About Children s Ministry

Transcription

1 Our mission: Canyon Hills exists to make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ. GOD There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), eternally existent (John 1:1-3), creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1). He exists as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are one in essence, but distinct in person and function (John 15:26, Matthew 3:16-17). JESUS CHRIST Jesus Christ is fully God (John 10:30) who took on flesh through a virgin birth (Matthew 1:22-23) and dwelt on the earth (John 1:14). He was perfectly sinless (Hebrews 4:15). He died on a cross as a substitute for our sins (John 19:33), was buried, and physically rose from the dead (Luke 24:3-6), and ascended to live eternally with the Father (Acts 1:10-11). MAN Man is the direct creation of God and made in His image (Genesis 1:26). Every member of the human race is sinful by nature from birth (Romans 5:12, I Corinthians 15:22). Every member of the human race has sinned before God (Romans 3:23). Because of sin, every member of the human race is lost without Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:6, Proverbs 14:12, John 3:36). SALVATION The death of Jesus Christ ALONE paid the price for salvation (Romans 5:6-8, Isaiah 53:5). Salvation is attained through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:3-6). Repentance (turning away) from sin is essential for salvation (Acts 2:38, Acts 26:20, Luke 13:3, II Corinthians 7:10). Evidence of salvation is confirmed, but not obtained, by: Good works (Matthew 7:17, Galatians 5:22-24). Water Baptism by immersion (Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:1-3). Salvation for the believer is secure for eternity (John 10:27-28, Hebrews 7:25, I John 5:13) HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, coexistent with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19).The Holy Spirit indwells a man at the moment of conversion (Acts 10:44, Ephesians 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit is the chief agent of salvation and holiness in the life of the believer (Romans 15:16). The work of the Holy Spirit is manifest by fruit (Galatians 5:22-26, Ephesians 2:10) in cooperation with the believer's yielding (Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 5:18). The Holy Spirit endows each believer with a special gift to minister to the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:7, 11; I Peter 4:10-11). The Holy Spirit can be quenched (I Thessalonians 5:19) and grieved (Ephesians 4:30-32) by a believer. THE BIBLE The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, though written by men, is verbally (word for word) inspired by God 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16) and inerrant in its original writings. All the words of the Bible are the final, complete, written, and true revelation of God (Revelation 22:18-19). The Bible is sufficient to meet all the needs of all believers (2 Timothy 3:17, Psalm 19:7-14). The Bible is understood through the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The meaning of the Bible is determined by the historical, grammatical, and literary use of the author's language, comparing scripture with scripture. (2 Timothy 2:15) THE CHURCH The church is a local assembly of baptized believers (Hebrews 10:25). The church is organized to carry out the mission to evangelize and teach every person (Matthew 28:19), and to carry out the ordinances of the Lord's supper and believer's baptism (Acts 2:42-47). The supreme Head of the church is Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18). The local church is governed by mature, godly men; also know as elders and deacons (Titus 1:5-9, I Timothy 3:1-13). The church is self-supporting by the sacrificial giving of her members (I Corinthians 16:1-2). SECOND COMING We believe in the literal, visible (Revelation 1:7), personal, and soon return of Jesus Christ for His Church (Revelation 22:12), at which time He will transform our bodies, whether dead or alive, into a body suited for heaven (Philippians 3:20-21). 16 One generation will commend Your works to another, they will tell of Your mighty acts." Psalm 145:4 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Psalm 41:14-18 O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old-- what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. Psalm 78:1-7 Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. Psalm 79:13 About Children s Ministry Our ministry purpose is to tell the next generation about our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! Jesus said, Let the little children come unto me... for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. And so the Children s Ministry at Canyon Hills Community Church seeks to provide a loving, age appropriate spiritual environment for children from birth to fifth grade. We believe that it is important to demonstrate the love of Christ to a child of any age. Whether you have a baby in the nursery or an active 5th grader, families can know they are being loved and taught Biblical truths on their level. Our desire is to equip and support you, as parents and leaders, to minister to children and assist families as they lay a spiritual foundation that will lead each child into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If you have any questions about Children s Ministry or if you would like to be trained to serve in one of our areas of ministry, please contact us. Larry Williams Pastor of Children s and Student Ministries kids@chccbw.org 1

