Kids aren’t just the future of the Church. They’re part of the Church today.
At Gathering, we believe children are an integral part of the Body of Christ.
That means we don’t simply want to keep children occupied while adults worship.
We want children to know Jesus, love God’s Word, participate in the life of the Church, and grow as disciples of Christ.
Worshiping together
Children are welcomed into the worshiping community at Gathering.
We believe there is something beautiful about generations worshiping Jesus together. Children get to see their parents and other adults pray, sing, hear Scripture, receive Communion, and participate in the life of the Church.
They aren’t spectators.
They’re part of the family.
Discipleship Hour
Sundays • 8:45–9:45 AM
Each week, children gather for discipleship through God’s Big Story, an Anglican, gospel-centered, Christ-centered curriculum.
God’s Big Story helps children understand the Bible as one great story—from creation and the fall, through God’s work of redemption, to Jesus’ death and resurrection and the promise of a new creation.
Children learn through:
- Scripture
- storytelling
- prayer
- song
- catechesis
- Scripture memory
- questions and discussion
- creative and reflective activities
Our goal isn’t simply that children know Bible stories.
Our goal is that they know the story of the Bible—and know where they belong in it.
Learning to follow Jesus
We want children to grow in the same things we want for every member of Gathering:
To know Jesus.
To understand who He is and what He has done.
To know God’s Word.
To learn the story of Scripture and how it shapes our lives.
To worship.
To learn that worship is more than singing—it is responding to God with our whole lives.
To pray.
To learn to talk with God, listen to Him, and depend upon Him.
To love the Church.
To experience the Church as a family that spans generations.
To make disciples.
To grow into people who can eventually help others follow Jesus.
A family-oriented, multi-generational church
We believe families are strengthened when generations know and love one another.
Older Christians have wisdom to share. Younger Christians bring energy and joy. Children remind us of wonder. Parents need encouragement. Grandparents have stories to tell.
The Church needs all of us.
That’s why we want children to experience the whole life of Gathering—not just a children’s program.
What about little ones?
Nursery is available for children four and under.
If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t worry about knowing exactly what to do.
Come early, ask someone for help, and we’ll help you get settled.
And if your child needs to stay with you during worship, that’s more than okay.
They’re children.
We want families to feel at home.
Parents, you’re not doing this alone.
We believe the primary responsibility for discipling children belongs to parents—and we also believe parents need the Church.
Our desire is to partner with parents as they teach their children to pray, read Scripture, worship, serve, forgive, love their neighbors, and follow Jesus.
We’re in this together.
Come grow with us
Whether your children are just beginning to learn about Jesus or already know the Bible well, we want to help them take their next step in following Him.
YMCA Rob Chapman Center
151 Ribault St. • Spartanburg, SC