Children and Family Ministry at First Reformed Church
MISSION
Jesus loves children and so do we. (Matt. 19:14) We will show this by providing a safe and nurturing environment for all God’s children to grow in love and devotion to God.
VALUES
• God-centered
• Kid-targeted
• Family and faith community-oriented
• Outward-reaching
• Spiritual gifts-based
• Fun and applicable
• Reflective of God’s love and grace
KNOW, GROW, SHOW, AND GO
We value children as precious members of our church. We want kids to KNOW each member of the Trinity personally, continue to GROW spiritually, to SHOW God’s love and grace to everyone, and ultimately to GO out and make disciples of Christ all for the glory and honor of God.
BELIEF STATEMENTS
KNOW
We believe
• the Bible is alive (Hebrews 4:12), it is relevant to children of all ages, and that it is a guidebook for all of life.
• spiritual formation begins at an early age. Children need to be mentored intentionally in their faith walk from the beginning.
• it is primarily the duty of the family to guide children to Christ; as a church we must give parents the support and tools necessary to help children mature in their relationship with Christ.
• children learn best through hands-on, multi-sensory lessons that apply directly to their lives.
Therefore we will
• include and celebrate children as a part of the greater faith family.
• offer support to families as together we strive to imprint our kids’ hearts with God’s word and love. (Deut. 6:6-7)
• teach Bible lessons in creative and memorable ways for children.
GROW
We believe
• spiritual growth is as important as physical growth. (Matt. 4:4)
• what we do is ultimately much more important than what we say.
• maturing in love and service is a vital part of every Christian’s journey, no matter what age.
• God has given each person unique spiritual gifts and only by recognizing, developing, and offering those gifts can we effectively further God’s kingdom.
Therefore we will
• encourage our staff, volunteers, and parents to share their faith by being living examples.
• model and encourage spiritual habits such as devotions, prayer, and worship.
• nurture our own personal relationships with our Savior.
• identify and promote the spiritual gifts each believer has been given.
SHOW
We believe
• we are all called to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Jesus tells us to! (Matt. 22:37-39)
• children need to feel safe, loved, and accepted before they will be willing to open their hearts to what we are teaching.
• the Holy Spirit dwells in each believer and helps guide our daily walk.
Therefore we will
• reflect God’s love and grace to all children and will teach them how to love in return.
• provide a safe and nurturing environment
• encourage children to show love and honor to God through meaningful worship experiences.
• model grace, compassion, and stewardship as tools to convey love to all neighbors and our world.
GO
We believe
• each of us is called to be a disciple of Christ according to the Great Commission. (Matt. 28:19-20)
• habits and values rooted in childhood become life-long practices and beliefs.
Therefore we will
• teach children how to share the Good News of the Gospel with others.
• provide opportunities for mission and service for children and their families within our church, our community, and our world.
SO THAT children who spend time at First Reformed Church will have a firm foundation to continue their life-long faith journey as devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
Through it all, the Family Ministry Team will seek God’s guidance through prayer and will trust God to fulfill His purposes and promises through us as individuals and as a church family.
