Revised January 17, 2001
We are working in Children’s Church as a labor for God. This is done by making sure that the service goes as smoothly as possible. If the speaker is given the opportunity to preach uninterrupted, the children are able to better concentrate on the message. This means greater impact on their lives, and greater opportunity for the children to understand the message, so that some will accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and others submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The
primary job of a worker is to keep focused on the children. Though this is the
main mission, workers must also be aware of what is being presented on stage. A
worker may be called upon for a variety of reasons, and should be ready to
respond quickly. Be focused, but not myopic.
DO
NOT ARGUE WITH A CHILD! When a child is not behaving in an acceptable manner,
the following procedures are to be followed in order if the previous step does
not end the unwanted behavior...
A)
Tell the child what behavior is in need of modification, and that they
will be moved to the rear of the room if it does not cease.
B) Move the child to the rear of the room, and tell the child that if
they do not cease in the behavior, their parents will be called from the service
to deal with them. (If the child rides the church bus, they are informed they
will be sent home, and will not be allowed to ride the bus for 1-3 weeks, based
on the severity of the behavior)
C) If behavior does not end, we must
keep our word. If the child rides the bus, we send them home. (1 driver, 2
ADULT workers, and the child) If the child’s parents are here, one worker goes
to get them from the big church, and two workers stand in the hall with the
child until the parent arrives. Then the worker who has been involved with the
whole situation, is to say (word for word) to the
parent---
I do not know if there is a
reason for this, (referring to an unknown situation at home) but your child has
been _____________. When we asked him/her to stop, he/she would not, nor would
he/she respond to other instructions, so we have called you for your help. If
you would speak to your child, OR WHATEVER, and when you are done, please send
him/her back into Children’s Church. Thank You!
Then
all the workers need to leave the parent and child to work out the difficulty.
When the child returns, place them back in the seat at the rear of the room. If
the child repeats the wrong behavior, repeat step three, with NO variations.
Remember,
no idle threats. If you tell a child you are going to do something, you had
better be able to follow through. Beware of WILD threats. Just follow the procedure.
Workers
should be careful not to single out, nor label any child. Having favorites or
deciding a certain child is “bad” or “a problem” will only interfere with the
ministry. If a child will not respond to one worker, another worker needs to
step in to keep the service running smoothly, as well as show unity among the
team. Remember, We have no bad kids, only kids that choose not to behave.
Since
there are so many details and responsibilities for each service, it is
necessary to assign some jobs to be done consistently by the same people each
service, and to assign other jobs at an at need basis. If a worker is assigned
a job or duty, it will need to be completed quickly and efficiently. If a
secondary duty is placed on a worker and the two jobs conflict, the worker
should try to indicate they can not do the second job, or if that would cause
too great a distraction to the service, pass one of the duties temporarily to
an unassigned worker who has the ability to complete the job. If neither of
these is an option, seek help from an usher, deacon, or adult in authority.
Time
is important. When a worker is called to come or go, or do a task, move
quickly. If a child is called upon, help them get to the assigned position with
the least amount of delay. Dead Time, or time spent waiting, is both wasteful
and is an opportunity to loose the children’s attention and focus. Speed is a virtue.
Before,
during, and after the service, workers need to be at assigned posts. This means
standing (not sitting), and spreading evenly about the perimeter of the seating
area, with specifically assigned workers in the center aisle(s). Workers need
to keep shifting a few feet forward and backward along the sides so they are:
a) getting a view of all the children (shifting a foot in either direction lets
the worker see a small child sitting behind a larger child), and b) subtly
reminding the children that they are there watching.
Children
learn by example in worship and prayer. Every worker is expected to participate
actively in singing, prayer, and all other parts of the service. By doing so,
we spread excitement, as well as show the children that we believe in what we
are doing. Note: Actions speak louder than words!
Act
to solve problems before the happen. Be aware of potential actions and
situations before they start, and work to redirect a situation before it
becomes an incident. (IE: A boy staring at a girl’s pony tail swinging back and
forth with his hand following its movement. Do not wait for the hair to be
pulled. Quietly get the boy’s attention, and let him know he is being
observed.)
Do
not react to a situation. Try not to panic, get angry, get frustrated... The
children need consistency from the workers. Discipline is Discipleship. Loving,
firm, understanding, always consistent. Do not let situations get to you, just
follow guidelines.
Keep
personal problems personal. Any difficulties at home, at work, with
relationships, etc. need to be kept from affecting the children. If a worker is
in need of help, council, or guidance, or is in need of some personal space,
they need to speak to the Children’s Pastor before service, or go to the Senior
Pastor. The ministry will survive if a worker needs to take time off to
fix personal problems. It would be unfair to the children to burden them with
adult problems and situations. Most of the children have enough problems of
their own, which the ministers, meaning Children’s Pastor and workers, are to
help THEM with, not the other way around.
