Sunday School News       

Home As a Little Church

By Doug Graul

What Is a Little Church?

One of the core values of Lutheranism is that the Christian home is a little church:  a place of worship and education that enriches the weekly

service of the congregation.  Lutherans affirm that instructing all Christians in the Scriptures and the basics of the faith prepares them to

live in an unbelieving world.  Martin Luther clearly believed this as he described his Small Catechism as "a plain form in which the head of the

family shall teach to his household" (The Book of Concord, p. 342).

What Is Important?

The vows parents make at the baptism of a child outline a framework for creating little churches, anticipating some kind of family devotions

will happen regularly in the home.  Despite this expectation, many parents feel unprepared to follow through with this commitment partly

because leaders expect household devotions, but often do little to prepare parents before or after their child's baptism.

Parents, pastors and others who nurture faith in children do not have far to look to find a simple solution for their questions about daily

household devotions.  Parents and/or baptismal, sponsors promise to teach the three symbols of the faith - the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles'

Creed, and the Ten Commandments - and to place the Holy Scriptures in each child's hands.  A lifetime of devotional material can spring

from a Bible and a copy of Luther's Small Catechism.

How Do We Do It?

Parents of a newborn (and other family members) can begin with a story Bible, the Lord's Prayer, and simple nighttime prayers (such as

Luther's Evening Prayer).  The family may progress toward using a complete translation of the Bible as the children mature.  Once the family

has memorized the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, and the Ten Commandments, the children and adults may move on to learn the

explanations from the Small Catechism.  Praying daily in this way both reinforces and enhances what happens when the church gathers on

Sunday and other occasions.  By fostering a faith community in your home, faith practices can start at any time!

Baptismal Promises

In baptism parents and sponsors promise to do these things:

•     Live among God's faithful people.

•     Bring them to God's word and Holy Communion.

•     Teach them the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments.

•     Place in their hands the Holy Scriptures.

•     Nurture them in faith and prayer.

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