2 Our Purpose Application Process The Children s Ministry at Canyon Hills exists to make more and better disciples by LOVING GOD Matthew 22:37-38 LOVING EACH OTHER Matthew 22:39 LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS Matthew 28:19 Step 1: Conversation- Talk with God to see if this is where He is calling you to serve. Then, you can talk with a Pastor or Director on the phone or in person. This is a chance for us to get to know you. Step 2: Apply Complete the Children s Ministry application, filling it out completely and return it as soon as possible to your Service Coordinator or to the Children s Ministry office. Step 3: Observe Visit a classroom similar to the one that you would like to work in to get a sense of what it might be like and what is expected. Step 4: Orientation We ll want to talk with you to review our policies and explain some of the things you ll need to know. This will also be a chance for you to get some of your questions answered! Step 5: Begin Ministry Remember, it may take a couple of weeks before you start feeling comfortable in your new role, that s normal! Enjoy yourself! Enjoy the kids! God will work out the details as you grow and depend on Him for direction, inspiration and wisdom! A Background Check Children s Ministry Application- This is required for all those who serve in any capacity with children, youth or special needs adults. This includes an authorization for a national criminal background check using Intellicorp service. We will keep your completed Application, the background report and personal reference checks on file for you in a confidential and secure manner. Team Members Covenant Because we desire to see God work in the hearts of the children in our ministry, it is important for all of us to make a commitment to this teaching ministry. In addition, it is even more important for us to commit to developing daily habits which are essential for our spiritual maturity. We ask all of our teachers and leaders to commit to: Prepare for ministry by maintaining your personal relationship with Christ and fostering community in our church body. 1. Attend a weekend worship service regularly. 2. Participate in a LifeGroup 3. Commit to CHCC Membership (Required for Lead Teachers) Support the teaching ministry by praying for the church and Children s Ministry staff, other teachers, and specifically the children in our ministry. Cooperate with other ministries and place the greater good of the whole body over the needs of our ministry. Participate in teacher enrichment times for your personal growth and education. Agree to teach according to the doctrinal statement of CHCC (see next page). Agree to follow all the policies and procedures in the Children s Ministry Volunteer Guide. 2 Together we are Teaching The Next Generation to Know God by our words, attitudes and actions. May we reach the next generation with the Good News of Jesus Christ and see them grow in that knowledge and faith so that they go where ever He leads them, as salt and light, changing their world for the Kingdom! 15

3 Do Unto Others We seek to provide a ministry environment that is loving, caring, and respectful. Our words should bless and build one another up, so we want an environment that is free of harassment of any kind. We cannot tolerate it on the part of staff, volunteers, children or youth in our ministry programs. Harassment includes: Any direct or suggestive verbal, physical, or visual conduct that creates an offensive or hostile environment. Verbal conduct (epithets, derogatory jokes, slurs, or unwanted sexual comments). Unwanted touching or any forms of assault. Unwanted glares, phone calls, text or picture messages. Unwanted exposure to derogatory and or sexually oriented posters, photography, cartoons, drawings, or gestures. Threats, demands, or retaliation for reporting harassment. If at any time you feel harassed, save any evidence of such harassment and report it immediately to a Staff Member. Every reported complaint will be dealt with promptly and in a confidential matter. Violence If a volunteer threatens or displays violence, they will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including verbal or written warnings, a meeting with a Pastor or Elder, or termination depending upon the circumstances. In addition, the volunteer may be subject to criminal proceedings as appropriate. Accusations and Complaints No one is perfect. In the event of a complaint (whether coming from a parent, another volunteer, visitor, or non-church member) directed toward a volunteer, the Children s Ministry staff will review the issue and discuss it with all parties involved. Everyone involved will be notified of any actions (such as additional training, leave of absence, or termination) that results from the complaint. All matters should be dealt with quickly, fairly and with grace. 14 It Begins With Relationship The FOUNDATION of our ministry is the Word of God and the process for teaching it is through RELATIONSHIPS. That is, caring volunteers who go out of their way to express Christ s love to kids, parents and one another. Our ministry is designed around this principle of teaching God s Word through words, actions and friendship. This relational ministry becomes the CATALYST that propels us to know and fulfill God s purposes in our lives. Here s how it works: Kids may remember creative Bible studies, crazy events, and carefully prepared talks. They will certainly remember YOU! They won t forget the volunteer who LIKED THEM and LOVED GOD..the volunteer that talked to them when others were busy, who cared about their world, or who was there for them when family life got tough. You re the practical means by which students will experience Christ s love. These ABC s are values that all of us must strive to CONSISTENTLY demonstrate: AVAILABLE Kids make spiritual decisions in the context of relationship. We only have a small window of time together to develop these relationships so your presence matters! Be available to faithfully serve and don t be in a hurry. Make every effort to be on time and prepared each time you re scheduled to serve. Serving regularly is your opportunity to develop relationships that will make a huge difference for kids! BE INTERESTED Express a genuine interest in children: Learn names, ask good questions, listen to them and get to know the things they like/dislike. Truthfully kiddos love to talk about themselves, so don t stop at their name, ask good questions and really pay attention to them! Remember to ask about their family, and even their pets! Demonstrate the importance of relationship by getting to know them, their parents and other volunteers it s the easiest way to make a big church feel small. Any person who comes into contact with you should look forward to the next time they bump into you. CARE God has enabled us with various ways to show kids we care about them, so let s put them to use. Beyond showing interest with a friendly handshake or high-five, watch for an opportunity to say something really encouraging to them or talk-them-up in front of other kids or their parents. Take time to pray with them and for their families. Comfort them when things cause pain, fear or loneliness. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you in how to best communicate Christ s care and love. DISCIPLESHIP Encourage kids to take the next step in their faith journey. Point out a child s potential. Help them see how their strengths and abilities have been given by God to make a Kingdom impact. Become a personal cheerleader as they grow, and a guide that points them forward to Christ and His purposes for their lives. 3

