Family Integrated Church in Akron

Join East Market Church in Akron, Ohio as we embrace a family-integrated church model, where all ages worship and grow together. Since late 2023, we’ve shifted from age-segregated groups to a unified body, guided by the Lord’s leading. This change has been a blessing, fostering deeper connections across generations.

Why Family-Integrated Worship?

At EMC, we believe parents are the primary leaders in their children’s discipleship. Our family-integrated worship brings kids, teens, and adults together during Sunday services, helping children see the church as their home from a young age. By joining the full congregation, kids naturally become part of our church family in Akron, learning faith alongside everyone else.

Breaking the Disconnect

Statistics show younger generations often drift from the churches where they were raised. Traditional youth and children’s ministries can create a gap when it’s time to join adult worship. At East Market Church, we’ve seen this firsthand and chose a different path. Our all-ages ministry bridges that gap, ensuring everyone feels connected to the body of Christ.

Wednesday Nights: Growing Together

Our Wednesday night meetings are a cornerstone of our church for all ages in Akron. Parents learn practical discipleship skills from seasoned members, sharing wisdom and experiences. This strengthens both families and our church community, where young and old have a place to grow in faith.

Join Our Church Family

Experience the joy of worshiping as one at East Market Church. Whether you’re seeking a family-integrated church near Akron or a community where all ages thrive, we invite you to join us this Sunday. Discover how our unique approach builds faith and fellowship for every generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, there is no children’s ministry at EMC?

Not on Sunday mornings. We do offer a nursery for infants and a Pre-k class for parents who prefer to use them, but children of all ages are welcome to join the worship service along with their parents.

How are children going to understand the sermon?

The same question could be asked about a new Christian adult, and while some things might not sink in, you may be surprised by how much does. Discipleship of children is primarily the work of parents, and being all together in services provides parents with a topic for discussion at home.

What if my infant makes too much noise?

A little noise is a sign of life, so no worries there. If a baby gets too loud or fussy, we have a quiet room adjacent to our sanctuary for mothers and infants. There is a viewing window into the sanctuary so you won’t miss a thing, changing table and comfy seating as well.

Shouldn’t children be around others their own age?

There are good reasons for age specific fellowship, but a quick survey of the public school system can show you that being around other kids their own age doesn’t necessarily lead to spiritual growth. Children are easily influenced by those around them, and when we gather for worship we prefer the main influence of our children to be parents.

Wednesday nights offer age specific classes for children on the 1st & 2nd weeks every month. There are plenty of opportunities for fellowship at EMC.

Tips for parents new to family integrated church.

Let them take notes. Sometimes notes are drawings too – ask your child what they learned, and let them take it in on their level.

Think of basic questions to ask later. It may not even be from the sermon, but one of the songs we sang together.

Paper to write or draw on is available in the back of the sanctuary, as well as busy boxes with things to keep fidgety hands doing something quietly.

We are happy to help parents with ideas for family devotions and discipleship at home.

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.  (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NASB)