Jeremy Mikeska Minister of Families & Connections 972-955-3684 jmikeska@friscobible.com
Stephanie Ott Childrens Ministry Director 610-573-0673 sott@friscobible.com
2 From the Desk of Jeremy Mikeska uear lrlend, lL ls a blesslng Lo have you as parL of Lhe Chlldren's MlnlsLry 1eam. We are Lhankful LhaL Lhe Lord has led you Lo serve Plm by Laklng care of Pls preclous llLLle ones. !esus lnsLrucLed Lhe dlsclples Lo leL Lhe chlldren come Lo Me," and lL ls our deslre wlLhln Lhe Chlldren's MlnlsLry of lrlsco 8lble LhaL we do [usL LhaL. We wanL Lo usher Lhe klds lnLo Lhe knowledge of Cod Lhrough Pls Word. We wanL Lo come alongslde parenLs ln helplng ralse klds who become lnLenLlonal, MaLure, ServanLs of !esus ChrlsL. We wanL Lhe chlldren under our care Lo fall aL Lhe feeL of our Lord and learn Lo LrusL Plm wlLh everyLhlng Lhey have. We wanL Lhem Lo be parL of Lhe !"#""$"# &'$$()*+,- .'*)/ +0" 12"3+ &'$$*44*')- 5, +0" 6'7"2 '8 +0" 9':, ;<*2*+- ='2 +0" 1:'2, '8 1'#>
We do Lhls by falLhfully Leachlng Cod's Poly Word and llvlng as examples of Cod's awesome grace!
?ou are Laklng on a greaL responslblllLy ln [olnlng Lhe Chlldren's MlnlsLry 1eam, buL one LhaL Lhe Lord blesses as we falLhfully LrusL Plm Lo use us. We also geL Lo have a blasL as we geL Lo play a loL wlLh Lhe mosL preclous people on Lhe planeL, - LlLLle Chlldren. l pray you have a blasL servlng Lhe Lord wlLh us ln Chlldren's MlnlsLry and may Pe use you greaLly Lo Lraln up Lhe nexL generaLlon of !esus' ulsclples.
Crace and eace Lo you,
Jeremy
3 "#$%& '( )'*+&*+, Procedures Service Qualifications!!!!...!!!!3 Code of Ethics!!!!!!!!!!!!4 Job Descriptions!!!!!!!!!!!5 Staffing Guidelines!!!!!!!!!!5 Absences!!!!!!!!!!!!!!6 Visitors!!!!!!!!.!!!!!!. 6 General Guidelines!!!!!!!!!.. 6 Emergency Guidelines!!!!!!!! 7 Playground Guidelines!!!!!!!! 7 Station Management Station Environment!!!!!!!!! 7 Time Management!!!!!!!!!.. 8 Station Rules!!!!!!!!!!!! 8 Discipline!!!!!.!!!!!.!!! 8 Curriculum Personal Preparation!!!!!!!!.. 9 Lesson Preparation!!!!!!!!!. 9 Material Presentation!!!!!!!!.. 9 Video Guidelines!!!!!!.!!!... 10 Parents in the Classroom!!!!!!. 10 Leading a Child to Christ!!!!!!..... 11-12 20 Tips to Working with Children!!!.!13-14 -.'/&01.&,
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Because we believe in the high calling to the ministry of teaching children and desire to use our God-given gifts and abilities to the glory of God, we expect all Childrens Workers to:
! Live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and in accordance with the Word of God. ! Have a deep desire to communicate Christs love to children, to lead them to a meaningful commitment to Christ, and to encourage growth in their Christian walk as appropriate for their age. ! Be faithful in attendance to your ministry. ! Attend worship services regularly. ! Be in agreement with the Frisco Bible Church Statement of Faith and willingly submit to the guidance of Frisco Bible Church Elders. ! Complete an Adult Service Application for Childrens and Youth Ministry and undergo a Background Check. ! Adhere to the Childrens/ Students Ministry Code of Ethics and Rules ! Pray for your ministry.
1. Smoking or use of tobacco products in the presence of children is prohibited.
2. Using, possessing, or being under the influence of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
3. Losing integrity of character or sobriety by being under the influence of alcohol will not be tolerated.
4. Ministry Volunteers shall not engage in inappropriate behavior with children/student/adults including but not limited to:
a. Physical - strike, spank, shake, or slap
b. Verbal/Mental - humiliate, degrade, or threaten
c. Sexual - including inappropriate touching and exposure.
5. Ministry Volunteers must treat children, youth and adults of all races, religions, and cultures with respect and consideration.
6. Ministry Volunteers shall not use nor tolerate profanity in the presence of children or student.
7. Ministry Volunteers must be free of physical and psychological conditions that might adversely affect the health of children and student, including but not limited to fever or contagious diseases.
