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This guide delves into 8 key principles for a successful children's ministry, from prioritizing children's spiritual education to engaging parents and emphasizing the importance of Scripture. Discover how to create a safe, loving environment where children can serve God and encounter the gospel with clarity. Learn how to assess your children's ministry based on these rock-solid standards.
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Rock-Solid Principle 1: Ministering to children is a high priority. 1 2 3 4 5 Children’s ministry is included in church objectives. Children’s ministry leadership enjoys a “peer status” with the leaders of other ministries. 1 2 3 4 5 Church budgeting reflects a priority on children’s ministry. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Facility use and conditions reflect the importance of children’s ministry.
Rock-Solid Principle 2: The responsibility for children’s ministry first belongs to parents. Adults are regularly encouraged and equipped to relate what they are learning to their children at home. 1 2 3 4 5 Children’s workers deliberately act to involve parents in their child’s spiritual education. 1 2 3 4 5 Parents understand and take ownership of what their children are learning in the children’s ministries. 1 2 3 4 5 The majority of parents in the church place a high priority on the spiritual training of their own children. 1 2 3 4 5
Rock-Solid Principle 3: Scripture is the foundation of our content; relevance follows. 1 2 3 4 5 Scriptural content is the primary criteria in choosing curricula. 1 2 3 4 5 Children’s workers consistently demonstrate the high value they place on God’s Word. 1 2 3 4 5 Learning Biblical truth is the foundational objective for all ages. 1 2 3 4 5 Relevance to life is the basis for the application of Bible truth.
Rock-Solid Principle 4: Spiritual training of children is the core lifestyle of the home. 1 2 3 4 5 A majority of parents regularly teach their children God’s Word. 1 2 3 4 5 Parents receive regular, specific training on how to integrate God’s Word into their home. 1 2 3 4 5 Materials for the home are promoted and made available to parents. 1 2 3 4 5 Scripture memorization is a regular discipline encouraged in children’s ministry and in the home.
Rock-Solid Principle 5: Every child feels safe and loved at all times. The children’s ministries have a consistent, positive, and well-communicated system of discipline. 1 2 3 4 5 Children’s ministry workers are trained to build and maintain a healthy, proper relationship with students. 1 2 3 4 5 Child protection policies and procedures are defined and implemented consistently. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Parents are trained in how to discipline their children.
Rock-Solid Principle 6: Children serve God as soon as they are ready. Opportunities abound for children to serve God in the church. 1 2 3 4 5 Standards (including salvation) for serving are made clear before children are offered the opportunity. 1 2 3 4 5 Children receive training and close adult guidance for their ministry activities. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Service opportunities help children to feel they are a vital part of the local church.
Rock-Solid Principle 7: Children’s workers communicate the gospel with clarity and urgency. Children’s workers are trained in how to present the gospel. 1 2 3 4 5 Children’s workers can express the gospel message and how children are to respond with saving faith. 1 2 3 4 5 Children regularly hear the gospel message and are allowed to respond as the Holy Spirit prompts them. 1 2 3 4 5 Invitation methods do not confuse the child or muddle the message. 1 2 3 4 5
Rock-Solid Principle 8: Children have regular opportunities to trust in Christ. 1 2 3 4 5 Evangelism of children is a priority of the church leadership. 1 2 3 4 5 Parents receive training about how to lead their own children to Christ. Allocation of church resources reflects a recognition of the fruitfulness of evangelizing children. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 The church sees much fruit in children trusting Christ as their Savior.