Providing places where kids can be kids

while meeting Jesus & getting to know Him!

Our Children's Ministries are

Christ centered, relational, safe, & extremely fun!

What does Jesus think about children and their place in the kingdom?

People were bringing little children to Jesus in order that He might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter it." And Jesus took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Clearly Christ is inviting children into the Kingdom of God, not as an afterthought, not as second class citizens, but as full participants in the Kingdom! He was also affirming the parents who were bringing their children to Him and points to children as the way we are all to enter the Kingdom of God. This scripture has significant implications for children and our ministry with children. It emphasizes the importance of a children's ministry based on several sound principals:
 

1. Children's ministry is a partnership between church and home, where children are most
significantly influenced.

2. Faith development includes more than head knowledge.

3. Children must be integrated into the whole ministry of the church.

4. The purpose of children's ministry is personal spiritual formation.

We are committed at ECC to the mission of being used by God to help our children become authentic disciples. True Christ followers. We affirm that the Christian formation journey is a continuous and lifelong process of being transformed by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of Christ, experiencing and expressing love for God and others. We teach our kids that this journey requires intentionality on their part and an active partnership with the Holy Spirit to allow His transforming work to emerge.

One of the many opportunities we have for Children are our Spiritual Formation Classes. These classes are age specific and meet during the first worship service on Sunday mornings. 9:00-10:15 am weekly.

So, what's the difference between Sunday School and Spiritual Formation Classes?
 

A Philosophical Shift -
Historically, the church has provided a learning environment based in large part on the public educational system. As a result, the focus has leaned more towards head knowledge rather than a heart change, one that would be evident in a visible and continual life change. As leaders, we need to provide a new perspective and create a new environment in which the Spirit can work to transform lives.

Romans 8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

What this means is that we are in the process of making a philosophical shift in our way of planning for ministry in 3 areas - shifting from...
1. A primary focus on program to a focus on transformation.
2. A primarily segmented to a more integrated and holistic environment.
3. Emphasis on the head (or cognitive dimension of learning) to an integration of head, heart, and
hands.

We will continue to tweak what we do in Children's Ministry as the Lord continues to reveal ways for us to pursue this shift even more.

G.R.O.W.

Our Denominational (The Evangelical Covenant Church) Department Of Christian Formation has delveloped the concept of G.R.O.W. In addition to the 3 shifts above, there are four formational elements which can help us to be receptive to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to grow in our relationship with God.

God's Word - shaping our actions and our lives
Interacting with God's Word
We are people of the Word, who value Scripture as the only perfect rule for our lives. We desire to know, understand and live out the truths of the Bible. Our passion is to see the Scripture come alive among God's people.

Relationships - nurturing our growth
Fellowship
Healthy and effective spiritual growth takes place in the context of relationships...both within peer groups and across generations. We encourage people to be in discipling, mentoring, or small group relationships that produce growth - giving witness to the Good News both inside and outside the church.

Obedient Living - using our gifts in witness and service
Service and Mission
We believe that discipleship to Jesus implies radical obedience to all of his teachings. Such obedience, together with the Spirit's work in us, equips us to do kingdom work...responding to injustice and serving others in Jesus' name.

Worship - interacting with and experiencing God
Worshipful Life
Knowing that God desires an intimate relationship with us, we are committed to a lifestyle of worship characterized by both individual and corporate expressions of devotion. Our daily worship practices empower us for living an obedient, abundant and joy-filled life in Christ.