Finding a church where your whole family feels at home can make an enormous difference. Parents want their children to learn about Jesus, teenagers need opportunities to develop Christian friendships, and families benefit from being part of a congregation that supports them through every stage of life.
Fortunately, Door County has several churches with strong ministries for children, teenagers, and families. Whether you’re looking for a dynamic youth group, a Christian elementary school, or opportunities for your children to grow in faith alongside their friends, there are some excellent options to consider.
We’ve highlighted four family-friendly churches in Door County, each with something distinctive to offer.
Full disclosure: This article comes from Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, so we’re naturally enthusiastic about our own youth ministry! But we also appreciate the work other Christian congregations are doing to serve families throughout our community.
Also – this church guide includes two churches outside of our denominational fellowship. While we do not agree one hundred percent with the theology of every church in this listicle, we included them as a means of serving you, the reader, so that you can make an informed choice. We did not include any churches that don’t adhere to broadly orthodox and traditional Christian doctrine or morality.
Family-friendly Churches in Door County
1. Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church (Forestville) — Best for a Dynamic Youth Group
Location: 316 W. Main Street, Forestville, WI
Denomination: Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Website: doorcounty.church
For families with teenagers, Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville offers something special: an active youth group that combines Christian education, meaningful friendships, service projects, and adventures beyond Door County.
Our youth ministry serves students in grades 8–12, with regular gatherings that include games, fellowship, Bible study, devotions, and prayer. But the experience doesn’t end with monthly meetings.
Each summer, our young people have opportunities to participate in mission trips or attend the LCMS National Youth Gathering. These experiences take students beyond their everyday surroundings, allowing them to serve others, explore new places, strengthen friendships, and grow in their Christian faith.
Younger children have opportunities to participate as well. Saint Peter’s offers Sunday School, catechism instruction, and a popular summer Vacation Bible School program. Families worship together in a traditional Lutheran Divine Service centered on God’s Word and Sacraments.
One of the things we particularly value at Saint Peter’s is the opportunity for children and teenagers to develop lasting relationships with other Christians. We want our young people to know that they’re an important part of the congregation today, not simply the church of tomorrow.
Saint Peter’s serves families from Forestville, Sturgeon Bay, southern Door County, and neighboring communities.
Why families might love it: An active youth community, summer trips, service opportunities, and a congregation committed to helping children grow into faithful Christian adults.
Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM
Sunday School: 9:00 AM during the school year
Learn more about Saint Peter’s youth and family ministries.
2. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church — Best for Family Fellowship and Flexible Worship
Location: 1756 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Denomination: Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay offers a welcoming environment with several ways for families to participate in congregational life.
One particularly distinctive feature is the church’s approach to worship accessibility. In addition to traditional sanctuary worship, Prince of Peace offers online services and drive-in worship options, allowing people to participate in ways that accommodate different family circumstances.
The congregation also hosts the Master’s Cup Coffee House, a comfortable gathering space that encourages conversation and fellowship throughout the week. It’s an unusual and inviting feature for a local congregation.
Children can participate in Sunday School during the school year, while teenagers in grades 7–12 have opportunities for youth group activities, games, devotions, and fellowship. The congregation also has connections with American Heritage Girls, providing another opportunity for young people to build friendships and develop character.
For families who appreciate opportunities to gather socially, ask questions, and connect with others outside the formal worship service, Prince of Peace is worth exploring.
Why families might love it: Flexible worship options, a welcoming coffee house, Sunday School, youth activities, and opportunities for Christian fellowship.
Sunday Worship: 9:30 AM
Sunday School: 8:30 AM during the school year
3. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Sturgeon Bay) — Best for Elementary Education
Location: 108 W. Maple Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Denomination: Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)
Not to be confused with Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in downtown Sturgeon Bay has a particularly notable ministry for families seeking Christian education.
The congregation operates St. Peter’s Lutheran Elementary School, offering a Christ-centered educational experience from preschool through eighth grade.
