CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Instructing, encouraging, and releasing the faith of our children
“…we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.”
(Psalm 78:4b)
“and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
(2 Timothy 3:15)
“But Jesus called the children to him and said,
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
(Luke 18:16)
Description – Mission – Philosophy – Purpose – Vision
We believe every child is a special blessing from the Lord and our desire is to minister to each child’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs with the grace and love of the Lord. We also believe that God desires to pour out of His Spirit on the children of this generation, training them, empowering them, and releasing them to ministry.
Safety and Security
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No one can guarantee perfect safety and security, but being protective parents and grandparents ourselves of our own children who are involved in our ministry, our highest priority is the physical and emotional safety and security of each of the children entrusted to our care. We take many measures to accomplish this including:
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Every individual who works with anyone under the age of eighteen in our Student Ministries Department, from the Nursery all the way through to the Youth Ministry, undergoes a detailed criminal history background check, a personal interview, and group training on policies and procedures to protect the health and safety of our children and youth.
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Restricted access classrooms with door alarms, child safety locks, guard gates, and regularly sanitized toys and surfaces.
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A system is used to “check in” and “check out” children from our nursery and preschool rooms. Only individuals authorized by parents can check children out from these rooms.
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Vigilant Staff, Teachers, Assistants, Ushers and even video cameras in appropriate locations in our facility.
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Health guidelines for restricting those who might have a contagious condition from passing it on to others.
Comfort and Nurture
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After meeting the need for safety and security, we desire to make our children’s classrooms a place of comfort and nurture. We have three separate dedicated classrooms for infant nursery, preschool, and elementary school aged children’s church. All of our classrooms have colorful and engaging full sized beach themed wall murals. Our children’s church room is large enough to have its own stage and boardwalk themed backdrop. Furniture and toys are selected to be comfortable and age appropriate. Our teachers and assistants are nurturing, caring, and loving. We strive to create an atmosphere of peace, fun, and engaging interaction.
Instruction and Application
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Our children’s workers are not just there to “watch” the children while God moves in the lives of adults in another room in the building. We want to see God move in and through both our children and our children’s workers. Foundational age appropriate curriculum and instruction is selected and used with an emphasis on Bible literacy and application. Teachers and assistants are encouraged to pray over each child while in their care and we even encourage and keep a written record of prophetic words and insights that might be given through a teacher for a child.
Ownership and Involvement
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Older children are encouraged to take ownership of ministry responsibilities themselves and to be involved in developing and using their own spiritual gifts to minister to one another and to the larger body of Christ.
SUNDAYS DURING WORSHIP
NURSERY | ABBA’S ISLAND
Birth - 36 months
It is our desire to minister to even the youngest of children. A diaper changing table is located at the entrance to this room for parents of infants to use if needed. A screened area is available in this room for the use of nursing mothers.
PRESCHOOL | TINY TOT REEF
Three years – Kindergarten
In the Preschool room, children will be exposed to entertaining and instructional videos, stories, activities, and crafts.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH | SURF CITY
First – Sixth Grade
Children’s Church features fun interactive lessons, games, prizes, incentives, and awards.
OCCASIONAL EVENTS
AMPED UP Praise Team
On an occasional basis, children aged six to twelve years can sign up. The purpose of this group is to explore the use of various forms of the arts to glorify God in the context of seasonal events.
Jr. Lifeguards
On an occasional basis, children aged six to twelve years old can sign up. The purpose of this group is to teach and train children to serve and minister in their local church and community.