Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me..."
Matthew 19:14
We greatly value the importance of our children and the spiritual orphans God brings to our church. Consequently our children's ministry is informed by and takes seriously God's Word in this regard.
1. Children's Ministry is for the Glory of God.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. Children's Ministry is under parental authority.
"Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! 2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old, 3 things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; 8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God." Psalm 78:1-8
" Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3
3. Children's Ministry is SUPPORTIVE AND INSTRUCTIVE on the part of the church.
4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. Children's Ministry is under parental authority.
"Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! 2 I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old, 3 things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; 8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God." Psalm 78:1-8
" Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3
3. Children's Ministry is SUPPORTIVE AND INSTRUCTIVE on the part of the church.
4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Here's How CPC Loves Our Kids
Children are part of families that God has placed them into. Our focus is to bring God's word to bear in the lives of individuals within the context God has provided. For kids this means their own homes, families and schools.
Sunday Worship
We do not have a children's church program and this is deliberate. Our kids are part of the church and they need all the means of grace that a worship service provides as much as adults. We encourage them to participate.
Children's Messages
Kids ages 3-12 are invited to join the pastor up front just before the sermon. He will have a special 3-5 minute message just for them. They will get a small treat for listening well.
Wednesday Family Nights
Through most of the year we meet at 5:30 PM on Wednesdays evenings. Children will sing songs and hear a short bible lesson and then be dismissed to play with friends and toys or on the outdoor playground while the adults and teens enjoy Bible Study. We take a break and do not meet in April/August/December.
Ridge Haven Summer Camp
Every year we like to send our kids up to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina (grades 3-12) to play, hear more from God's word, and make friends. Visit the website of Ridge Haven at www.ridgehaven.org (This is the camp of our denomination).