2013/2014 CHILDREN S MINISTRY LEADER Information and Application Packet

Transcription

1 2013/2014 CHILDREN S MINISTRY LEADER Information and Application Packet

2 BECOMING A CHILDREN S MINISTRY LEADER EXPRESS INTEREST Receive Children s Ministry Leader Information Packet This packet gives you basic information about opportunities within children s ministry (early childhood and elementary). Observe a Program that Interests You While you are still in the process of completing the application packet, you are encouraged to observe our programs. This is an important opportunity to get a feel for children s ministry without having expectations or responsibilities placed on you. You will have a chance to meet children, parents, other leaders, and to formulate further questions regarding your ministry role. Observing can often be overwhelming or uncomfortable (children don t typically go out of their way to make you feel welcome until you get to know them). This is a natural feeling and we encourage you to continue observing. To arrange an observation, simply contact the ministry leader prior to your visit so that arrangements can be made for a current volunteer to be partnered with you for the observation. GET PLUGGED IN Application Complete and return the children s ministry application- this helps us get to know a little more about you and how to best plug you into a place of service. Pray and Consult with Your Family Discover if you are feeling led to children s ministry and receive support from those you love. Meet with a Children s Ministry Staff Member Spend a short time with a Discovery Zone or F4 staff member who can answer any questions you may have and help direct you to the best fit for your time/gifts and area of service. Commitment Sheet Once you ve decided you want to make a commitment, you ll sign a commitment contract explaining agreements and expectations for ministry as well as a background check consent. Ministry Training You will receive training specific to responsibilities of serving in the particular ministry area you ve chosen. This will include an online child safety training course for which you will obtain a certificate upon completion. You will also need to meet with children s ministry staff to discuss child safety requirements of FCC. Begin Ministry Start serving on a regular basis in an area of children s ministry. Follow-Up After you have been plugged in for a month or so we will have an informal follow-up with you to see how everything is going.

3 The Purpose of Children s Ministry The mission of children s ministry at First Christian Church is to help families nurture kids who are devoted followers of Jesus. Leaders in all aspects of children s ministry seek to support this mission. Caring for babies in the nursery supports this mission. Members of the material prep team support this mission by preparing resources for parents to use at home. Those who enthusiastically present stories from the Bible also support this mission. There is a spot for everyone who would like to help families nurture the faith of their children. Children who attend children s ministry need caring adults who back up and support what parents/guardians are teaching at home. Building and maintaining relationships with the children as well as their parents is important in learning how to become a combined influence (church + home) in kids lives. There are lots of ways to become involved in children s ministry which support the common goal of nurturing kids faith. Chances are that whatever time commitment you can make and whatever gifts you have with which to serve, there is a place of service for you within children s ministry. Your confidence will grow the more you re around children s ministry and you see how God can use inadequate people (like you and me) working together to do great things. Here s the truth about what children need: Children need adults in their lives who will... love God and live for Him be interested in them take initiative to spend time with them pray for them back up what their parents tell them be real demonstrate appropriate affection through words and actions speak encouraging words believe in them laugh and have a good time remember their name and care for them share God s love through personal experience be consistent in their attendance be patient What exactly am I committing to? 1. Involvement in one of the children s ministry areas (Discovery Zone or F4) 2. Choosing a specific place of leadership within that area (See Opportunities to Lead in Early Childhood or Elementary Children s Ministry tables) 3. Team with children s ministry personnel to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children 4. Personally growing in your relationship with Christ as you serve others 5. Participation in Children s Ministry Leader Meetings (held periodically throughout the year) Small Group Leaders: Our goal is to help you move from program directed ministry to self-directed, independent ministry. A few keys to help you develop as a minister are: Time: Be patient; feeling comfortable and connecting with children and families takes time. Participation: Going to programs and special events will help intensify and solidify your relationships with children and their families.