4 Safe & Secure Our Classroom Environment One of our highest priorities is, of course, the safety of the students we care for. At the same time, we are concerned about the safety and reputation of the adults and teens that volunteer to make this ministry possible. There may be some, however, who may come in with impure motives. We have developed these procedures as safeguards to make it very difficult, if not impossible, for abuse to occur. Classroom Ratio We want to provide a safe, loving classroom with enough caring volunteers so that children feel comfortable and real learning can take place. Our goal is to have a minimum of 2 adults in any room with children, except in the event of an emergency. When there aren t enough volunteers serving, the class size should be limited during that service. Our Goal for the Student to Leader Ratio: Personal Property The church is not responsible for your valuables and these should be stored at your own discretion. Room Usage Guidelines Part of creating unforgettable experiences for students includes providing clean and safe environments in which they can connect, learn and grow. Here are some guidelines for how the rooms should be maintained so that we can continue to provide facilities that we can enjoy and be proud of. Always return lesson materials and supplies to the Teacher Resource Room. Use only designated spaces or bulletin boards to hang or display items, posters, decorations, etc. Do not staple or tape any items onto the walls, doors or windows (unless you are using the blue tape). If food is part of group time, please vacuum and wipe down the room to keep it clean for the next group. Please return tables, chairs, props and toys to their proper location. (See photo and floor plan posted in your room) Infants (0 7 months): 2 children to 1 leader Crawlers (8-13 months): 3 children to 1 leader Nursery (14 35 months): 4 children to 1 leader 3, 4, 5 year olds and K s: 5 children to 1 leader 1-5 th grades: 8 to 10 children to 1 leader Rest Rooms and Diaper Changes We need to go out of our way to make this a safe and private time for the child. As a volunteer taking children to the restroom, visually check the restroom for adults, older children or unsafe objects before sending children in. One adult may take a child or children to the restroom if you simply stand in the open doorway to supervise them. Diaper changing should follow regular nursery procedure. Diapers should be changed on the changing tables provided in each classroom. Only WOMEN above the age of 15 may change diapers. 4 13

5 Guidelines for Volunteers What About Discipline and Correction? Our primary goal here is not to establish a list of rules, but to provide guidelines that would empower you to be able to minister to others out of love and obedience to God. Consider your volunteer time as a ministry to care for and serve others. Make every attempt to give your full attention to those you re serving. You are discouraged from texting and making phone calls during service hours. If you have a personal emergency, contact your service coordinator to cover your class. Then you can step away to handle the situation. Favoritism Always do your best not to show favoritism towards any one family or child. This creates a consistent and caring environment for your students when they see you care for them just as you do anyone else in the body of Christ. Communication Guidelines We encourage you to maintain contact and develop relationships outside ministry hours. Be wise with all of your communications since you represent this ministry, our church and the Lord. Here are some expectations we have of you as you serve in Children s Ministry: You should always conduct yourself in a godly manner, being an example of obedience, respect and honesty to young believers. You may use a variety of discipline like: time out, coaching, prayer, conversation with parents, rewards and positive reinforcement, removing from the classroom (to the Service Coordinator) or loss of some privilege. You should not discipline by any means of corporal punishment, spanking, pinching, yelling, belittling, swearing, harsh language or anything similar to these. You should not do anything that others could misinterpret as inappropriate behavior. This includes things like extended hugging, kissing, sitting a child on the lap, inappropriate touching or being alone with a child. Phone Calls When calling a child, it is important that you call when a parent or guardian is present with them and always address the parent first. Doing this builds rapport with families and also creates an environment of safe dialogue. Calls made to children s cell phones should only be made with the express permission of the parents and at times they approve. , Text, Picture, Video or Chat Messages Most students are not old enough to access on their own. If they do, all correspondences to children must be made through their parents. You may, on occasion, ask the parent/guardian to forward your directly to the student after you have asked them to check and approve it. As much as it would surprise kids to get a text or picture message from you, for your protection and the church, we ask that you direct all messages for the child through their parent(s)/ guardian(s). Remember that photos of children cannot be published or posted without parents consent. Online Information that you post, even on your personal sites, should reflect your desire to honor God in every arena of your life. Though students may not have access to such information, parents probably do. It is our desire that our ministry and its team members be above reproach so we ask that you use wisdom and refrain from posting any pictures, comments or other content that would suggest an ungodly lifestyle. 12 5

