When Church Becomes Your Child's Social Club

I've watched it happen too many times. Parents bring their kids to church faithfully—every Sunday, every midweek service. But somewhere along the way, church becomes just the place their kids see their friends. The youth group becomes a social hour. The sanctuary becomes background noise.

Here's the thing: God never intended the local church to replace the home. He gave parents the command to teach their children diligently. The church is meant to reinforce what's already happening at home. The church is not a substitute for the home.

If your kids only hear about Jesus at church, you're in trouble. If the only time they see a Bible open is when the preacher reads from the pulpit, you've got work to do.

The church should be a spiritual filling station, not the only place your tank gets filled. What are you doing Monday through Saturday? Are you opening the Word with your children? Are you praying with them? Are you showing them what it means to walk with God when nobody's watching?

Your kids need to see Jesus in you before they'll meet Him anywhere else.

On Sunday, you'll walk into a church-HOUSE. On Monday, be the church in your-HOUSE!