Programming inundates the modern family: busy school and work schedules, afterschool activities, sports, weekend gatherings, playdates, etc. The list goes on and on, and the modern family seems to do more and have less time. It is not uncommon for two families who are trying to get together to plan several weeks, if not months out. When I worked as an engineer, I used to say that I am an engineer by day and an unpaid Uber driver by night as I shuttled my kids to and from various activities. The families of First Church don’t need another program to fill their schedules. That is why we endeavor to make Wednesday Family Nights more than a program.

We do so by following the model of what characterized the gathering of believers in the book of Acts: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

The Apostles’ Teaching. At the center of Family Nights is the teaching of Scripture. The curriculum we use guides our families through the entire Biblical narrative in a 3-year cycle. Each week, every group (parents, youth, children) goes through the same portion of Scripture, adjusted to be age and developmentally appropriate. This format allows families to discuss the stories and passages throughout the week, allowing for deeper communication at home—where real, lasting discipleship happens. Scripture is powerful (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16) and can bear fruit in the lives of even our youngest attendees.

Fellowship. The followers of Jesus lived in community by the shared experience of the Spirit. There was a harmonious unity among the believers and a willingness to share with those in need. Wednesday nights allow families to gather and be together. Families also learn about what is going on in the life of the church. They share the best part of their week and their God-sightings (when they saw God at work). And we share what the Lord is doing in and through missionaries across the street and around the world.

The Breaking of Bread. For the early believers, meals around the table were valuable, just as they were for our Lord during His earthly ministry. With busy schedules, mealtimes for families can often be an on-the-go experience. For this reason, we begin Wednesday night with a meal together and with questions to encourage discussion around the table.

Prayer. Like the early church, we all need prayer. First, for intimacy with our Lord, then for our needs and the needs of the Church. On Wednesday evenings, we spend time in prayer together, acknowledging and adoring our God, and sharing prayer requests. I always find it encouraging when students follow up with one another about a prayer request they had shared the week before.

By intentionally setting aside an evening each week, our vision is that the families will take this model into their homes. Families do not need another program—they need more than a program. Our prayer is that through Family Nights, families are strengthened, faith is passed on, and men and women of God are raised up in our midst by the power of the Holy Spirit. We know all of these parts working together make an eternal
difference.

by Pastor Su Kim

Testimonial: It Is Rewarding

Sunday school enriches children’s spiritual journey. It lays the foundation for their faith and prepares them to survive the influence of our culture. I teach every Sunday because, for some, it may be the first glimpse of the God who loves them unconditionally. It is a chance to influence young lives for the sake of the gospel. The more I care about each child, the more they become engaged and focused on the lesson and keep Jesus in their minds and hearts. The idea is to keep them interested, engaged, and focused. We have fun; we can be serious, but then we laugh.

It is rewarding to see the children grow and learn together and to see their smiles and excitement as they participate in Bible stories, Scripture verses, games, and crafts. Proverbs 22:6 tells us that what we teach now will influence them (and others) their entire lives.

This job is essential. Teaching children the gospel will pave the way for the next generation to lead for Christ and further His kingdom here on earth.

Carole Hayden
Neon Kids Sunday School Volunteer