Godly Recreation For Children

Fostering joy in the Lord and with his people

Toward Godly Fellowship & Conduct of Children on The Lord’s Day

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” — 1 Corinthians 14:40

“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” — Proverbs 20:11

Purpose

The Lord’s Day is a gift from God, set apart for worship, rest, fellowship, discipleship, and joyful community. At Trinity Reformed Church, our children are not a distraction from the life of the church; they are members of Christ’s covenant body and fellow worshipers (Acts 2:39; Matthew 19:14). As such, we desire to cultivate an atmosphere of reverence, unity, love, and peace as we gather.

This following is intended to provide expectations for the conduct of children on Sundays, to encourage behavior consistent with Christian character, and to foster love for neighbor.

Biblical Foundations

Children are called to obey and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1–3), pursue peace with others (Romans 12:18), show love through self-control (1 Corinthians 13:4–7), speak in a way that builds up (Ephesians 4:29), and conduct themselves with godliness (Titus 2:6–7). Parents are commanded to train their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Proverbs 22:6).

Therefore we must teach our children:

  • The church gathers to honor Christ with reverence (Hebrews 12:28–29).

  • Fellowship should reflect holiness and love (John 13:34–35).

  • Play and conversation should display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

General Expectations for Children

All children at Trinity Reformed Church are expected to:

1. Honor the Worship Gathering

  •  Participate attentively (commensurate with age) in worship services with their families.

  •  Move quietly, respectfully, and without disruption inside the sanctuary.

  •  Follow all directions given by parents, leaders, or church officers (Hebrews 13:17, Exodus 20:12).

2. Demonstrate Godly Character

  •  Speak respectfully to adults and peers.

  •  Avoid rude, unkind, mocking, insulting, or coarse joking (Ephesians 5:4).

  •  Refrain from gossip, complaining, or name-calling (Philippians 2:14).

3. Show Love and Care for Others

  •  Include others in conversation and play.

  •  Do not pick on, tease, exclude, or belittle others.

  •  Seek reconciliation quickly when conflict arises (Matthew 18:15; Colossians 3:12–13).

Expectations for Play and Fellowship Areas

To keep our gatherings safe and peaceful, children may use church spaces according to the following guidelines:

Appropriate Places to Play

  • The grass area near the pavilion

  • The Narthex

  • The playground (forthcoming in the Spring 2026)

Places Where Play Should Not Occur

  • Inside the sanctuary

  • Library

  • hallways, around doors, stairs, or parking areas

Types of Play Allowed

  • Calm, respectful play that does not endanger others

  • Activities that avoid collisions, chasing, tackling, or roughhousing

  • Games that do not involve physical contact

  • Organized physical play is permitted with adult supervision

Not Allowed

  • Tag, tackle play, wrestling, or any game encouraging physical contact with proper supervision

  • Throwing hard objects or running through crowds or hallway

  • Climbing on railings, furniture, or structures unsafe for play

  • Knives or other tools that could cause injury are not permitted for children.

Speech and Fellowship

Children must honor God with their speech:

  • No crude humor, insults, sarcasm intended to hurt, or jesting at others’ expense (Ephesians 4:29)

  • Speak gently and kindly (Colossians 4:6)

  • Outdo one another in showing honor (Rom. 12:10)

Parental Responsibility

Children will act like children, its what they do best. It is therefore incumbent upon parents to train them to be what God desires them to become. Parents are the primary shepherds of their children and becaseu of this are expected to:

  • Monitor and guide their children’s behavior at all times

  • Enforce the boundaries and expectations listed above

  • Pursue reconciliation when conflict or wrongdoing occurs between your child and other children

  • Model godliness in speech, correction, and forgiveness (Ephesians 6:4)

When correction is needed, we encourage a biblical process of repentance and forgiveness (Luke 17:1-4):

  1. Recognition and confession of sin

  2. Asking forgiveness to the one wronged

  3. Granting forgiveness freely as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32)

  4. Restoration of fellowship and joy

A Word of Encouragement

Children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). We welcome their energy, joy, and life. But with these blessings comes commitment: to train them as disciples who worship sincerely, fellowship lovingly, and grow into mature men and women of faith.

Let us labor together so that our children learn what it means to love the Lord Jesus Christ and His people, honoring Him on His holy day and delighting in His house.

For the Glory of Christ and the Peace of His Church


TRC Eldership