Children’s Ministry
What is Calvary Chapel’s view on children?
We believe that children are a gift from God, valuable and made in His image. We believe that God loves them, that He wants a relationship with them, and that they are never too young to begin that relationship. We also believe that God has a purpose for each individual child’s life, and that it is in a relationship with Him that they begin to discover that purpose.
What is Calvary Chapel’s goal in ministering to children?
We believe that the primary responsibility for discipling children is in the hands of parents. Although we have your children for a short period of time in the classroom, parents have them all week long. How children see their caregivers live out their faith often speaks much louder than Sunday bible stories. Kids need to know that God is real and that He loves them, and one way they do is when their parents live for Him.
With that in mind our first goal as we minister to children is to equip their parents or guardians by giving them a free and undistracted time to be taught and grow in their relationship with Jesus. As parents grow in their walk with Jesus, they will continue to minister to the child long after the child has left church service.
Our second goal is to fully take advantage of the time we have with your children, and minister directly to them. We seek to communicate God’s love to the children at their level of understanding. We feel that the best way to accomplish this is to provide teaching and activities that are age appropriate and enjoyable. Classes are specifically designed for each age group. Because we believe the Bible is essential to spiritual development, our lessons come directly from the teaching of Scripture.
As you grow in the Lord, so will your children.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-9
What kind of activities go on in the classroom?
The children participate in their own praise and worship service.
The children study the Bible at their level.
The children participate in games, activities and crafts designed to reinforce the lessons.
The children have a snack.
What are the class divisions?
– Nursery – 0-18 months – Toddlers – 18 months-2 yrs old
– Pre-K – 3-4 yrs old – K-1st Grade
– 2nd-3rd Grade – 4th-5th Grade
When are children’s ministry classes offered?
Children’s Ministry classes are available during the Saturday evening, Sunday morning services and Thursday evening Bible Study.
Can a mother sit with her infant or small child in the sanctuary?
Although we do not allow infants and small children in the main services, we have a nursing mother’s room. If you would like to sit with your children during the service, the Agape House, Fellowship Hall, or Courtyard is available.
“And your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 54:12
Questions?
Pastor Pete pvitale@ccvb.net