8. Ministry Volunteers will portray a positive role model for children/student by maintaining an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, and maturity.
9. Ministry Volunteers will do everything in their power to avoid being put in a situation where they are alone with a child/student other than their own.
10. Ministry Volunteers will be expected to respond with Christian love and understanding in all situations.
11. I understand that as a Ministry Volunteer for Frisco Bible Church I will be subject to a background check, including criminal history.
12. I understand that any violation of this code may be grounds for dismissal as a Ministry Volunteer.
13. I have read and I am in agreement with the Frisco Bible Church Doctrine Statement.
14. As a ministry Volunteer, I submit to the leadership of the Elders of Frisco Bible Church.
___________________________________ _____________ Volunteers Signature Date
___________________________________ _____________ Directors Signature Date
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Lead Teacher As a lead teacher you are responsible for preparing the weekly lessons. You set the tone of the Station, so be well prepared. Understand your lessons; study the Bible passages that the lessons are based on. The curriculums we currently use have wonderful preparation guidelines for each lesson. Love the children and their families. The impact you have will be great!
Assistant Teacher As an assistant teacher, you support the lead teacher. Prepare for the lessons by studying the Bible passages beforehand. Help with lesson preparation. While the lesson is being taught, help the children stay focused. Be prepared to teach the lesson if the Lead Teacher is absent. Love the children and their families. The impact you have will be great!
Caregiver As a caregiver, you sooth, rock, feed, change diapers, play, love and pray over our littlest ones in the name of Jesus Christ. It is a great ministry to parents to pick up their wee ones satisfied and with a dry diaper! Singing and praying over the children in your care is a great joy. You will be thoroughly blessed!
Floater As a floater, you do various tasks assigned by Jeremy Mikeska or Stephanie Ott. It may include things like craft projects, organizing, and cleaning. You may be asked to substitute teach if there is a last minute need. You will also be trained on check-in procedures. You bless the whole Childrens Ministry in so many ways.
Check-in Assistant As a check-in assistant, you are a familys first contact with Childrens Ministry every Sunday. You are responsible for checking children in, and explaining the different procedures to parents. When we have visitors, you show them the ropes; walk visitors to Stations and make them feel welcome.
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For the safety of all of our children and for the best teaching atmosphere, the following have been established as our minimums for staffing guidelines. Every group of children should have at least two teachers present at all times. General Child/Worker ratio should be: o Birth to 9 months 1 teacher per 2 children o 10 months to 2 years 1 teacher per 4 children o 3 years old to Kindergarten 1 teacher per 5 children o Grade school 1 teacher per 8 children
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It is the responsibility of the absent Childrens Ministry Team member to secure a substitute.
Notification of Planned Absences: Secure a substitute. You may ask a LifeGroup member, parent or someone from the sub list. Please notify Stephanie Ott immediately by email, text or the Help Me Help You document in the attendance book of who will be substituting for you.
Notification of Unplanned Absences: 1. If this situation is unknown until Sunday morning
a. Notify Stephanie Ott immediately through a phone call or text (610-573-0673) Do not use email. b. Notify your teaching team and ask them to ask a parent to stay and help.
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What a wonderful blessing God grants us: Visitors! If our visitor has children, it is very likely you will be the first person they come in contact with. Remember, visitors are often early to familiarize themselves with the church, so be ready with smiles. We ask that you personally greet them and make them feel welcomed. If they have not checked-in their children, direct them to check- in where they can be introduced to the process. There are visitor postcards in each attendance book, please write a note to all your visitors that will be mailed on Monday. Make the most of this opportunity; show Gods grace and love to each and every visitor! I&*&.#% I140&%4*&, Affirm good behavior. Arrive 15 minutes before the event begins and be ready to receive children 10 minutes before Station begins. That gives you 5 minutes to check in at kiosk, gather supplies you will need like a pitcher of water, snacks, toys, crayons, markers and paper. Thoroughly check all areas for cleanliness and safety before children arrive. If you see anything that could be dangerous inform Stephanie Ott immediately. Release the children only to authorized individuals with a security badge that matches the childs nametag. Children should never be unsupervised not even for a moment. Count the children every time you go to a new location (i.e. playground, restroom) and right before you leave that location. Be aware of the children in your care who have allergies and make sure precautions are taken to protect them. Only Childrens Ministry Volunteers are allowed to carry or pick up children. Always wear gloves when changing diapers. Always wash hands after changing a diaper, blowing noses, taking a child to the restroom or preparing snack. Ask the children to be respectful to each other and of the Station. They are not allowed to sit on tables, throw toys or be disrespectful in any other way. Clean up after your Station. Disinfect toys with Clorox wipes or Lysol located in Station cabinets. Vacuum the floor if you had a messy time. Your responsibility is caring for the children with you. You should not be on your phone or texting unless it is directly pertaining to your job. 7 <K&.H&*/L I140&%4*&,
If an Accident occurs: ! Calm the child first. Assess the nature of the injury. ! There is a first aid kit in each Station cabinet and in the copy room. Ice packs are located in the freezer of the kitchen. ! If the child will not calm down, first seek out Stephanie Ott. Let them make the call as to whether or not to pull parents from the church service. We are here to take care of these children and we have full confidence in your ability to do that. ! Always inform parents of an accident that occurred while their child was in your care. ! Fill out an incident report blank forms are in the attendance notebook.
