PHILOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Friendly Avenue Baptist Church derives its philosophy of ministry to children and their families directly from the Scriptures* as well as the Baptist Faith and Message (2000).** Therefore, upon these biblical and doctrinal foundations, Friendly Avenue Baptist Church’s ministry to children and their families exists to equip and encourage them to develop and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

OUR GOALS

Friendly Avenue has established the following goals in order to guide the Children’s Ministry in equipping and encouraging children and their families to develop and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ:

• To provide a safe, secure and loving environment for children where parents feel comfortable leaving their child.
• To help children feel a warm sense of belonging to their church family and to ensure that each child feels welcomed and wanted.
• To help each child understand that God is real and that a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ gives meaning to life.
• To aid each child in placing his/her faith in Jesus Christ and developing a dynamic relationship with Him.
• To help each child understand that God’s Word is relevant and that growth in Bible knowledge results in positive life changes in attitudes, actions and lifestyle.
• To help each child grow in relationship to other believers and with unchurched friends.
• To provide children the opportunity to participate in worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry.
• To support families in their responsibility for the spiritual nurture and growth of their child.
• To provide godly men and women who are adequately trained to serve as positive role models as they minister with children.
• To provide life-changing education for our children by utilizing quality resources and continually training and encouraging our volunteers.

*(See Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4–9; Joshua 24:15; 1 Samuel 1:26–28; Psalms 78:1–8; 127; 139:13–16; Proverbs 1:8; 6:20–22; 13:24; 17:6; 22:6, 15; 23:13–14; 29:15,17; Matthew 18:2–5; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17; Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:20–21; 2 Timothy 1:3–5).

**The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) states in Article XVIII –The Family: “Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. Parents are to demonstrate to their children God's pattern for marriage. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth. Children are to honor and obey their parents.”

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more information about our philosophy contact Mrs. Beck Muller (336-292-3567, ext. 311) or Mrs. Kristin Simmions (336-292-3567, ext. 311)