CHILDREN'S MINISTRY MANUAL

1 CHILDREN'S MINISTRY . MANUAL Prepared by John Deming, CHILDREN'S MINISTRY Pastor, Calvary Chapel San Bernardino A disciple is not above his teacher .. But everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher Luke 6:40. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Section 1: Being A Teacher Our Vision for CHILDREN'S MINISTRY 4 Requirements for Being a Teacher Doctrinal Beliefs Policies Personal Responsibilities Teaching Responsibilities Duties of Helpers Section 2: Know Your Kids! Characteristics of children Building Relationships with Your Students Building Relationships With Parents Section 3: Discipline Policies The Importance and Administration of Discipline Steps To Discipline Prevention - It's the best medicine Quick Solutions to Common Discipline Problems Inappropriate Actions by CHILDREN'S MINISTRY A Word On Parents And Discipline Classroom Policies Up-Stairs Classes Section 4: Lesson Planning Inductive Study Method Lesson Preparation Session Planning Self-Evaluation!

2 !! Pointers for Story Telling Using Drama in Your Story Section 5: Appendices The Sunday School Teacher's TEN KID-MANDMENTS. Had A Bad Week? Quick Suggestions for Panicked Teachers Calvary Chapel CHILDREN'S Bible Study Support Curriculum Bible Stories By Categories Our Vision for CHILDREN'S MINISTRY "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.". 1 Corinthians 15:58. Our vision for CHILDREN'S MINISTRY at Calvary Chapel of San Bernardino is to minister to the heart of each child, in support of the home, and to instill God's word into the heart and mind of each of our youth.

3 In so doing, we're each called to be a loving, dedicated, and self-sacrificing vessel which the Lord may use. This often calls for self-evaluation, as we must be accountable to God's word in our own lives, before we can be a Godly example in the lives of others "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the MINISTRY , for the edifying of the body of Christ.". Ephesians 4:11-12. To be effective we need to always be available to meet the CHILDREN'S needs for counsel, friendship, encouragement, and coaching in their Christian walk.

4 We must make every attempt to know our kids thoroughly. Knowing their age/grade characteristics and developmental stages is important information to the teacher in providing the appropriate lesson plan and keeping good discipline in the classroom. We should also concern ourselves with their needs at home, how their doing at school, what their parents are like .. Saved? Unsaved? .. etc. In short, we must make ourselves experts at knowing how to affect these young lives entrusted to our care. Also we're tasked with providing quality care for the little ones, and a quality classroom environment to enhance their opportunity to hear God's word, as well as afford their parents the occasion to attend services in the sanctuary, unhampered by child are responsibilities.

5 The quality of care we give must be an example of Godliness and order in the home. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.". 2 Timothy 3:15. 4 Requirements For Being A. Teacher 1. YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN! John 3:1-21. Must have been COMMITTED Christian for at least one year. "I tell you the truth, no man can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.". John 3:3. 2. YOU MUST HAVE A CONSISTENT WALK WITH THE LORD. James 1:2-8 & Ephesians 4:14-16.

6 No roller coaster lifestyle. Must have attended, ON A CONSISTENT BASIS, Calvary Chapel for at least one year to be a teacher, and six months to be a helper. "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching .. ". Ephesians 4:14. 3. YOU MUST BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. The Spirit must FIRST be filled in a person BEFORE it can be spilled out to others. ".. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.". Ephesians 5:18. 4. YOU MUST HAVE A TRUE LOVE FOR KIDS. The children are just as important as adults and should be treated with the same priority.

7 Their needs, desires, disappointments and plans are as intensely felt as ours. They should be treated with love and respect. No person should fill a teachers spot simply because there is a need, but because God is calling you, and with His calling He will enable you. That means that He will shower you with a love to teach and a love for each and every child. With God's Agape love we can love them all, the lovable and the unlovable. Love is a natural attribute when one is walking with the Lord. 1 Corinthians 13 & Matthew 18:10-14. (And finally).

8 You must be FAITHFUL, RESPONSIBLE and TEACHABLE! "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.". Matthew 18:10. Doctrinal Beliefs Your doctrines should agree with those taught at Calvary Chapel! It naturally follows that as a teacher at Calvary Chapel you should be imparting to the children the same doctrinal concepts that their parents are being taught in the sanctuary. Realistically, we know there are different viewpoints on scripture in general, but in regard to major doctrine we should be in agreement.

9 Scripture is clear on this subject .. "Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.". Philippians 2:2. ".. These promote controversies rather than God's work-which is by faith.". 1 Timothy 3:4. CALVARY CHAPEL'S BASIC DOCTRINAL. CONVICTIONS: 1. There is only one true God, who manifests himself in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three witnessed in Jesus' baptism. - John 1:32-34. Commanded to baptize in the name of the three. - Matthew 28:19. Jesus the Son, being spoken of as God.

10 - John 1:1 & 1:14. The Holy Spirit, being spoken of as God. - Acts 5:3-4. 2. The Bible is the Complete and Inspired Word of God. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work ..". II Timothy 3:16 & 17. 3. The Holy Spirit. You must be aware of the guidelines in Scripture concerning the work of the Holy Spirit today. (1 Corinthians, Chapters 12, 13 & 14). 4. End Times. You must believe that God has a sovereign, ordained plan for mankind and that we are waiting for his return.