If there is a Fire: ! Gather all children and attendance book. Place children 24 months or younger in emergency rolling cribs. ! Exit the building according to the Emergency Exit map in your Station in an orderly fashion. Go to the grass on either side of the building, out of the fire lane. ! Do not let any parents take children from you until you have heard explicitly from Jeremy Mikeska or Stephanie Ott that it is ok to release children to parents. If a parent comes to get their child before you have been informed that they can be released, ask the parents to exit the building with you and stay with you until further directions. ! Once you are in the grass, count your children and compare to attendance roll. If there are any discrepancies, contact Stephanie Ott or Jeremy Mikeska immediately.
-%#LH.'1*0 I140&%4*&, No child should be left inside unattended at anytime. When on the playground, teachers should spread out to maximize playground supervision.
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The feeling of a Station has an undeniable impact on children and their families. We want to create an environment which is welcoming and Christ focused. That begins with you, the teacher. It is a joy and privilege to serve God and your disposition should reflect that in everything you do. There are many tools at your disposal to help create a welcoming room: bulletin boards, cd players/music and prayer. Prayer is a critical factor that can be easily overlooked. Pray that the Holy Spirit is at work in you and the children under your care. Pray for each child and their family. Be prayer warriors!
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Structure is critical to every childs perception of the world. A schedule is the easiest way to create that structure. It also allows you to make the most of the precious little time you have with these children each week.
Below are preferred Station schedules:
2s, 3s & Pre-K Stations (65 minutes): 10 min. Opening activity coloring sheet, Toys 5 min. Clean up time 15 min. Playground Time (includes travel time) 15 min. Bible Time 15 min. Prayer and Snack time 5 min. Free play time as children are getting picked up
Kinder- 4 th grade Stations (65 minutes): 10 min. Opening activity - word search, coloring 5 min. Prayer Requests and Prayer 20 min. Bible Lesson 15 min. Lesson activity or craft (Playground time if needed) 10 min. Application discussion 5 min. Free play time as children are getting picked up
Have a couple of games or activities tucked away for those times when the children finish earlier than anticipated. It is better to have too much planned and not work through it all than not having anything to do. The children can only learn as much as you have to teach them.
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Station rules create another system of structure for children. Their world is very concrete and citing explicit rules clearly defines expectations for the children. Review your Station rules at the beginning of each quarter when you get your new curriculum. Make your rules simple and clear and establish consequences for breaking the rules. Lastly, be consistent. Consistency creates dependability for the children. Remember, we are modeling Christ in our lives and we are examples for the children. Some examples of Station rules are: ! Follow directions the first time ! Respect others and their property
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To follow the Lord is to be disciplined. Discipline is not an ugly word that means punishment. Discipline is a process of training that prunes away sinful behavior so that righteous behavior may grow and flourish. The Lord disciplines out of love as should we. Discipline is a time of instruction. Teach children that when a rule is broken it is called sin. Help children to understand why a behavior is inappropriate or sinful. Set consequences for breaking a rule such as time out or loss of a privilege. Get down on their level; you are partnering with the child to train them in the ways of the Lord.
If you are having a continual problem in Station, get help from Stephanie Ott (call or text; 610-573-0673). And dont forget to pray. Pray for yourself and the children in your Station. Pray that God helps you to set a righteous example for the children and that the children are receptive to discipline despite its unpleasantness in the moment. 9 )1..4/1%1K -&.,'*#% -.&G#.#+4'*
The best way to become an effective Sunday School Teacher is to understand the material you are teaching. We use curriculums, but these are only teaching aids. Our true curriculum is Gods Word, the Bible. This is the first place you should begin your study. Pray that God will grant you understanding of the message He wants to teach you and the children. Analyze the relevant verses of the lesson. What is the meaning of these verses? How can you apply this theme to your life and the lives of the children? Does your life reflect the message? We are examples to those we teach. We must uphold the Word of God.
