DS 7 saying he believes in god and wanting to go to church

[FloatingSquirrel]

I am atheist but have always presented it to DC as I don't think there is a god but there might be and lots of people do believe in god, so that they can make their own opinion.

My 7 year old son has been saying for a few months that he's a Christian and believes in god and has recently been asking to go to church "because that's what Christians do".

Could I take him to a church service whilst not being religious myself? And do children even go to church services, or is it more adult themed? Is it something you can just turn up at?

I feel awkward about contacting a local church too as I would want to be honest rather than pretending to believe myself, but then I'm assuming they may be offended at me not believing in god?

I'm an absolute atheist but I have to say that all the church people I know are delightful and I'm sure if you had a word with your local vicar he (or she) would be the best person to advise you. He (or she) might even have children's services. They won't mind at all that you aren't a believer, in my experience.

Many larger churches will have some form of children's work, often during the service. For example, at mu church, we all start in the main room for the beginning of the service, and the there are groups for preschool and primary age children, while the adults listen to the sermon.

You might also find that a local church offers something like an afterschool club or youth group.

My church has visitors regularly. Some are wanting to find out about Jesus. Some are coming with family, and aren't interested. We are always happy for people to come, and never offended by others not believing what we believe. If you started insulting Jesus, that would probably upset people, but simply not believing it is fine!

Also, lots of churches livestream their services now (one of the products of Covid). You could look at some local church websites, and that might help you get a feel for it before going along.

I think at aged 7, unless he has been taught good, sound, age-appropriate information, he may have a sort of concept of something called god, but it's unlikely he knows about Christ Jesus and Christianity and the one True Lord God Almighty. You have not said in your opening post. At such a young age it would be difficult for him to sustain any Christian practise or belief without parental support. However, that said, I agree with the previous post about contacting your local church for their children's activities. Maybe you have Christian friends who could take him to church and all the better if they have children themselves?

You absolutely can. There are many at our church who aren't sure, who come to support others or who just want to learn. All are welcome. And yes, we have children too, a youth club and a special youth service once a month. Many cases like your son's.
My friend was baptised this Easter as an adult (not saying you have to do this of course) and she is letting her own son make his own mind up about being baptised when he is old enough to make the choice.

You're doing a really thoughtful and respectful thing by supporting your son in exploring his own beliefs. Yes, you absolutely can take him to a church service, even if you aren't religious yourself. In fact, many churches warmly welcome visitors of all kinds, including non believers who are simply there to support a friend or family member.