Personal
appearance is important. Every worker, regardless of their duties, needs to
look nice and professional, in dress, in attitude, and in language. Every
worker represents the ministry, the Pastoral staff, and the Kingdom of God to
each parent and child who enters the Children’s Church area. Our true feelings
and values are reflected by our approach to the service in these areas. Because
of this, all male workers are expected to wear slacks or dress pants (no jeans
or shorts allowed, period), button-up dress shirts with ties, or Children’s
Church Worker Uniform shirts, which must be tucked in. Female workers are to
wear modest, below the knee dresses, or slacks with Children’s Church Worker
Uniform shirts tucked in. If clothing is found to be inappropriate, the person
will not be allowed to participate in, nor attend, the Children’s Church
service that week. If an event or situation calls for specific dress, it will be
provided or adequate warning will be given.
The
Bible states we must avoid even the appearance
of evil. If a worker is involved in anything in his/her public OR PRIVATE life that is not in
line with God’s Word, he/she needs to clean up that area, or step down from
ministry responsibility until such time as the area is corrected. This relates
to ALL aspects of a workers life. At home, at work, at school, on vacation,
......... Scripture plainly states that if by word or deed, a person causes a
child to fall away from Christ (or choose not to accept Christ?!?), it would be
better to commit suicide by placing a multi-ton mill stone about their neck and
having it pull them to the crushing depths of the sea. This is the heavy
responsibility of any Christian leader. Live the life, or get out of God’s way.
No middle ground.
All
Christians need to be accountable to one another. To ignore sin is to condone
sin, and therefore to participate through deceit. If a worker knows of another
worker’s moral failure, it is their Christian responsibility to Biblically
confront the situation. They are to go to the brother/sister in love, and show
them how the action\ attitude\ behavior does not line up with the Word of God.
If the worker continues in the behavior, their actions need to be brought to
the attention of the Children’s Pastor, and him ONLY. Remember that gossip is
also a sin. It is the pastor’s job to correct errors, but he can only correct
those he knows about. To share the knowledge with those who do not need to know
is gossip, and therefore sin.
Discipline
means being firm, and showing the children that we are in charge, giving
supervision, direction, and instruction. If punishment is necessary, it should
be according to set guidelines, or by parents of the individual child, or, in
specific circumstances, by the leadership of the church. A worker is to keep
order, but is to be done with firmness and love. A worker is NEVER to hit,
slap, spank, shove, etc. a child, for any reason EVER!!! If a child is related
to a worker, while church is in session, that child will be treated as every
other child. If anyone violates this policy, they shall be immediately removed
from any position of responsibility and contact with the children of this
church, and if the situation deems necessary, legal council and charges will be
sought.
In America, there is a problem with inappropriate physical contact between children and adults, in reference to physical and sexual abuse. Because of this, all representatives of the Kingdom of God, of our church fellowship, and of the children’s ministry need to be made aware of the importance of proper conduct. First, at no time is a worker to be alone with a child, nor is a child to be on the church premises unsupervised. Workers are always to be in line of sight of other workers. If a child requires assistance in the restroom, parents are to be called, or if that is impractical, only same sex workers may assist, and only with another worker in attendance. (This is the reason why once church starts, no children are allowed to go to get drinks or go to the restroom.) If a child must go to the bathroom, one worker must check to see that there is no one in the bathroom, then stand outside the door of the restroom while the child goes in and does what is needed. A second worker is to be standing in "line of sight" of the first worker, as well as a worker in the main Children's Church room. If there are any questions about this, please contact Pastor Darin.
Workers
are not to EVER pick up children, unless they are the children’s parent
or grandparent, or in case of emergency. Aunts, uncles, and other relations
should only give proper hugs. Children are not to sit on laps, get piggy back
rides, wrestle, have tickle fights, etc. with workers. Hugs need to be on the
side, not full front, with hands plainly visible on top of shoulders. Children
who run up to a worker and wrap themselves around a leg or other body part need
to be lovingly shown how ladies and gentlemen should hug. Workers should keep
their eyes open for wandering adults who may find themselves in unsupervised
areas, and all adults who have contact with the children in the ministry must
be cleared through the Children’s and Youth Workers Application, and pastoral
approval. These rules and regulations are for the protection of the children,
the protection of the worker, and the reputation of the worker, child and the
church. In the area of inappropriate contact, an allegation is worse than open
sin. Please be careful and aware. Once again, if any worker is found to be
having wrongful contact with any child, they shall be removed from ministry and
any contact with the children of our church, and if warranted, legal council
and charges will be sought with full force.
Child
abuse is rampant, even among Christian families. If a worker suspects abuse,
whether physical, emotional, sexual, or drug related, they should contact the
Children’s Pastor immediately. The worker should not get personally involved,
but document every clue and suspicion. If neglect is suspected, though harder
to detect, it should be reported as well, but only to the Children’s Pastor.
