Why it takes a church to raise your child
Photo canva.com, Unsplash, Erika Giraud
Christian Life
Last weekend, we had a church retreat. With a large group from the church, we spent three days out of town at a beautiful facility surrounded by greenery.
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They were three incredibly precious days filled with community worship, study, reflection, play, and fellowship. There were many families with children: new parents, parents of toddlers, and parents of teenagers. Also in attendance were single-parent families and families with many children.
When the pastor, at the end of our time together, asked my daughter what she enjoyed the most, she answered, "Playing!" Of course! That's the answer you'd expect from a five-year-old!
Talking to her further, I realized that playing was the highlight for her during those days with the whole church. But it wasn't just about playing with kids her age. For three days, people of all ages shared moments of play, fun, and fellowship with her. It was a different play that made her feel part of a big family.
Women my age cared for her when she wanted someone to push her on the swing. Men old enough to be her grandfather included her in unlikely soccer matches. Teenage girls drew pictures with her during the extended moments of worship or study when it was hard for her to sit still and listen.
In short, she experienced true fellowship. She experienced the nature of the church, which is truly countercultural. Men, women, children, and the elderly spent time together, played, and shared the same faith.
This aspect is already very evident in the church's regular life, but it becomes even more surprising and wonderful when you spend a short vacation together with all the brothers and sisters in the church.
Everyone knows it takes a village to raise a child. Yet, our societies are increasingly fragmented and divided. It's rare to find a social environment where so many different people have the blessing of being together, learning from one another, and where even children are valued for their unique abilities.
After our time together and seeing my daughter's enthusiasm, I am deeply grateful—not only for the faith the Lord has given me and her father. And also for the blessing of growing up in a family where it is possible to know the Word of the Lord. Even more so, it is seeing the Lord's plan, which never intended for families to be lonely islands in a sea of challenges. The church is a place where one can experience true fellowship that goes beyond shared interests. Even our children can benefit and be blessed by this counterculture.
Therefore, the church retreat was not just a time for rest or play—although that was what my daughter enjoyed the most. Instead, it was a precious demonstration of what it means to live in a community of disciples. Our children learned firsthand the joy of being part of an extended community.
Local churches are not always perfect places, but they are undoubtedly a blessing for the growth of our children.
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