6 How Should You Respond to Aggressive Behavior? Aggressive behavior can be described as: hitting, slapping, biting, pinching, kicking, spitting, shoving, tripping or throwing an object to hit another person. It can also include verbal aggression such as: threats of bodily injury, insults, obscene language or intentionally hurtful words. When a child demonstrates aggressive behavior towards another child, youth or an adult volunteer in the classroom, care should be taken to insure that everyone responds appropriately. The classroom must be a safe place for children and leaders so we must respond to aggression immediately and in a godly manner. When a child begins disruptive or inappropriate classroom behavior, you should state clearly and simply the rule for classroom behavior. Child to Child Aggression Separate the children. Comfort the injured child. Clarify the wrong behavior and restate appropriate behavior with the aggressor. Restore relationship between the children as much as is possible. Notify or call parents (typically call the parents of the aggressor first, then the injured child s parents). Remove an aggressive child from the classroom when necessary. Serving on The Team Service Coordinators are assigned to each service and will be available before, during and after their service time, to assist you in any way possible. You can refer difficult situations to them or ask for specific advice. So ask them for help! You are encouraged to stay in contact with them for instruction, advice and encouragement. Dress Code When we are at work for the Lord, it is important to represent Him in a glorifying manner. Because we are also representing Canyon Hills Community Church, we need to dress appropriately. Here are some guidelines for appropriate attire for all of us: Loose fitting or non-clinging clothes. No immodestly cut garments. Clean and well groomed. Avoid jewelry children could grab onto and pull. Child to Adult Aggression Initially the volunteer should use the child s name, say No. We do not (hit, kick, bite, etc.) in this classroom. Next, the volunteer should move away from the child who has been aggressive and not be involved in correction or consequences of the misbehavior. Instead, they should ask for another adult volunteer to interact with that child. They will clarify the wrong behavior and restate appropriate behavior with the child. Then work to restore relationship between the child and the volunteer as much as is possible. Notify or call the parents. Remove the child from the classroom when necessary. 6 11