Final Note
Remember, each and
every time a worker comes in contact with a child, whether at home, school,
church, or even at the mall, that person has the opportunity to encourage or
discourage that child in their spiritual walk and their relationship with Jesus
Christ. Workers and Pastors, both, must always be positive, and shine forth the
joy of the Lord, being cautious of attitudes, tones, and every word which is
uttered. We must all work as a team, not for our own glory, but for the Honor
and Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must never miss out on an opportunity to
reach out to the lost, lift up the fallen, and encourage each other.
Kingdom Kid's
Requirements for the
(Please Read the following, and if you agree to abide by the following, please sign the Commitment Form at the end of this section.)
I, because I feel called to be of service in the
Children's Church by God, commit to the following guidelines. This commitment
is revisable and renewable every six months. I understand that if I feel I can
not abide by these guidelines, I will voluntarily remove myself from ministry
until such time that I can conduct myself in a way which exemplifies a solid
Christian walk. I further understand that I must have permission from the
Children's Pastor before I can become, or resume being, a Children's Church
worker.
Also, I understand that if I am a minor (under 18),
I must have my parents sign the Parental authorization and Medical Release Form
at the end of this booklet.
As A Worker, I Will:
-be
at my assigned position 15 minutes before each service.
-be
dedicated and diligent to the task assigned until the dismissal of the service.
-avoid
becoming a distraction during the service.
-continually
set a positive example to the children on how to participate in praise,
worship, games, and -learning.
-put
the needs of the children and the agenda of the Children's Church service before
my own desires and agenda.
-avoid
actions, language, wardrobe, or attitudes which would bring criticism to
myself, the Children's Church, First Assembly of God, or to the name of Christ.
-contact
the Children's Pastor if I know I will not be able to make it to a meeting or
service where I am expected.
-will
come ready to work, with a good attitude, ready to help and lift up all the
other workers, ready to accomplish any task with a servants heart.
-will
wear my worker uniform, be well groomed, clean, and neat.
-will
bring a change of clothes each week, just in case they are needed.
As A Worker, I
Am Committed To Our Lord-
I
have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, which I desire to model to the
children of my church, to parents, to adults and to the world.
I
enjoy a daily study of God's word, and desire to have Christ formed in me
through the renewing of my mind.
I
have a consistent prayer life, where I share my thoughts and emotions with God,
as well as listen to His voice.
As Part Of The
Church, I Will:
-worship
weekly with our church family outside of Children's church, such as in a youth
or adult worship service.
-weekly
attend and participate in a Sunday School class or weekly Bible study group
within the church.
-faithfully
support the church through my tithe and offerings.
-support
the doctrinal statements of the Assemblies of God and First Assembly of God.
-fully
support and am in submission to the leadership and staff of First Assembly of
God.
As An
Accountable Part of The Children's Ministry Team, I Will:
-faithfully
commit to avoiding sin in my life as
well as avoiding situations which could bring criticism to myself and / or the
ministry. This includes friends, hobbies, hangouts, movies, wardrobe, or music.
-help
encourage my fellow workers to live a
strong Christian witness. If I see or am aware of any activity or attitudes in
a fellow worker, I will follow the
course of action laid out in Matthew
18:15 -17. With this I understand that it is m responsibility to keep from
discussing situations with others so as to
avoid gossip. Also, l know and
understand that I am guilty of condoning sin, and herefore guilty by
association, if I do not address a workers sin in this biblical manner, and
will be held accountable as such.
-follow
all points and directives of the
"Squire's Guide".
If you agree
to all of the above, please fill out and sign the commitment form on the next
page.
Worker Commitment Form
I,
after reading the requirements and expectations of being a Children's Church
worker, I feel I am qualified, able, willing, and called to fulfill such a
position. I understand that this is a
six month commitment, and will dedicate myself to this ministry accordingly.
Signed:___________________Date: ______________
If under 18, Parnet’s Signature to show they have read and understood what you are committing too.
___________________________________ Date:
______________________
Waiver of
Liability and Medical Release
For Minors in
Ministry
I,
the parent of _________________________, understanding that, as a worker in the
Children's Church, that the execution of the duties necessary for the
effectiveness of the Children's Ministry, my child may need to be transported
by an approved adult Children's Church worker for visitation, errands, or on
the church bus for events. I then, do
hereby authorize Pastor Darin Roberts and the adult staff of First Assembly of
God Church and approved adult Children's Church workers to provide said
transportation, and do further authorize any administration or authorization of
medical care or treatment for my child in case of an emergency. This authorization is effective until
February 1, 2002.
Child's
Name: ________________________________________________
Date
of Birth: ________________________________________________
Social
Security Number: _______________________________________
(Please
initial to show that you are giving consent for your minor child to be involved
for the following Children’s Ministry Events and Ministry)
_______ Saturday Visitation for Bus Ministry
/Fellowship Trips
_______ Sunday Bus Ministry
_______ Sunday Lunches & Fellowship Trips
_______ Kingdom Kids Sleep Over
_______ Kid’s/Parent’s Night out & Adventure
Island
Parent’s
signature for authorization for transport and Emergency Medical Care effective
until February 1, 2002.
_______________________________________
Date: ________________