Rhythm of Worship for Parents

While we have nursery and children’s ministries available during the service, we think it is extremely valuable for you to begin teaching and showing your children the importance of worshiping with the rest of the church, as well as learning to hear God’s Word through preaching. Consider having them sit with you once or twice a month. You can download a copy of Parents’ Worship Guide here. Another resource that you might find helpful is this short article by John and Noël Piper, The Family Together in God’s Presence.

Bounce Around

Our Bounce Around program offers an opportunity for families to connect on a weekly basis and to provide community for parents with children ages 0-5. Every Thursday morning, join us for playtime, Bible stories, crafts, songs, and snacks. We ask that all children be accompanied by a parent or family member. For more information, please visit our Bounce Around page or email becky@christchurchnyc.com.

Special Events

Occasional special events for children, parents, and families are offered throughout the year. Such events may include playgroups for moms & toddlers, hangouts for elementary age children, and parenting seminars.  Children will also sometimes sing or take part in the morning service in seasonal events, including Lessons & Carols during Christmas time and Easter services.