Children's Ministry | FAQ
Q: My child has a friend in another grade. Is it O.K. for her to go with her friend?
A: We give the parent the power to choose in those types of decisions. We feel you know your child better than we do and therefore can foresee what will work best for your child. There would only be a problem if the child who is out of their proper grade becomes a disciplinary problem. Other arrangements would then have to be made.
Q: What do you do for discipline if there is an uncontrollable child?
A: We discipline very little. Since we only have the children for a short time, after unsuccessful "time-outs," we will ask the parent for help. Seeing your child only once or twice a week, it is not our desire to be harsh or firm with them. Therefore, we need to rely on parents or caregivers to reinforce our classroom standards.
Q: Do I need to pick up my child between services?
A: All children, 4th grade and younger are to be checked into class and picked up after each service. For your child's safety, we have a security check-in system. This is a public building and the preciousness of your child is worth the extra measure of security. The program is not structured to be a 3-hour program, so it is important for you to give your child a snack and a bathroom break between services. Young children especially do not do well if they have not had a break.
Q: Since I am responsible for my child's spiritual development, what can I do to teach my child at home?
A: GOOD QUESTION! You are the biggest influence on your child's life. Your teaching at home, by both telling and living, will be where your child derives most of his/her Christian education. The best thing to do is to live and model the principles in God's Word. Kids can sense insincerity.
The Word of God is the bread of life and food for the soul. Just as you provide your child with nutritious food for the growth of his/her body, so they should be fed God's Word daily. Your child will benefit greatly, even if just a short Bible story is read daily along with prayer.
As far as Bible storybooks go, Kenneth Taylor's book, "The Bible in Picture for Little Eyes" is excellent for very young children. A good, tremendously accurate and easy to read devotional for older children is Elsie Egermeir's book, "Egermeir's Bible Story Book."
God bless you in the high calling of parenting.