Covenant Worship

We see throughout the Bible that children are to be included in the worship of God. The primary teacher is to be the parents, and secondarily, with the church as a family, the other members of the church. Sunday corporate worship is a special time to come together as one church body to worship our Great and Holy God. 

Barna Group conducted published research in 2019 in their book, “Faith for Exiles.” They tracked 18- to 29-year-olds who grew up as Christians and found that even though 48% continued to go to church, only 10% were what they defined as “resilient disciples”. Of the various distinguishing factors, they found 80% of “resilient disciples” had close personal relationships with adults from their church.

At New Creation Fellowship (NCF) we believe that God speaks to all peoples at all times of all ages. We envision NCF to be an intergenerational church that has relationships up and down the generational chain. That is why we begin our worship service with everyone in attendance in our main worship room. In addition we encourage all members to volunteer for the CE worship team.

Children (Pre-K through 6th Grade)

After the first part of Sunday worship service and before the sermon, the children will be dismissed to continue to worship in their own room. There they will listen to a short sermon, sing praise songs, and break up into classrooms where they can review and discuss the sermon of that day. Parents will pick up their children at the respective classrooms, once worship is finished.

Youth (7th grade through 12th grade)

Our youth (7th grade and above) remain with their parents as they enjoy corporate worship with the greater body of NCF. Also, available to the youth is direct access to the pastor scheduled to preach that Sunday, five minutes before service and five minutes after, for any questions they may have regarding the sermon.

Bridge Class (6th Grade+)

We understand that the transition from a service contextualized for a younger audience to the main service could be difficult. That is why we have developed our Bridge class to help our children make that transition. Our Bridge class is offered to those in 6th grade. If a child is older and has not yet taken the class, they are welcome to join as well. The Bridge class meets for 35 weeks one hour before service.

Here we go over the basics of theology, basic apologetics, how to listen to a sermon, practicals (how to read the Bible, pray, spend time with God), and the elements of NCF liturgy. In this intimate setting the students can ask any questions and discuss any topics that may help them as they transition to the main service.

Upon completion of Bridge class, the students will have a one-on-one interview with the lead pastor to see if they have a basic understanding of the Christian faith. Finally, for those that choose to do so, their baptism will be confirmed (if they were infant baptized) or they will be baptized (if yet to be baptized) before the congregation. Thereafter they will join the main congregation in corporate worship.

Youth Group (6th Grade - 12th Grade)

We also provide a space for the youth to go deeper into the Word and to enjoy fellowship with their peers. We meet every Friday night (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm) at a location to be determined prior. Here we study the Bible designed and contextualized for students their age and help them process the gospel according to their circumstances.

Why do we do it this way?

• Covenantal inclusion of our children - We believe in a covenantal understanding of God’s relationship with His people throughout history. Corporate worship is viewed as a communal expression of the covenant between God and His people. This extends to even children, as children are seen as an integral part of the worshiping community. “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:39). 

• Modeling for children the importance of corporate worship - Children see, children do. More effective than telling children what to do, showing our children what worship is will have a lasting impact on our children. Including children in corporate worship allows them to observe and learn how to worship God. They witness the reverence, praise, and adoration of God demonstrated not only by their parents, but by the entire congregation. They can honestly say that they go to the same church as their parents.

• Having children receive weekly means of grace - “means of grace” refers to the ways through which God communicates His grace to believers. These means are considered channels or instruments through which God imparts his blessings, and they play a central role in corporate worship. These include the reading and preaching of the Word, the Sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), prayer and confession of faith. We trust that God brings the church together as one body to shower his grace upon each person, no matter how little or young. 

Word of Encouragement

Parents, we want to encourage you in your journey of worshiping with your children, even in the midst of challenges. We understand that it may sometimes feel like a daunting task, but please know that your efforts are deeply meaningful and significant. Remember, it is God who transforms and spurs spiritual formation within all of us, and even our children. We trust that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). 

We believe it is integral in the faith of your child to be together in corporate worship. In those moments of restlessness or distraction, know that you are planting seeds of faith that will undoubtedly bear fruit in the lives of your little ones. Your persistence is an act of worship in itself, demonstrating your commitment to nurturing a foundation of faith within your family. Embrace the beautiful chaos of family worship, for it is in these imperfect moments that lasting memories are made. Your perseverance is a testament to your love for God and your children. Keep pressing forward, knowing that your dedication to worshiping together will ultimately shape the hearts of your children and draw your family closer to our gracious Heavenly Father. You are not alone on this journey – God is with you every step of the way, providing the strength and grace you need. May your family's worship be a sweet fragrance of love and devotion that blesses both your children and the heart of God.

Practical Suggestions for Parents 

• Engage in regular family worship time at home. One of the best ways to help your children prepare for corporate worship is to spend time with them as a family worshiping God. For more resources and information, please contact one of the pastors, who will be able to provide you with the instruction and resources you need to begin worshiping at home as a family.

• Ready your hearts for and cherish Sunday worship. There can be the temptation to simply show up for Sunday worship and leave without much of a thought, treating it simply as something of an obligation. Take the time to prepare yourself and your family to not only get ready for worship, but to actually look forward to worship. Your own attitude will go a long way in showing your children what it means to come together to worship God on Sundays.

• Actively participate in the liturgy. Every element of worship is carefully planned so as to point our hearts and minds to worship God. From the praise to the preaching of the Word, from the confession of sin to the confession of faith, every element is important as we worship God corporately. Active participation throughout the liturgy will demonstrate to our children the importance of being an active and willing worshiper of God.