Why I WANT my kids to go to church during January

6 weeks.

As a teacher, I often hear that I get to delight in 6 weeks of holidays over the Summer.

Of course, Summer still involves a stack of work during January (and there’s only five-and-a-half weeks this year!) and there are markers of a successful holiday.

Almost universally, churches will mirror the timelines of the school year.

Thus, there’s usually no youth ministry or dedicated ministry for young people on a Sunday morning during January.

Nonetheless, as my kids get older, I WANT them attending church during January.

Now, I realise that just over a year ago I wrote that parents shouldn’t feel too bad about skipping church over the Summer.

My reasoning, more or less, still stands. Parents should primarily disciple their kids. This is true in January. And June. And every other month.

But… the reasons to attend church over the Summer are powerful. Arguably, even more so over January than during the school term.

Over January, the adult relationships which are vital for young people to be connected and cared for are cultivated.

Over January, my kids get a greater experience of the church community.

Over January, my kids get a glimpse of “big church” so it’s not so foreign.

Over January, my kids get to see how I act in church.

Over January, my kids get to be closer to the community of faith - where faith, more often than not - is caught and not taught.

I’ll admit… I’m definitely thinking about my kids attending church during the school holidays more than they are.

In fact, I allow my offspring to be on electronic devices once the sermon kicks off (sue me!).

But, if church is as much about the community and support provided as it is about learning or academia, then putting my kids in the room of Christians is a good use of my time.