Spotlight on Children’s Ministry

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

The verse above reminds us of the importance of Biblical training in the life of a child. However, these words were not addressed exclusively to pastors, leaders, or workers who serve in children’s ministry through the church. Instead, the passage first applies to parents. Ultimately, parents are responsible for the spiritual formation of their children. While they may opt to utilize the programs of the church to assist them in this responsibility, parents are not released of their duty.

If you have been at First Baptist Church the last couple of Sundays, the morning bulletin included an insert “Opportunities to Serve”. You may have noticed that the first several service opportunities are related to Children’s Ministry. These opportunities are grouped into seven areas:

Extended Session is childcare that is offered during the morning worship service for children under the age of four. A number of volunteers are placed on a rotating schedule so that Extended Session workers generally serve once every six weeks. We are blessed to have families with young children attending worship services and this care is a benefit to parents and children alike.

Sunday School classes meet weekly at 9:30 a.m. From nursery through sixth grade, we have four age groupings of children that have both lead teachers and assistant teachers. Sunday School offers many children their first experiences in hearing the stories of the Bible. Plus, when children are attending Sunday School, their parents are often in a Sunday School class as well!  

Children’s Church is offered twice a month (the first and second Sundays during the sermon) for children four years old through second grade.  We currently have five teams of volunteers for Children’s Church which requires each team to serve five times a year. Many volunteers make for light work!

Vacation Bible School is a one-week summer event (Sunday through Friday evenings) for children four years old through sixth grade. Volunteers are needed for each grade level of children and the rotations of Bible lessons, missions, science & crafts, music & verses, treats and games. We generally welcome many guests to our annual Vacation Bible School.  

AWANA Club is a weekly (Wednesday evening) program for children three years old through sixth grade that meets from early September through the end of April. We utilize volunteers to lead age-level groups, listeners, and helpers in council time, game time, crafts, and opening activities.

Children’s Special Events occur regularly throughout the calendar year. These may include activities such as: Kid’s Camp, Light the Night, Mystery Monday events, School’s Out Bash, Great Commission Go!,  Boys’ Nerf and Nachos, Back to School Splash, and others.  Volunteers can help with one specific event or as many events as they may be available to attend.

Children’s Ministry Advisory-Planning Team provides advice and assistance in the planning and implementation of the entire scope of Children’s Ministry at First Baptist Church. This team works closely with the Children’s Ministry Director to calendar, plan, coordinate and evaluate the various children’s programs and activities offered through F.B.C.

As you prayerfully consider how you will serve at First Baptist Church in the next year (July 2026 – June 2027), please think about the impact of Children’s Ministry! Your service can help shape the next generation of Christ-followers! To Micah Roberts and all the volunteers in Children’s Ministry – “Thank You!” for your service to the church, community, and God’s Kingdom.