”Sunday! That’s the day we go to church!” My four year old is solidifying learning the days of the week, and I love that he’s tied church to Sundays. It reminds me that this rhythm of family life is taking root in his heart, and I pray that he would continue to grow in his love of church. Though, as he grows and my husband and I discuss church, the world, and God’s people, we are reminded that our four year old doesn’t fully grasp what the church is and how it is God’s plan for His people.
Many children think "church" is a building. While church buildings are important places where believers gather, we want our kids to understand that the Church is ultimately God's people. We want them to know that the church is not just our local building, but every Christian worshipping God and serving Him together. It matters that children come to understand this so that they can see their place in church life. They are not merely in childcare, or learning to sit quietly in a pew, but they too can be a part of God’s church and His redemptive plan to bring knowledge of Jesus to the world.
This idea of a worldwide church body can feel abstract for toddlers and preschoolers, so it’s important that while we talk about the church we attend Sundays, we do so within the larger picture of the worldwide Church that God is building.
What Is the Church? (Simple Definition for Kids)
The Church is God's family of believers. It’s not primarily a building, but is a group of people who follow Jesus. God loves His church, and has always planned to use the Church to build His kingdom here on earth. In fact, he even placed Jesus at the head of the Church. “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Colossians 1:18 ESV
Why Should Children Learn About the Church?
1. The Church Is Part of God's Plan
God’s plan is to use the church (the body of believers) to bring the news of Jesus to the world. We were never intended to go through this life on our own. God desires us to live in communion with Him and with other believers.
2. The Church Is Our Spiritual Family
God has designed the church to function as a family. Living alongside one another, caring for each other, and having all things in common (Acts 2:44).
Children can understand the concept of family, so using this illustration is a helpful tool in helping them grasp the idea of the Church.
3. The Church Helps Us Grow
The church plays a huge role in our spiritual growth (and the growth of our kids). The church teaches us God’s word, helps us to live rightly, and gives us opportunities to connect with and serve one another.
5 Biblical Truths About the Church Kids Can Understand
The Church Belongs to Jesus
The Church does not belong to a pastor, denomination, or building. Scripture teaches that Jesus purchased the Church with His own blood and lovingly cares for His people. Helping children understand that the Church belongs to Jesus teaches them that church is precious and important to God.
Verse: Matthew 16:18
Ask your child: Who is in charge of the Church?
The Church Worships God Together
One of the purposes of the Church is to worship God together. While we can worship God on our own through prayer, singing, and reading Scripture, God designed His people to gather together in worship. Throughout the Bible, we see believers meeting together to praise God, hear His Word, and encourage one another in the faith. When children attend church services, sing worship songs, and participate in prayer, they are joining believers around the world in giving glory to God. Worship reminds us that God is worthy of our praise and helps us keep our focus on Him.
Verse: "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!" (Psalm 95:6)
Ask your child: Why do Christians gather together to worship God?
The Church Teaches God's Word
God has given the Church the important responsibility of teaching His Word. Through sermons, Bible studies, Sunday school classes, and discipleship, believers learn more about who God is and how He wants us to live. Children especially benefit from hearing Scripture taught regularly, as it helps them build a strong foundation of faith from an early age. The Church is one of God's gifts to help us grow in wisdom and understanding. As we learn God's Word together, we are encouraged to obey Him, trust Him, and become more like Jesus.
Verse: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
Ask your child: What is something you have learned about God from the Bible?
The Church Loves and Serves Others
The Church is called to love and serve others just as Jesus loved and served us. Believers care for one another during difficult times, celebrate together during joyful seasons, and look for ways to meet the needs of those around them. Children can learn that being part of the Church means showing kindness, helping others, sharing, praying for friends, and serving with a joyful heart.Of course, we cannot love and serve others in our own strength. God has given believers the Holy Spirit to help us grow in Christlikeness and serve one another well. When the Church loves well, it reflects the character of Jesus to the world. Serving others is one way we demonstrate God's love.
Verse: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
Ask your child: How can you show God's love to someone this week?
The Church Shares the Gospel
Jesus gave His Church an important mission: to tell others about Him. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus came to save sinners through His life, death, and resurrection. For many families, learning about the gospel begins with helping children understand who Jesus is and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection. Christians are called to share this message with family, friends, neighbors, and people around the world. Children can participate in this mission too! They can pray for missionaries, invite friends to church, and tell others what they have learned about Jesus. The Church exists not only to grow believers but also to help more people come to know and follow Christ.
Verse: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:19)
Ask your child: Who is someone you can tell about Jesus?
Fun Ways to Teach Children About the Church
Build a "Church Family" Wall
Create a list of church friends names and spend time praying for these people.
Discuss being the body of Christ
Use body parts to explain different gifts that we see in the church. Reference 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Pray for Church Leaders
Spend time together to pray for pastors, elders, teachers, and missionaries from your local church.
Attend Worship Together
Help children observe what happens during a church service.
Teaching children through worship, Bible lessons, prayer, and age-appropriate activities is a great way to grow their knowledge of what Church is.
Bible Verses About the Church for Kids to Memorize
Here are some verses from Scripture that you can memorize with your children. Scripture memorization for toddlers and preschoolers is possible and can be very fruitful in laying the foundation of their faith.
- Matthew 16:18 This verse reminds us that Jesus builds his church, and it is protected by his power.
- Acts 2:42 This verse reminds us of how the church body should function.
- Romans 12:5 This verse reminds us we are part of one body.
- Ephesians 2:19 This verse teaches us we are members of God’s family.
- Colossians 1:18 Jesus is the head of the church!
Common Misconceptions Kids Have About Church + FAQ
"Church Is Just a Building"
The Greek word ekklesia is the word used throughout the New Testament to describe the body of believers. It means “assembly” or “called-out ones.” This is what the church is - the people of God, not just the building where they gather.
See: Acts 2:42, Ephesians 1:22-23
"Church Is Only on Sundays"
If church is the Body of believers gathered, then it can happen anytime! Scripture teaches that anytime two or three are gathered, Christ is there. Small groups, community groups, and Bible studies of various kinds are the church in action.
See: Matthew 18:20
"Church Is for Adults"
Church is all the members of the body. Membership in God’s family is not dependent on age. Jesus himself taught us to welcome the children.
See: Matthew 19:14
Why is church important for kids?
Church helps children learn God's Word, build friendships with other believers, worship alongside God's people, and grow in their understanding of the gospel. When children participate in church life, they learn that following Jesus is not something we do alone, but as part of God's family.
Conclusion
As parents or ministry leaders, we have the privilege of helping our children understand not only what happens at church each Sunday, but also what the Church truly is. By teaching them these foundational truths, we can help them see themselves as part of God's family and His plan to bring the gospel to the world.
As children grow in their understanding of the Church, they also benefit from learning about Jesus, the Head of the Church, and the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live for Him. Together, these foundational truths help children see how God is working in His people and in the world.
If you're looking for a simple, Bible-centered way to teach children about the Church, our Church Big Truths Curriculum includes lessons, activities, memory work, discussion prompts, and hands-on learning designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.