4 Initiative: The more you invest, the more you will get out of it. Your relationships will grow deeper as you invest your time. What can I expect in being a Leader in Children s Ministry? The following are some things you can expect from being a Leader of Children s Ministry at First Christian Church: structure and leadership encouragement training and learning opportunities words of support, encouragement and direction prayer and accountability a growing relationship with other leaders a challenge to develop your ministry availability spiritual growth

5 Opportunities to Lead in Early Childhood Ministry (Discovery Zone) Position Responsibility Service Time Decorating Team Decorate for monthly theme or special As needed events Drama Team Act out character monologues or skits Sat or Sun Hospitality Welcome families at check-in computers Sat or Sun and usher children to classrooms Master Story Teller Enthusiastically share God s Word with Sat or Sun the children Music Leader Lead Pre-K kids in about 10 minutes of music Nursery Leader Provide safe, loving care for babies and toddlers Small Group Leader Lead a small group of children while sharing your faith Special Events Team Plan special events throughout the year As Needed Supply Team Gathering and organizing supplies for upcoming lessons Flexible schedule Opportunities to Lead in Elementary Children s Ministry (F4) Position Responsibility Service Time Decorating Team Decorate for monthly theme or special events As needed Master Story Teller Enthusiastically share God s Word with Sat or Sun the children Music Team Selecting music, leading F4 worship, and supervising kids on worship team Room Host Greet and check-in kids, welcome new families, assist where needed during session Small Group Leader Lead a small group of children while sharing your faith Special Events Team Plan special events throughout the year As needed Supply Team Tech Team Gathering and organizing supplies for upcoming lessons Running PowerPoint, sound, etc Flexible schedule

6 Children s Ministry Leader Information Name Address City, State, Zip Date of Birth Daytime phone Evening phone Best way to contact you Occupation Work schedule: part time full time student Marital status: single married divorced Education: high school college/trade school degree other Favorites: dessert restaurant cookie drink snack Hobby/interest Personal and Spiritual: Briefly write about how you became a Christian (including date). Briefly write about significant events in your life that have impacted you spiritually. How would you describe your spiritual journey now?

7 What accountability do you currently have in your spiritual journey? Describe any other ministry/church experience in which you have been involved. What spiritual gifts do you feel you have and how would you use them in children s ministry? Why do you want to be part of children s ministry? What are your expectations of the children s ministry staff? Please list the names and contact information for three references, other than family members Have you ever been accused of abuse of a minor? no yes If yes, please explain. Signature Date

8 CHILDREN S MINISTRY LEADER COMMITMENT After observing the ministry, spending time in prayer, and discussing with my family the commitment involved with being a children s ministry leader, I choose to commit to the following: I acknowledge the leadership of Jesus Christ in my life and have a personal relationship with him. I am committed toward growing and maturing my relationship with God through personal quiet times, active attendance at church, and involvement in accountable relationships. I am committed to choices and a lifestyle that are both Godly and "above reproach," knowing that my lifestyle is a model for students. I am making a commitment to the children s ministry for one season (school year or summer). I will strive to protect and care for children who are in the care of children s ministry at FCC. I will attend the periodic children s ministry leadership meetings. I understand the purpose of the children s ministry and commit to help fulfill the purposes and care for the children God brings in my ministry. Because I am making a significant commitment and my presence is important, I agree to be consistent and on time to the program(s) to which I commit myself. If I am unable to serve, I will take responsibility to find my replacement and communicate with the ministry leadership if I will be absent. I am making a commitment to the following area of ministry: Discovery Zone (early childhood) (circle one) Nursery/toddler 2s 3s 4s (circle) Saturday OR Sunday 8:00 9:20 10:50 OR nesday Position in which I wish to serve: F4 (elementary) (circle one) K1 2-5 grades (circle) Saturday OR Sunday 9:20 10:50 OR nesday Position in which I wish to serve: I,, have committed my service to Jesus Christ. I recognize the responsibility I have undertaken in this position. I commit myself to being faithful in this ministry as unto the Lord. SIGNED DATE