Vision and Mission of the Children’s Ministry

“In order to have the maximum impact on our children, the ministry needs to have goals and a consistent focus (vision).”

Vision of Children’s Ministry

Cultivating the Christian faith in children through education.

Mission Statement of Children’s Ministry

Our mission is to provide:

  • Education and guidance on Christianity within the Methodist context;
  • Opportunities for spiritual growth and development;
  • Opportunities for children to develop social and life skills;
  • Committed and exemplary educators within the community.

Goals of Children’s Ministry

  • To cultivate within our children a personal and saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3: 16 – 17; John 14: 6; Rom 10: 9 – 13); and
  • To build our children up into Christ-like maturity in such a way that they live out in their lives what they have come to believe in their hearts. (Matthew 28: 18 – 20; Acts 1:8).

In order to achieve our main goals, we strive to develop seven biblically significant areas within the spiritual lives of our children:

  1. Love

The love of God is the glue that binds the church together and it is an essential element in the children’s ministry.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

  1. Evangelism

The Good News of the Gospel message is not a secret to be kept for a special few, but rather a message about God’s love. This message is intended to be spread to all. We evangelize our children and encourage them to share their faith appropriately with others. The greatest evangelist sometimes comes in the form of a little child.

  1. Prayer

Prayer is the believer’s link to the heart of God. As an important part of the Christian life, we teach our children to pray. We also encourage our children and provide an environment which encourages relationship building and closeness.

  1. Compassion

We believe that compassion is an essential character trait of a Christian. Therefore, we strive to involve our children in acts of compassion that project the love of Christ into our communities with a no-strings- attached approach.

  1. Discipleship

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). We can have no greater goal than to shape our children into the very image of Christ. His example is perfect- His teaching is the standard of truth.

  1. Worship

Worship is an essential part of the believer’s life. Our desire is to teach our children to worship God in the fullness of all that they are and through all that they do.

  1. Fellowship

Fellowship provides a way for our children to get to know one another and to develop friendships that extend beyond the walls of the church. Through various extracurricular activities we attempt to provide an environment which encourages relationship-building and closeness among our children.

CHILDREN’S CHARTER

We are called to care FOR children

  • To treasure each child as a gift from God
  • To tell and show children God’s love
  • To make working for children one of the important things the church does
  • To include children in everything – from Sunday worship to helping others

We are called to minister TO children

  • To love, guide and protect children
  • To love and support families
  • To welcome all children who come to us
  • To stand up for children’s rights in the world

We are called to ministry BY children

  • To receive children’s gifts as signs of God’s grace
  • To be a community where children practice “ubuntu” through knowing each other, caring for each other and working together to follow Jesus’ teachings and to do God’s work
  • To encourage children to show and share God’s love and grace in the world

Standard Lesson Plan

1 . Grade
2. Title of lesson
3. Scripture passage (s)
4. Specific outcomes
5. Resources
6. Lesson content
7. Introduction
8. Activity
9. Application and/or homework
10. Reflection
11. Assessment

Operation Plan for Children’s Ministry

Key performance areas / Performance indicators / Responsibility / Time frame
Vision and mission statement / Documented vision and mission statement / Facilitators / July 2010
Curriculum
  • Development
  • Planning of lessons
  • Lesson presentation
/
  • Draft syllabus
  • Draft lesson plans
  • Workshops conducted
/
  • Facilitators
  • Facilitators plus District Reps
  • Facilitators
/
  • July 2010
  • December 2010
  • December 2011

Aims and objectives of Children’s Ministry / Documented aims and objectives / Facilitators / July 2010
Children’s charter / Documented Children’s Charter / Facilitators / July 2010
Training on curriculum / Training manual / Facilitators / Ongoing
Training on leadership, management and administration / Training manual / Facilitators / Ongoing
Training on the role of educator in managing those affected by HIV/AIDS and child abuse / Training manual / Facilitators / July 2011
Sustenance and motivation of educators / Development of document on areas of concern and possible solutions / Facilitators and District Reps / Ongoing
Spiritual growth and awareness of educators / Workshops conducted / Facilitators / Ongoing

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