What Makes a Church in Lee’s Summit, MO Family-Friendly?

Find Church Ministries That Nurture the Whole Family

When you’re raising a family, the church you choose shapes more than just your Sunday mornings — it helps set the tone for your family’s values, spiritual growth, and connection to your community. At Lakeland Community Church, we’ve designed a family ministry that grows with you called “Family Milestones.” Beginning with an infant child’s baptism through communion and confirmation, children at Lakeland experience spiritual development through our children’s ministry. Parents gather together taking part in their children’s development while finding friendships and community along the way.

Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a fresh start, finding a Lee’s Summit church that’s truly family-friendly can make all the difference in helping your kids — and you — feel supported, welcomed, and inspired.

So what exactly makes a church feel like a great place for families? Here are a few things to consider as you search for a church home in Lee’s Summit.

Lee’s Summit Churches Should Feel Welcoming for All Ages

“Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. – Mark 10:14-16

From the moment you walk in, you can tell whether a church is equipped and eager to welcome families. Is there signage directing you to the church child care area? Are there friendly volunteers to answer your questions? Do kids seem engaged and comfortable? Family and children should be at the forefront of everything a great family-friendly church does.

It’s not about being flashy, it’s about being intentional. A Lee’s Summit church that welcomes families often has systems in place to make things smooth for everyone: check-in processes for children’s programs, safe environments, and volunteers who genuinely enjoy working with young people.

childrens choir on stage

A Vibrant Children’s Ministry

At the heart of any family-friendly church is a thriving children’s ministry — one that goes beyond just babysitting during the service. Look for programs that are age-appropriate, creative, and designed to teach kids about faith in ways they can understand and enjoy.

From toddler care to preteens, strong children’s ministries often include:

  • Bible-based lessons presented through storytelling, crafts, or play.
  • Consistent volunteers who build trusting relationships with your child.
  • Worship or music time just for kids.
  • A focus on kindness, service, and faith at their level.

As parents, you are on a journey with your kids and you play an important role in their spiritual development. At Lakeland, we believe there are three phases in this development:

  1. I Do, You Watch: This is the earliest phase, typically from birth through early elementary school when kids are highly dependent upon — and constantly learning from — their parents.
  2. We Do Together: Late elementary through middle school aged kids enter a new phase where much more is done together. These children are becoming more independent, but still rely on mom and dad quite a bit.
  3. You Do, I Watch Over: High school and beyond presents a new phase where children are making decisions for themselves and moving about the world separately from mom and dad. Mom and dad are still present but not as active in the child’s day to day activities.

Great children’s ministries don’t aim to replace a parent’s influence; they work alongside it. They give your child a chance to experience God’s love through trusted adults and meaningful friendships, while giving you the peace of mind to engage fully in your own spiritual experience.

leader teaching childrens ministry

Intentional Support for Parents

It’s easy to focus on programming for kids, but family-friendly churches also prioritize the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of parents. Whether it’s a casual parent meet-up, a parenting series, or small groups tailored to the challenges of raising kids, strong church communities recognize that raising a family is deeply spiritual work.

As you explore Lee’s Summit churches, pay attention to whether the church creates space for you to be more than just a parent — for you to reflect, grow, and be nurtured in your own faith. A church that pours into parents ultimately pours into families.

students during communion

Options for Every Stage of Growth

Families come in all shapes and stages, and the best churches reflect that diversity. As your kids grow, their needs change. You want a church that evolves with you — from the nursery to the youth group, from parenting young children to launching teens into adulthood.

Look for churches in Lee’s Summit that offer:

  • Church ministries tailored to different age groups.
  • Youth programs that meet kids where they are socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
  • Milestone support — baptisms, dedications, confirmations, or rites of passage.
  • Service opportunities for families to engage together.

When churches invest in the entire faith journey of a family, not just one season of it, it shows a long-term commitment to spiritual growth and connection.

students in youth ministry

Safety and Trust

For parents, safety is non-negotiable. A church that’s serious about being family-friendly is also serious about protecting your children — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Questions to ask when visiting a church include:

  • Are background checks conducted for all church child care and children’s ministry workers?
  • Are classrooms and nursery areas secure and clean?
  • Is there a clear check-in and pick-up system for children?
  • Do volunteers receive training or guidance on how to support kids with specialized needs?

Trust is foundational — and when a church honors that, it creates a space where kids can thrive and parents can rest easy.

Visit a Lee’s Summit Church that Feels Like Family

If you’re looking for a church in Lee’s Summit, MO that checks all these boxes, Lakeland Community Church is a vibrant, welcoming option for families in every season of life.

Lakeland Community Church wraps its arms around our families, providing a framework for how children can learn and grow in their Christian faith. Beginning with an infant child’s baptism through communion and confirmation, children at Lakeland Community Church experience spiritual development through our children’s ministry. Parents gather together in communities based on their child’s graduation year to share experiences and offer support.

Families at Lakeland often say they feel known, valued, and supported. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, you’ll find a community that’s ready to walk with you.

Visit Lakeland Community Church

Choosing the right church in Lee’s Summit, MO for your family doesn’t have to be complicated. When you visit Lakeland Community Church, you’ll discover a space where faith is nurtured, relationships are built, and families grow together.

Join us Sunday mornings at 10:30 for services at 913 NE Colbern Road, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and experience our family-friendly church firsthand.

Join us on Sundays @ 10:30AM!