Children's Ministries at The New Beginning
The vision that fuels our work in our children’s ministry grows out of Jesus’ words in Mark 10:14:
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
In the midst of a consuming ministry to adults, Jesus regularly ministered to children. We believe the future of the church depends on effective ministry to children today.
Kids are a Big Deal Around Here
We believe that a boring church teaches kids about a boring God. We also believe that an exciting, grace-filled church teaches kids about a God who accepts them, loves them just as they are, and who has big hopes for their lives.
We have three core values we impart into our youngest children: God made me special, God loves me, and Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Our Kindergarten – 5th graders embrace and learn a different value every month. There are 36 different values we share over the course of a three-year period. Lessons, games, crafts, and activities all enforce and help teach each month’s core value.
Security & Safety
We work hard to make our children’s ministry areas the safest block of real estate in Northeast Ohio. our primary children’s area is positioned behind a locked door. All children must be checked in by a parent. The child will receive a numbered wristband and the parent will receive a ticket with the same number; a matching ticket is required to claim a child.
Every adult affiliated with our children’s ministry program must complete an extensive background screening process that checks the national criminal history database, county criminal history database, national sex offender registry list, the federal criminal records list and social security number verification.
Our nursery toys are sanitized each week and our facilities are kept clean.
Think Orange: Our Philosophy of Children’s Ministry
Our children’s ministry philosophy is best summarized by the tagline “Think Orange.” Here’s what we mean: the color orange is a mixture of the colors red and yellow. We believe that when you combine the light of the church (yellow) with the love of the family (red) you have a force that is stronger together than it could ever be alone.
Because we believe that what happens at home is more important than what happens at church, we have intentionally organized what we do in order to help you do what only parents can do: raise your children.
What We Do: Nursery, Children’s Church & Sunday School
CHURCH SERVICE. Every Sunday we offer a nursery and toddler class (ages 2-4) during the church service and the Sunday School hour that immediately follows church.
On the second and fourth Sundays of the month, we offer a special children’s church service for all kids Kindergarten through 5th grade. On the first and third Sundays of the month, our children participate in the church service with their parents. During the offering time, we give an “activity pack” for every child to help them make the most of the sermon time.
SUNDAY SCHOOL. Our Sunday School is safe, high quality, and a lot of fun. All children have age-appropriate classes with their own teacher. Sunday School concludes promptly at 12:10 PM.
What You Do: We Give You Resources to Help You Parent Your Very Best
In the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, there is a small passage where God gives instructions to parents about raising children:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down and getting up – these are God’s four strategic times in a child’s day where parents can have the biggest influence on the lives of their children. Or as we might translate this list for the 21st century, meal time, drive time, bed time and morning time.
Our aim is to put resources in the hands of our parents to continue the lessons throughout the week that started at church on Sunday, specifically related to the four times in a child’s day listed above. Throughout the month we will give you tangible items such as audio CD’s for your car, interactive placemats for the dinner table, crafts, family night ideas, and more.
If you have a question about our children's ministries, contact our children's ministries director Scott Jackson personally.
