Children’s Ministry

• Foundations for Children’s Ministry

  The first in a sequence of three courses for ministry to children (birth-12/13) and their families. The Foundations course focuses on the basic theological understanding of childhood, the development of a philosophy of ministry to children and families, and the faith development of children. The course focuses on teaching the Bible to children based on age, learning styles, and other contextual factors. Students will also learn about classroom management, discipline, and training of volunteers.

• Strategies for Children’s Ministry

  The second course in a sequence of three courses for ministry to children (birth-12/13) and their families. This course will investigate various strategies for the development of ministry, including worship, special programs, intergenerational ministry, and other contemporary strategies for various types of ministry settings. Students will research current trends in children’s ministry while also developing their skills in teaching children through storytelling and active learning.

• Practical Issues in Children’s Ministry

  The third course in a sequence of three courses for ministry to children (birth-12/13) and their families. This course will prepare students to serve a congregation as a children’s minister through classroom activities and assignments that will assist them in organizing and administering a children’s ministry program in a church or parachurch setting. Students will discuss issues related to the professional and personal lives of children’s ministers, including leading a team of volunteers and serving on a ministry team.

• Ministry to the Family

  This course studies the principles and methods for creating a family ministry which draws connections between children’s ministry and student ministry while implementing strategies to equip parents. Students will develop a family ministry philosophy which will include reviewing the stages of discipleship and rites of passage for children and teenagers.

• Ministry to Children in Multi-Ethnic Settings

  A course to discuss the complexities of ministry to children in multi-ethnic contexts and/or settings reaching a variety of ethnic groups. This course will investigate the diversity of family systems and religious perspectives that will impact ministry to children. Seminar format.

Children's Ministry Program Descriptions and Outcomes

• Program Descriptions

  This program equips students to design and lead educational programs for children (birth-age 13) and their families in church and parachurch ministries. Students will be trained in issues of faith development in children, creating age-appropriate lesson materials, and equipping volunteers for service. Upon completion, students will possess the skills to develop and administer a children’s ministry program and serve as a children’s minister/director or in other ministry roles.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the BA in Children’s Ministry will be able to:

  1. Articulate a philosophy of children’s ministry consistent with biblical principles and an understanding of childhood development.

  2. Effectively and correctly teach the Bible to children in creative and age-appropriate ways.

  3. Recruit, train, and encourage volunteers to serve in a children’s ministry.

  4. Create and administer an effective and contextualized children’s ministry program for a church or parachurch organization.

  5. Equip parents to educate their children in scripture and assess their spiritual development.

  6. Design and implement a child-safe environment and plan for children’s ministry.

  7. Serve on a ministry team, demonstrating awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as a leader, team member.