Children's Ministry Methodology   

1. Creating A Warm Atmosphere where each child is accepted and welcomed as a special blessing of the Lord, a place where people learns his/her name, listen to and pray for him/her, a place that is clean, neat, and attractive to children and their parents.

2. Providing Structure and Routines that make it easy for a child to practice good habits of self-control, to practice respect, attentiveness; sharing and orderliness appropriate to his/her age and ability. Hands-on activities, playtimes or healthy snacks should be planned to compliment lessons or for fellowship opportunities.  We view discipline as “Disciple-ing”: teaching attentiveness & respect in a positive, loving manner. We seek to provide a safe place with the safety and security of adequate, careful staffing and the practice of Standard Health Precautions

3. Worship, Bible Teaching and Prayer. Worship should be both modeled and taught: in song, in prayer and in the giving of offerings based upon a sound understanding of scripture; sensitive to the age of the child. Generally, with children, it should include both fun, active songs as well as sweet prayer songs directed to the Lord Himself.

• Sound Bible Teaching should be prepared by the use of the Inductive Bible Study Method, primarily (even when using a curriculum and even with the young children.  Teachers prove integrity by applying God’s Word to their own life first, then look for ways to make applicable to a child.  “Rightly dividing the Word of God”: presenting the bible lesson in a clear, definite language, not boring the child, but according to their ability and understanding. Bible Lessons should be no more than about 2 minutes per age (5 years & up: 10 minutes) Lessons should include some variety: visuals, object lessons, drama, etc.; ways of engaging interaction, yet keeping the main point in focus.  -  In short you are being asked to perform the IMPOSSIBLE :)
• Prayer should be sincere and conversational. Children should be taught that God answers ALL prayers: sometimes saying yes, no, or wait. Children should be taught about praise, thanksgiving, confession, as well as asking.
• F.A.T. Children’s Ministry Workers should be Faithful, Available, and Teachable. As a teacher, you are the wholesome and realistic mode of the faith in word and deed, dedicated to being there early, and prepared (or having a replacement when they unable to be there themselves). The model of Servant-Hood is critical; a willingness to do what they can when there is a need, and regularly being in the Word and in Fellowship themselves. Those who serve on Sunday morning should make plans to attend the alternate service. Those who serve on Wednesday evening should plan time to pickup and listen to the teaching.