When couples first experience parenthood, they face some profound changes in their life, and these can lead to them seeking ‘christening’ for their child. Out of a concern for integrity, many evangelical churches offer a less than fulsome welcome.

But what if this is a real expression of engagement in spiritual things? And what if the real problem is the church’s own failure to take seriously its role of nurture? This exciting story of one church’s development of ‘Sssh Free Church’ shows that taking both children and parents seriously can lead to the growth of faith and dramatic growth of the church.

The Rev. Stephen Kuhrt is Vicar of Christ Church, New Malden in the Diocese of Southwark. Married to Katie, he has three noisy children, Rebecca, James and Abigail, who keep him passionate about making church as child friendly as possible.