A: The regulative principle of worship asserts that the church is bound by Scripture during its gatherings. Therefore, churches must align their worship practices with biblical instruction rather than adopting any approach they find convenient. 

Worship at Pacific Hope Church is founded on this principle, ensuring, as best as possible, that our practices reflect what Scripture outlines.

A: Family Integrated Worship begins with the understanding that Christian families are worshiping together at home. A family-integrated service encourages families to attend church together, worship together in the assembly, and participate in activities such as singing, praying, listening to the Word being preached. It emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where families can disciple each other in faith. Family Integrated Worship discourages sending all young children to their own classes during the service. We believe children can and should worshipalongside their parents, watching and learning from the example of the gathered assembly of believers.

A. Crying is a natural part of childhood, particularly for infants. While it is generally manageable, parents are encouraged to actlovingly and responsibly. If a child becomes upset or interruptive, parents are encouraged to step outside to resolve thesituation with minimal distraction. We provide a Nursing Mom’s Room where a mother can take her infant and still see and hear the service. We also provide audio in the foyer to keep parents connected to the service, as well as a live stream of the service in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone experiences these moments; you’re not alone in this. During these difficult moments, remember that we are all in this together.

A. Yes, we offer childcare for children ages 0-3. This is an optional service for families who choose to utilize it. Participation is entirely voluntary. We also have a Fellowship Hall where the service is streamed on a screen so that families who are training their young ones can sit and not be concerned about their children being a little disruptive. We understand that training young children to sit through a worship service takes time and the Fellowship Hall is a great training space for this purpose.

A. Though each parent is ultimately responsible for their own child(ren), we are one body together in Christ. The church family plays a vital role in encouraging and supporting families as they train their children in worship. Here are some practical ways we can help:

1. Pray for families - 

• Ask the Lord to bless each family’s time of worship, granting them focus and minimal distractions.

• Pray specifically for parents who are guiding their children and for young hearts to be softened to the gospel.

2. Extend grace and understanding - 

• Recognize that training children in worship takes time and patience.

• Be gracious toward families who may be having a difficult morning. A reassuring word can mean a lot to a struggling parent.

3. Offer practical help -

•  If sitting near a family with young children, be mindful and offer assistance if needed (e.g., helping a parentpick up a dropped item, sitting with the family to help with multiple children, etc.).

•  If a child is restless, a gentle and kind interaction may help redirect their focus in a positive way.

4. Model a heart of worship - 

•  Children learn by watching others. By fully engaging in worship, listening attentively to the sermon, andparticipating in prayer and singing, the church family sets an example for the younger generation.

5. Foster a culture of generational unity - 

• Recognize that multi-generational worship is a blessing, not a burden.

• Encourage a sense of belonging where children feel welcomed rather than merely tolerated in worship.

By praying for, encouraging, and supporting one another, the church family can help create an atmosphere where parents are strengthened, children are discipled, and worship is a joyful experience for all.

A. The purpose of Family Integrated Worship is for families to worship together and for children to be taught what worship is through the collective example of their parents and others. For younger children, quiet activities can aid in this participation, but these need to be chosen with wisdom and love. Activities such as hard toys, electronics, or anything producing repetitive noises are distractions and should be avoided. You might ask yourself questions such as, “Is this helping my child learn how to participate?” or “Does this activity require my constant attention so that I cannot pay attention at all?” Also ask, “Does this activity cause additional distraction for those worshipping around us?” If an activity is needed, we recommend employing these with conditions that they still try to pay attention to the sermon and allow others to as well. Try utilizing a "Children's Sermon Notes" notebook that can be found at Amazon.  If a toy is needed, we ask that the Fellowship Hall be used during this stage of training.

A. The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is intended for believers only. Those who have not yet been baptized after demonstrating the fruit of repentance and faith in Christ, should not participate in the Lord’s Supper. Communion, however, presents a valuable teaching opportunity between parents and children. Here are a couple of ways to help guide them during this time:

1.    Encourage Attentiveness and Discussion –

• Children should be encouraged to listen carefully as the pastor leads the body in partaking the Lord’s Supper together.

• After the service or later at home, parents can ask if they have any questions about what they heard or saw.

• Parents should remind/inform their children about what the bread and cup represent and how those who place their trust in Jesus participate out of obedience and thanksgiving to Christ.

• This approach ensures that parents can focus on prayer and worship during communion without distractions while still fostering a learning moment afterward.

• This helps model reverence for the Lord’s Supper and serves as an example for them to follow as they mature in their faith.

By taking these steps, parents can use communion as an opportunity to point their children to Christ, praying that one day they will personally embrace the gospel and partake in full understanding and faith.

A. Our ultimate goal is to glorify God while building healthy families and a vibrant church community. This endeavor requires patience, obedience, and intentionality. We recognize that parenting, especially with younger children or those with special needs, can be challenging, but we trust in God's faithfulness to support us through these experiences. It’s important to remember that every member of the church body, including you and your children, is valued and loved. Finally, we believe that by committing to Family Integrated Worship, family worship at home will become sweeter, and in turn, strengthen the church.