The Christian Formation of Children
The Christian formation of children is a shared responsibility between the family and the church, grounded in the biblical mandate to pass on the faith to future generations. God entrusted parents with the primary mission of teaching their children in the fear of the Lord, as the Scriptures declare:
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7, ESV).
Since the Old Testament, faith has been transmitted from generation to generation, and Jesus reaffirmed its importance by welcoming children and declaring that the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Matthew 19:14). The apostle Paul instructed parents to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), and the church, as the body of Christ, bears the responsibility of building up the whole community, including the little ones.
Cooperating in the Discipleship of Children
The Christian formation of a child occurs across every sphere of life, and the church must recognize the essential role of the family in this process. The Reformed concept of sphere sovereignty teaches that God instituted distinct spheres of authority, with the family being primarily responsible for the education and discipleship of children, while the church complements this role through biblical instruction, community life, and corporate worship. This cooperation prevents both the weakening of parental responsibility and the detachment of children from the life of the church.
The child’s presence in corporate worship is a vital part of spiritual formation. From the biblical era, we see liturgical experiences involving all generations, such as in Deuteronomy 31:12–13, where Moses commands that men, women, and children be gathered to hear the Law. This same pattern appears in Joshua 8:35 and Joel 2:15–16, where the entire congregation is called together. In the New Testament, apostolic letters directly address children, and there are indications that they were present during the reading of these letters in church gatherings. Separating children from corporate worship may fragment their spiritual formation and hinder their integration into the life of the church, fostering a mindset that distances them from congregational worship. Conversely, participating in worship helps them learn through observation and practice, gradually leading them toward spiritual maturity. Parents play a key role in this process, modeling worship and guiding their children in meaningful integration into the life of the faith community.
The church, in caring for the discipleship of children, must provide structure and support to help them participate naturally in worship. Practical steps such as instructing parents on the importance of their children’s participation, offering appropriate spaces for families with infants, and providing materials to help children follow the liturgy can contribute to a smoother adaptation. In addition, patience and progressive instruction regarding reverence in worship are crucial. Children should not be viewed as disruptions or burdens but as a living part of the congregation, growing in faith alongside the rest of the body.
The Role of the Children’s Ministry
For discipleship to be consistent, the Children’s Ministry in our church must function comprehensively, accompanying children from the womb through puberty. The coordination of this ministry should be entrusted to a qualified team, preferably under pastoral oversight, ensuring sound biblical teaching and age-appropriate classes aligned with each stage of childhood development. Support during pregnancy and early childhood is a vital aspect of this ministry, offering encouragement and prayerful care to families. The presentation of children during worship, a moment in which parents and the church make solemn vows before God, reinforces the shared commitment to raise the child in the faith.
In addition to teaching and proper structure, the safety of children must be a priority. Adopting a Child Protection Protocol — with clear guidelines regarding legal measures, volunteer training, and codes of conduct — has become essential to ensure a safe and healthy environment. This care reflects the church’s commitment to the dignity and protection of the young, ensuring their growth in faith takes place within a trustworthy setting.
A Call to Family and Church
The Christian formation of children is a calling for both the family and the church. God has entrusted parents with the primary mission of discipling their children, and the church, as a community of faith, must support them — strengthening this process through teaching, fellowship, and worship. Public worship, the center of Christian life, is a place where children learn the faith, grow in the fear of the Lord, and are prepared for Christian adulthood. Children’s discipleship unfolds in an intergenerational context, where they absorb values and practices of the Christian faith alongside older members. Thus, the church must invest in teaching, welcoming, and actively including children, leading them to the knowledge of Christ and the genuine practice of the faith. At home, through family worship, different generations — especially children — are prepared for their proper and gradual inclusion in Lord’s Day worship.
May the good Lord strengthen our mission, granting wisdom to parents and leaders, so that children may grow grounded in the Word and develop a sincere commitment to Christ. Amen.
Summary of Class Taught by Pastor Gilson Santos
Church: Igreja Batista da Graça – São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
Date: March 16, 2025
This class, led by Pastor Gilson Santos, was part of the ongoing biblical and theological formation of the congregation of Igreja Batista da Graça. It emphasized the Christian formation of children as a shared responsibility between the family and the church, grounded in Scripture and shaped by a Reformed understanding of discipleship.
