If you’re serving in preschool or kids ministry, you know the early years of parenting are full of change. Overnight, a family’s rhythms shift. Simple things like grabbing dinner with friends, joining a small group, or attending Bible study feel harder than ever. It’s tempting for young families to pull back, keep their heads down, and “just survive” the early years. But the truth is: this is when families need biblical community the most.

The preschool years are foundational for a child’s development — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They’re also foundational for parents as they step into their God-given roles as disciple-makers. As kids and preschool ministry leaders, we have a unique opportunity to help families build the kind of community that will sustain them in these critical years.

God’s Design for Parenting in Community

Families aren’t meant to carry the weight of raising children, building homes of faith, and navigating life’s pressures on their own.

When churches help families stay connected to biblical community during these early years, several things happen:

• Parents are reminded that they aren’t alone.
• Children see models of godly relationships beyond their immediate family.
• The church body becomes a living picture of God’s family for young hearts to witness.

Community gives parents the encouragement, accountability, and friendships that fuel everyday faithfulness.

Why It Feels Hard (And Why We Need to Make It Easy)

Let’s be honest: building biblical friendships when you have preschoolers isn’t easy. Bedtimes matter. Nap schedules matter. Packing a diaper bag feels like packing for a week-long trip. It’s easier for families to stay home and “try again next year.” That’s why churches must work intentionally to lower the barriers.

We can create spaces where families can show up tired, kids can show up messy, and grace can meet everyone there. We don’t need perfect schedules or “Pinterest-ready” programs to foster biblical community. We need willing leaders, open spaces, and honest conversations.

How Churches Can Create Easy On-Ramps for Community

At Brentwood Baptist, we’ve worked hard to build opportunities that are simple, fun, and deeply relational. Here are a few strategies that have helped young families connect:

• Monthly Story Time: Host a simple story hour where preschoolers hear Bible stories and parents have time to connect informally. It’s low commitment but high relational impact.
• Mom’s Groups with a Focus on Care: Offer spaces where moms can gather without a heavy curriculum. Sometimes what’s needed most is a safe place to ask, “Is this normal?” and “Can you pray for me?”
• Family Play Days: Organize playground meetups, splash pad gatherings, or seasonal family events. These easy, low-pressure gatherings give families a first step into deeper community.
• Serve Opportunities for Families: Create opportunities where families serve side-by-side. Serving cultivates conversations, builds relationships, and helps parents model a missional lifestyle for their children.
• New and Expectant Parent Classes: Offer classes that connect new parents to each other early. Build trust before they even drop their first baby off in the preschool hallway.

Our goal isn’t to create “one more thing” on a busy family’s calendar. It’s to offer accessible, grace-filled pathways to find gospel-centered relationships.

5 Signs of Life-Giving Community for Young Families

As ministry leaders, how do we know if we’re creating the right kind of community spaces? Here are five signs to watch for:

• Parents feel seen, not judged. They can share hard parts without fear.
• Kids are welcomed as they are. Wiggly, noisy, messy kids included.
• God’s Word stays central. Conversations eventually lead back to Christ, not just parenting hacks.
• Families are encouraged to grow, not perform. It’s about steps toward Jesus, not polished appearances.
• Families leave feeling more hopeful, not more burdened. Real biblical community builds up and breathes life.

Final Encouragement

Preschool and kids ministry is not just about caring for children — it’s about shepherding whole families. We have the privilege of helping parents find their people, build gospel-centered friendships, and experience the kind of community that makes faith feel real and reachable.

If you’re in kids ministry, remember: you’re not just running programs. You’re building lifelines. You’re creating spaces where exhausted, joyful, overwhelmed, prayerful parents can find strength for the road ahead.

Stay faithful. Stay relational. And never underestimate what God can do when a young family finds true biblical community in the preschool years.