Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1-2a
VISION: Congruent with the church’s vision, we want our Covenant children to be flourishing. How does gathering, growing, and extending God’s grace apply to our children’s ministry? We call our children “Journey Kids” because they are all on a journey in which they are growing in Christ’s grace and discipleship to become Godly men and women. We want to have children hear the Gospel story, receive the Gospel story, and share the Gospel story.
From the nurseries, to Children’s Worship, to Christian Education, our children gather together in a place where we can plant Gospel seeds. As the children grow, we offer all the things necessary to help these seeds take root. In the nurseries we begin teaching bible verses and worship of the Lord (with children’s instruments). In Children’s Worship we teach the children how to give worth and praise to God. In the kindergarten and elementary school classes we teach children how to talk to God in prayer and how to listen to God in reading (and memorizing) Scripture.
In addition to the regular meetings, Providence employs other means to help “fertilize” the Gospel seeds in the lives of the children (just as a plant needs water, sunlight, and fertilizer to grow healthy). Special events such as Vacation Bible Club or Family nights are available to foster community. We have also set up what we call “Prayer Buddies,” where an adult is paired with a child to offer special prayer, encouragement, and accountability.
Our ultimate aim is to release our children into the middle school ministry with a Gospel foundation, having roots that have been firmly planted and are growing deep into Jesus Christ.
Communicants Class
When children reach an age when they begin to understand deeper spiritual issues (traditionally around second grade and up), we know it’s time to offer our Communicants Class. This class is like the new members class for children, and it goes through the doctrines of Soteriology (the doctrine of salvation) so that children can understand what it means to be a Christian, to know what communion is all about, and to realize their valuable calling to serve in church. The goal of this class is for the children to make a personal profession of faith in Christ and to join the church as communicant members (members who are allowed to partake of the Lord’s Supper).