Home > Ministries > Children's Ministry >

Children's Ministry—Frequently Asked Questions   

Q: What is the purpose of the Children’s Ministry?

A:    Our Children's Ministry exists to support the families of Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley (CCTV). We do this primarily by providing an excellent, safe, loving environment during the Sunday and Wednesday services for children up through sixth grade. This allows the children's parents to attend services uninterrupted and become spiritually well fed. We believe parents that are well fed, spiritually, will produce spiritually fit kids.

Q: Do you provide other children's programs besides during the Sunday and Wednesday services?

A: As the fellowship of CCTV continues to grow, other programs, such as Choir, Drama, Puppetry, Vacation Bible School, Summer Camp, a Halloween alternative, Christ Crusaders Club (or derivative), may be offered during the school year. We believe God blesses people not programs.  Therefore, programs provided at CCTV may vary throughout the year. The continuance of any program will be entirely dependent on the direction and confirmation of the Holy Spirit on a year-to-year basis. As a result, we rely on the Lord's leading and look to Him to raise up leaders and laborers for these various programs.

Q: Why are children not in the adult services with their parents?

A: The adult services are taught at an adult level. Therefore, just as you would not expect your child to sit with you through a college class, the adult services at Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley are for adults and not children. We seek to provide age appropriate classes for the children. CCTV Children’s Ministry is not provided, for the child’s sake alone. This service is provided for parents to be undistracted, strengthened and encouraged at an adult level as well. This may seem strange to those who are used to a church experience in which the entire family may sit together throughout the service. We encourage you to prayerfully allow your family to adjust, believing that you (and your children) will be blessed by this arrangement. We do have special family services, noted in the bulletin throughout the year, such as Christmas Eve, in which families may enjoy church services together.

Q: How do I know if my child will be safe during their time in their own classrooms?

A: Through careful staffing: Our Children's Ministry workers are parents, men, women and youth who have been attending this fellowship for at least 12 months. They are screened and trained to provide consistent and excellent care. They are not just volunteers but are giving their service to the Lord, with heart and vision for the children. They work as a team and no one worker is ever alone with the children. We have dedicated supervisors and coordinators overseeing this ministry. Your children are loved and prayed for.

Through sign-in/check-out procedures: We diligently follow sign-in/check-out procedures and maintain a conservative ratio of children to caregivers in order to ensure that all children are safe while in our classes. Please make a note on the sign-in sheet of any allergies or if someone else will be picking up your child. We provide an electronic call system for younger children who, on occasion, may need their parent's attention during the service.

Through parental supervision: Children must be supervised at all times while on the church grounds. We expect parents to provide careful supervision of their children during the times before and after services.

Q: What kind of programs do you provide for the children during the regular service times?

A: We pattern the elements of our children's services after the adult services. We include worship, prayer, and the teaching of the Word of God, taught in ways that are suitable to each child's age and understanding. In addition to these elements, children's classes may also include opportunities to give offerings, crafts, snacks, outdoor play, games, creation science, missions and character or life skills. You may get more information from your child's teacher or Children’s Ministry Coordinator.

Q: What do I do if my child is reluctant to be left in their classroom?

A: Transition times can be difficult for children but most children adjust easily if you, as parents, are confident. As you sign your child into their classrooms, we recommend keeping it simple and cheerful: introduce your child to the teacher, assure your child that they will be fine and you will be back for them. Your confidence and consistency usually gives them confidence and makes it easy for them to adjust and build relationship with his/her teachers. Even the little ones will not cry more than a few minutes. They are learning trust, obedience and hope, which are seeds of faith. If they are inconsolable after about 15 minutes, we will call for you.

Q: Is There a Babes-In-Arms Room?

A: Yes, a babes-in-arms room is especially set up for parents to view the services and attend their infants at the same time. We reserve this room for parents & infants and ask others to please not use this room for overflow seating during services. To honor those who desire to worship and hear the Word being taught, we ask that you refrain from conversation during the service.

Q: What if my child is sick?

A: Please do not bring your children if they are sick. We know that this is a difficult part of life with kids, yet trust that the Lord will strengthen you as you minister to the needs of your children at home. There are teaching tapes available that can be picked up in the church office or can be ordered and mailed to you. We work hard to keep our classrooms clean and sanitary. It is also very helpful to wash your children's hands after picking them up from class each time.

Q: Are There Opportunities for Kids to Serve?

A: Beginning at the age of 14 or the 7th grade, children have an opportunity to become part of the Children's Ministry Team. They also must fill out an application, go through an orientation, and will be assigned to work with an adult. As this requires their parents' permission and support (attentiveness to scheduled dates, transportation for training and to be 30 minutes early for service), parents must sign both application and return a form showing that they have confirmed their support for their child's work for the scheduled. It is required that your child is regularly attending a weekly service if they are serving in any capacity (as is required of adult workers). Community service contracts may be signed by the coordinators.