7 Keeping Kids Safe Classroom teachers need to be very observant when dealing with children. As you teach each week, you may notice changes in a child s behavior or appearance. If you observe anything in a child s appearance or behavior that may suggest they have been abused, please follow the procedure for reporting child abuse. One or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that child abuse is occurring. Neglect Severe malnourishment Grossly inadequate hygiene care Lack of supervision Emotional Abuse Apathy or depression Antisocial behavior Hostile behavior Physical Abuse Bruises or welts that are unexplained or at unusual places on the body Unexplained burns, fractures, abrasions or lacerations Human bite marks Sexual Abuse Child expresses or implies involvement in sexual activity with parent or adult Child reports itching, pain, bruises or bleeding in genital or anal areas Child reports severe emotional conflict at home Child's clothing appears stained, torn or bloody. Child appears to spend extended periods of time in a fantasy world A young child demonstrates an exaggerated knowledge of or interest in an adult sexual behavior evidenced by either seductive actions or conversations, or fear of intimate contact with others What You Should Do: 1. Stay calm. It doesn t help anyone to get angry, panic or exaggerate the situation. 2. Begin to pray for the child and his family. Maintain an attitude of prayer throughout the process. 3. Contact the Service Coordinator in your area as early in the service as possible. 4. Be ready to provide the Coordinator with the child s full name, parents name and phone number found on the check-in sheets. 5. Volunteer will need to fill out an Ouch Report form to document their concerns. 6. Continue teaching and provide care for the children in your class. 7. Watch your words to others. Do not gossip. We want to provide help for the family not further injury. Know that if there is evidence of child abuse, we will, within 48 hours, make contact with Child Protective Services, advise and counsel the parents, make an effort to locate someone to come alongside the parents and document in writing everything we did. 10 Handling Accidents and Emergencies Classroom volunteers should become familiar with how to handle simple first aid as well as dealing with an emergency. Reviewing procedures should be done often and long before an incident occurs. Calling parents from the service to care for a child is done by contacting the Service Coordinator. Volunteer medical personnel can also be reached by contacting the Service Coordinator. Simple First Aid Simple First Aid kits are available in each classroom or teaching area. In addition to standard supplies for treating minor injuries, each kit will contain extra bandages, latex gloves, and disposable plastic bag and CPR instructions. An Ouch Report should be completed each time an accident or injury occurs and then turned in to the Service Coordinator. Extremely minor injuries requiring only emotional comfort or a simple Band-Aid need not be reported on an Ouch Report. Minor Injury Minor injuries should be reported to the Service Coordinator or Children s Ministry staff member who might call for a medical volunteer from the congregation. Typically, we will first page the parents to come and help. Radio security team and a medical volunteer may be paged from the worship center. A Children s Ministry volunteer should remain in the lobby to lead the parent and/or medical volunteer to the child in need of attention. Should the medical volunteer advise the transportation of an ill or injured person to medical facilities, 911 should be called and Security volunteers notified. High Risk Injury & Accidents This includes things like loss of consciousness, significant blood loss, difficulty breathing, or a life threatening allergic reaction. If anyone needs immediate medical attention for serious or life threatening injury or condition, call 911 immediately from a church landline, you must dial 1 then 911. Give clear and complete information to the 911 operator. Stay on the line as long as they ask you to. Radio Security team to notify them that 911 has been called. Dispatch someone to wait outside to show the medical personnel in. Follow procedures for calling parents, medical volunteers and Security. Do not offer medical advice to parents. Simply offer your apology, express your concern and pray for the family. 7

8 Power Outages It is important that you remain where you are. Emergency lights will activate and flashlights are available in most classrooms. Wait to hear from your Service Coordinator, Pastor or church staff as to how you should proceed. Fire Procedures and maps for emergency exit should be posted in every classroom and shows a suggested exit route. In the event of a fire, alarms will sound and all children should be evacuated along assigned routes to safe areas away from the building. Keep children as calm and quiet as possible. Move quickly but do not run or allow children to run. Teachers should always be aware of the number of children in their care. A count should be taken several times during the class time, especially before and after travel from one location to another. Once the class arrives at the safe area away from the building, the teacher should immediately count the children present. A Staff member will notify teachers when it is safe to reenter the building. Should we be unable to enter the building again, teachers will need to remain with their children until parents arrive to sign out their children. Procedures should be reviewed regularly for fire and medical emergencies. Earthquake In the event of an earthquake, all children and leaders should cover their head and neck and if possible get under a table. Once the earthquake has stopped then you should follow the procedures for a fire evacuation. Health and Well Being It s not a good idea for a child who is not feeling well to come into the classroom, exposing other children and volunteers to the illness. Ill or infectious children will be asked not to participate in the children's program until they are well. However, children with non-infectious disease or health impairments will most likely be allowed to participate. Some signs of illness are: unusual fatigue or irritability coughing or sneezing colored discharge from nose or eyes fever vomiting and or diarrhea inflamed mouth and throat. Medication should not be accepted or dispensed by the classroom volunteers. If a child needs medication, the parent should personally give it to them. Medication should not be left in the classroom or with a worker or child. Parents of children with medication that might need to be kept close by, should be directed to a pastoral staff member or Service Coordinator who can make a case-by-case determination. Seizures Parents will usually notify us if there is a history of seizures. If a child has a seizure: DO: Protect the child from injury - (remove harmful objects from nearby) Cushion their head Aid breathing by gently turning them on their side once the seizure has finished Page the parents and call for medical volunteers. DO NOT: Restrain the person Put anything in the person s mouth Try to move the person unless they are in danger Give the person anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered 8 Bodily Fluids Due to the increased risk of the spread of disease, be cautious when handling bodily fluids, promptly and safely dispose of them and properly clean the area. You should the D Vour Kit (in every classroom) when dealing with bodily fluids and wash afterwards. Allergies Parents typically tell us of any allergies for their children so that our records are kept up-to-date. All allergies (including seasonal ones) should be noted on the In Slip for each child. Parents will carry any medicine and will be called upon to administer them when needed. Inhalers or Epi-Pens may be some of the exceptions. 9