Established in 1983, the elementary school combines academic instruction with daily Christian teaching. Students participate in chapel services, learn Bible history and Christian doctrine, and receive instruction shaped by the congregation’s Lutheran beliefs.
The school’s offerings extend beyond the classroom. Students have opportunities to participate in athletics, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross-country, and track. Academic and extracurricular opportunities include music, band, art, forensics, spelling competitions, and other activities.
St. Peter’s also operates preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds, helping families begin their children’s formal education in a Christian environment.
For parents looking to integrate Christian faith into their children’s everyday educational experience, this congregation offers a significant advantage: a school closely connected to the worshiping life of the church.
Why families might love it: An established Christian preschool and elementary school, academic and athletic opportunities, and a comprehensive approach to Lutheran education.
Sunday Worship: 7:30 AM and 10:05 AM
Saturday Worship: 5:00 PM
4. First Baptist Church of Sturgeon Bay — Best for Engaging Children’s Ministry
Location: 610 N. 5th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Denomination: Baptist
First Baptist Church of Sturgeon Bay has developed an extensive children’s ministry that gives young families numerous opportunities to connect with the congregation.
Led by longtime Pastor Cory Dahl, First Baptist emphasizes Christian discipleship, biblical teaching, and helping families grow together in faith.
One particularly attractive offering is Kids in Christ (KIC), a Wednesday evening ministry for children from preschool through fifth grade. During the school year, children gather for Bible lessons, singing, games, and activities designed to help them learn God’s Word while developing friendships.
First Baptist also offers Sunday School and children’s church opportunities, providing age-appropriate instruction alongside its regular worship services.
During the summer, the congregation hosts a free Vacation Bible School program featuring Bible lessons, games, crafts, music, and other activities.
The church’s approach to children’s ministry reflects a broader commitment to family discipleship. With Christian education for adults, small groups, and congregational fellowship opportunities, parents can find ways to grow in their own faith while their children participate in age-appropriate programs.
Why families might love it: A well-developed children’s ministry, midweek activities, free Vacation Bible School, and numerous opportunities for Christian education and fellowship.
Sunday Worship: 9:00 AM
What Should Families Look for in a Door County Church?
Every family is different, and finding the right congregation involves more than identifying the church with the most programs.
A good place to begin is by considering how a congregation will help your family grow in Christian faith.
Biblical teaching matters. Look for a congregation where God’s Word is taught faithfully and where children are encouraged to learn about Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, and the promises of the Gospel.
Christian friendships matter. Children and teenagers benefit from developing relationships with other young Christians. Sunday School, youth groups, service projects, and other activities can help foster those friendships.
Worship matters. Family-friendly churches are not simply places that entertain children. They’re congregations that welcome children into the life of the church and help them understand the importance of gathering around God’s Word.
Parents matter, too. A congregation should provide opportunities for adults to learn, serve, and develop friendships with fellow Christians. Raising children in the faith is easier when parents have the support of a Christian community.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of visiting a church in person. Websites can tell you about programs and schedules, but attending worship and meeting members of the congregation can tell you much more about whether a church would be a good fit for your family.
Looking for a Family-Friendly Church in Southern Door County? Visit Saint Peter’s!
At Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, we believe that helping children grow in their Christian faith is one of the most important things a congregation can do.
That’s why we offer Christian education for young children, catechism instruction for middle school students, an active youth group for teenagers, and opportunities for young people to put their faith into action through mission and service.
Most importantly, we invite families to gather together in worship, hear God’s Word, and receive His gifts.
Whether you’re a longtime Door County resident, a family that has recently moved to the area, or someone exploring church for the first time, we’d be delighted to welcome you.
Join us for Sunday School at 9:00 AM or Divine Service at 10:00 AM at 316 W. Main Street in Forestville.
Plan your visit to Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church and discover a congregation where your entire family can grow in faith.