We look at everything we do through a child’s eyes to create a ministry that reaches, teaches, and loves that child. We immerse ourselves into the culture of a child. We allow the culture of the child to form what we do, because our desire is to do all we can in order to reach this generation for Christ. We plan activities that are age-appropriate and engaging for children. Songs and Bible lessons are taught in ways that best reach and teach children. We are committed to having a child-targeted ministry.
Every lesson, example, and activity must be relevant to kids in their life NOW. We ask, "How does this lesson apply to our culture and world today?" and "How can the Bible truth be relevant in the life of a child today?" For both Christian kids and seeker kids, relevancy is an important key to moving them across the line of faith in Jesus and growing them up into fully devoted followers of Him.
Being relevant means helping kids see that God’s Word is written for them and can be applied to every one of them.
In order to keep pace with the various learning styles of children today, we vary how we communicate our lessons each week. The biblical message is so powerful and effective–the same yesterday, today, and forever. But in order to teach in a way that’s relevant to our target audience, we vary our methods of presentation. Our goal is for children to become so fascinated with the Bible stories that they want to learn more.
The result is a curriculum where the Bible lesson is taught creatively through drama, video clips, creative storytelling, and contemporary music. We use surprises, games, and fun activities, which vary from week to week. We want our children to keep coming back for more. Since we have the most incredible message to tell about the AWESOME God of the universe, how can we allow Sunday school to be boring? We must teach the Bible creatively.
Intentional shepherding means modeling Christ to a group of children. Kids are greatly influenced by adults who believe in them, encourage them, and guide them. So, our volunteers commit to care for a group of children, know them, disciple them, and help them become more like Christ.
We understand that safety and security are among your child’s highest needs. Children cannot learn well in an environment where they are afraid and don’t feel safe emotionally, physically, or spiritually.
Spiritual Safety
Our goal is to provide a spiritually safe environment. Children are in different places spiritually. Seeker kids need to have a place where they will not be put on the spot to "know" the Bible or understand a Christian living concept. They will not be coerced into making spiritual decisions that they are not ready to make. They will be allowed to move in their spiritual journey one step at a time. All kids, seeker and Christian, need to have a safe place where they know that it is okay to ask hard questions about faith.
Emotional Safety
Emotional safety occurs as leaders who are positive, welcoming, and sincere surround children. Kids are accepted and affirmed for who they are. They are nurtured through kind words and actions by all volunteers. Studies show that kids grow best in environments that are positive!
Physical Safety
Physical safety is reflected through having room environments with age-appropriate equipment, background checks and interviews with all volunteers, name tags on all children, a registration process, and the enforcement of check-in and check-out procedures.
Our goal is to have our children come back week after week because they enjoyed their visit so much they can’t wait to return. While kids keep coming back for the FUN, we can accomplish our mission by continuing to nurture and teach them spiritually. In order to make our children’s ministry the best hour of a child’s week, we have to remember to add the FUN! And remember, the fun factor affects adult volunteers, too!