MISSION STATEMENT

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go; when he is old, he will not depart from it.  We train the Next Generation in the way that they should go when we demonstrate the Word of God and lead them into a real relationship with Jesus.

FIRE: FUN – INTENTIONAL – RELATIONAL - ENGAGING

VISION STATEMENT

People are a big deal to God, so they are a big deal to us. We are a family training center, and the NG department has a vital role in this mission. We accomplish this by providing training for kids, teens, parents, and our team.

NG Kids

We serve a generational God and believe that Next Generation kids matter. Kids need a personal relationship with Jesus just like we do. We do not believe in a Jr. Holy Spirit. That’s why we take our responsibility to train, disciple, and connect with every child who comes through our doors seriously. We invite children into an atmosphere of fun, peace, honor, and freedom, keeping them engaged from start to finish. Kids get to have a blast and encounter the presence of God. By the time kids leave our department, we want them to have a deep understanding of Salvation, Water Baptism, and the Holy Spirit, and to be living out a life in relationship with Jesus. They will live submitted to the Word through tithing, giving, praise and worship, honor, and character. Our kids will understand the importance of church not simply as attendees, but as those who use their gifts and talents to serve as the body of Christ.

We Have Fun and Learn About Jesus! 

Every time a child walks through one of our doors, we want to give them something they can't get anywhere else.  We do not put on a show, an act, or a babysitting service; we lead kids into the presence of God every time we have the opportunity.  They can get a show on Disney Channel, participate in PE class, and attend a lecture from parents or teachers.  We want to give them something they can only receive from their church: a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Children will receive a powerful message at every service, with seeds planted that will not be shaken.  Our goal is for kids to have a deep understanding of Salvation, Water Baptism, and the Holy Spirit, and to begin developing their own personal prayer life and relationship with God, all by the time they reach Jr. High.

Our kids will not leave our children's ministry department simply knowing about God and quoting scripture; they will have a personal relationship with God Himself and know how to access His presence.  They do not just know Bible stories; they understand the powerful weapon that the Word is and are equipped to use it effectively to fight the enemy.  Our kids understand the importance of church, not simply as an attendee, but actually playing a part in ministry using their gifts and talents given by God.  

NG Teens

True identity is only found in a personal relationship with Jesus. We want to raise a generation that becomes who they are created to be, rather than who the world has told them they should be. Our God is relational and believes in partnership. He wants us to build relationships and partnerships with others, and to maintain healthy relationships and partner with those around us. Only through a relationship with Him can we be who we are created to be and have a life filled with healthy relationships. We believe the Word of God is the final authority and will train teens to live within its boundaries. There are no gray areas. We desire our teens to live extreme and revolt against the powers and principalities that rule this world—a generation living without excuses. We will train to take responsibility for our actions and to follow the Holy Spirit's conviction beyond just the rules at home. We want to equip our teens for life using biblical truths from the Word of God.

NG Curriculum

We don’t teach cute stories and bible characters but rather equip kids and teens through teaching and demonstrating the uncompromised truth of God’s Word in a relatable way. We do not hold back the truth because we are confronted daily by an enemy that doesn’t hold back lies. We care about their age, development, and learning and have tailored our lessons to minister and equip them at their level while preparing them for what’s next.NG Team It is of utmost importance to us to provide a safe environment for kids and teens to grow and develop. That is why every adult in our classrooms has an approved background check on file. Our leaders and teachers will be representatives of the excellence of our God, living and managing classrooms in a way that honors Him. We cannot raise a generation not to dabble in sin if we do it ourselves. We desire to be a people of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. (Acts 6). Leaders and volunteers in our ministry are trained to serve every child they encounter, not to act as dictators or disciplinarians. We show honor and respect to each kid in our classroom. We are the body of Christ and desire to enable, encourage, and help develop the gifts and talents of each NG team member. Our passion for ministry leaders and volunteers in the children’s department is not just to meet children's needs but to empower individuals to use their ministry gifts and build relationships. We do not aim only to promote a relationship among team members, but also to encourage a growing relationship with Christ above all else. Every team member is accountable for their relationship with Christ and spiritual growth. We will never fill a need at the expense of someone’s spiritual or physical health. The NG team takes seriously the call God has placed on our lives and works together to align with our department's and our pastors' vision. We are not on a schedule; we are ministers with an opportunity to serve, and we take ownership of our role in the NG kids department. Our mission is to build a strong team where no one knows who the leader is.

NG Parents

Parents have never been at the parenting stage they are in today, nor at the location of tomorrow. But every day matters. Their choices matter. This season matters. Every season is a discipling season. We desire to partner with parents by providing training and resources relevant to their child's age, stage, social life, spiritual growth, and education. The parent ministry bridges the gap between church and home, bringing them together. We want to help parents effectively disciple kids at home during the week. We want to provide them with resources and knowledge about current media, apps, books, and the harmful content aimed at their kids every day, and what they can do about it. How do they have tough conversations with their kids? When do they talk to their kids about what? What kind of movies do they let their kids see? What kind of friends are and how to encourage kids to have healthy friendships and relationships? It truly takes a village, and we are committed to teaming up with parents to equip and train the next generation to be all God has created them to be. Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed and deceived from a lack of knowledge. " The enemy is after the seed, and he will use any resource available, media, friends, atmospheres, technology, influence, education, etc. We cannot shelter children from the world, but we can prepare and equip them to be a light in it. We can help them develop their personal relationship with God, resulting in a life that refuses to compromise. Lastly, we want them to know what we are teaching each month and how they can engage with their kids at home.