“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God…” -Mark 10:14b (ESV)
CALVARY KIDS MINISTRY
We believe that children’s ministry is an extension of (not an alternative to) parental discipleship. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7a, we read “…these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” Likewise, in Proverbs 22:6, we read, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” And in Ephesians 6:4, after explaining in the previous chapter how the marriage relationship should model the relationship between Christ and the church, Paul commands parents saying, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” As these verses reveal, God places the responsibility of spiritually training children on parents. Moreover, studies show that the spiritual health within the home, particularly that of the father, is vitally important in influencing the spiritual well-being of children.
At Calvary Bible Church, we view our responsibility in teaching and shepherding children with these truths in mind. Children’s ministry does not exist to provide childcare or entertainment; nor is it a program where parents merely bring their kids to learn about God. Instead, it should be an extension of the parents’ daily ministry to their children. Thus, our role is to come alongside families, and to provide instruction, structure, encouragement, and shepherding that will assist parents in training their children.
With this in mind, Calvary Kids uses Generations of Grace curriculum, which encourages parental involvement and consist of tools parents can use as they help their children to learn and think through Scripture.
Our kids learn about God and experience life-altering change in the same way we all do - through sound instruction coupled with interpersonal relationships that provide encouragement and accountability. Because this is so, we believe it is important that our young people interrelate with their teachers and one another through our highly active children's ministry.
Additionally, we believe it is important that we provide shepherding and discipleship at the family level. Thus, we provide various prayer ministries, small groups, one-on-one discipleship, as well as serving opportunities, many of which allow parents to come along side their children.
​
In addition to our children's programs, Calvary Bible Church provides a nursery for small children and student ministries for teens.
​