Children & Youth

Children at Emmanuel

Children are not a distraction from church life at Emmanuel, they're part of it. Sunday mornings here come with wriggling, whispered questions, and the occasional toddler running down the aisle, and we wouldn't have it any other way. If you're a parent wondering whether you'd be welcome: you would, noise and all.

What happens on a Sunday
Children stay with us in the service for the singing, prayers, and Bible reading. We love having every generation in the room together. Then, during the sermon, there are two optional groups:

Crèche (6 months to nursery)
Our youngest children enjoy songs, a simply Bible story, and lots of play.

Sunday School (Reception to Year 5)
The primary years group studies a Bible lesson pitched at their level, songs, crafts, and play.

Both groups are entirely optional. If your children would rather stay with you in the service, that's absolutely fine. You won't get any funny looks. There's no need to book or sign up in advance. Just come, and we'll help you find your way.

Opportunities for Youth
Our youth group meets once a month on a Friday for a time of food, fun, and Bible Study. This time is led by members of our church who are passionate about teaching young people the Bible, helping them see their need for a Saviour, and encouraging those who are following Christ to live in a way that honours the Lord. Youth group is available for those in Year 6 through to Sixth Form.

All our children and youth workers are DBS-checked. Our safeguarding policy is available here.

How we think about children and youth ministry
We'd love you to know not just what we do, but why. These convictions shape everything about our children's work.

Parents are the primary disciplers of their children
The Bible gives the joyful responsibility of teaching children about God first to mums and dads (Deuteronomy 6:6–7), not to churches. So our aim is never to replace what happens in your home, but to support it — cheering you on, and giving your children more voices saying the same wonderful things about Jesus.

We teach the Bible, not behaviour
Our groups aren't about making children a bit more polite. They exist to show children who God is and what He has done in Jesus. We believe that being born into a Christian family, or coming to church every week, doesn't make a child a Christian. Faith in Christ is personal, and it's a gift of God. So we never want to give a child false assurance. Instead, we lovingly teach them the good news and pray that, in God's kindness, they come to trust the Lord Jesus for themselves.

Children and youth ministry belongs to the whole church family
The people teaching your children on a Sunday aren't hired specialists, they're members of Emmanuel who want to know your family, pray for your children, and count it a privilege to serve your children. Your children will grow up known and loved by a whole congregation, from students to great-grandparents.

Questions?
If you'd like to know more before you visit — or your child has additional needs and you'd like to talk through how we can serve them well — please get in touch. We'd be really glad to hear from you.