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Now that you have read and evaluated Gods word, you are prepared to look at the curriculum guides. Remember to be discerning, let the Holy Spirit guide your teachings. Generally, the curriculum is divided up into three sections: teacher devotional, activities/crafts/games and Bible story. Based on your personal preparation and the teacher guide, determine what your feel God is moving you to teach. Utilize the curriculum as a guide to engage the children. If you do not like the activities or crafts or feel it will not work for your children, feel free to be creative and find other means of connection. If you feel stumped or need help, ask another Sunday School teacher or Stephanie Ott. Also determine what supplies you need to accomplish your goal. If you have a special need, let Stephanie Ott know so she can help acquire the needed supplies.
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Presenting the Bible lesson will largely depend upon you and the children in your Station. All children, even the older ones, love a teacher who is excited about the lesson. Show the children your zeal for the Lord; that is one of the most critical aspects of teaching. No matter the presentation style, a teacher who is excited about their lesson will touch their students. Here are some ideas that may help you when presenting Biblical truths:
Top 12 Teaching Techniques 1. Tell a story 2. Sing a song related to the theme 3. Use humor 4. Develop an interest center 5. Have a visual aid (felt board, picture) 6. Use drama or skits 7. Work on an art project together 8. Give a quiz as a review 9. Have a creative writing assignment 10. Use puppets 11. Make a craft 12. Put a puzzle together or play with blocks
*****Provided by the 1998 Evangelical Training Association*****
Remember that above all, you should be praying continually that the Holy Spirit is at work in you and the children of your Station. Only the Lord can open the eyes of our heart; we teach diligently to help provide an environment for God to work. 10
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Videos can be used as a teaching aid to enhance a lesson, they should never replace a Biblical lesson. When using a video please follow these guidelines: The video should be Christ-honoring. It must be directly related to the lesson. Prior to showing a video, you must inform Stephanie Ott at least one week prior to the video being shown in Station. Any video with a rating of PG or PG-13 must have approval of Stephanie Ott and written parental approval two weeks priors to showing video.
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To view how a Station works or to acclimate a child to the Station, we invite parents to stay for 2 sessions. After staying for 2 full sessions, we ask that parents step out of the Station so that the child can make any further needed adjustments without a parent.
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. Romans 1:16
In Sunday School, we share the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ with children each week. Every volunteer should be ready to clearly present the gospel and counsel those wanting to learn more. Children are unusually soft-hearted toward things of the Lord, and some will be interested in becoming a follower of Christ. Be ready because eternal matters matter most!
Before ! Pray. Salvation is Gods work, not ours. We cannot bring about salvation for anyone. We need to ask God to prepare the children and open their hearts to Him. ! Be Prepared. Learn more about presenting the gospel and counseling a child about salvation.
During ! The gospel will be presented during the lesson time. Opportunities may arise, however to share with a child one-on-one or with a small group of children. If so keep the following in mind: ! Becoming a child of God involves repenting of ones sins and having faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Repentance involves understanding what sin is (disobeying Gods commands) and desiring to turn from that sin. ! Use your Bible. Children need to see and hear Gods word. Have your Bible marked ahead of time with appropriate Scriptures. ! Avoid abstract terms like asking Jesus into your heart. Instead use terminology like becoming a child of God. Most children still think in concrete terms and need examples that are easy to understand. ! If a child expresses interest to know more after the gospel presentation, ask them some open-ended questions like o What do you want to talk to me about? o Do you know what sin is? o Can you think of a specific sin you have done? o Are you bothered by your sin? These questions are important. A child who cannot verbalize a sin or does not seem to be repentant about being a sinner may not fully understand his need for a Savior. In this situation, you might list child-oriented examples of sin and ask the child to discover any time they catch themselves sinning over the next few days. Pray with them but do not force them to make a decision. o Why did Jesus come to earth? o Why did Jesus need to die? o Why did Jesus rise again? o Why do you want Jesus to be your Savior? ! Why should god let you into His family? (Make sure that the child understands that it is not their works that gain them salvation but Gods grace through faith in Jesus death and resurrection that grants salvation.) ! Pray for discernment while listening to the childs answers. ! When a child seems to have a basic understanding of salvation (belief in Jesus death and resurrection, 12 admission of and repentance from sin, desire to follow the Lord), encourage them to talk to their parents about what it means to become a child of God (if their parents are followers of Christ). Encourage a child from a non- Christian home to verbalize is understanding to the Lord through prayer. There is no one prayer that should be prayed. Encourage them to ask the Lord for forgiveness and help them know that they are a child a God. ! Let them see excitement in your words and expression when they tell you they want to become a child of God. ! Read Luke 15:10 to the child ! Some children may not want to make a decision, but may want to learn more, to be assured of their salvation or to confess their sins. o Seeking Assurance: Read Romans 10:9-10 and John10:28-29. Encourage them to ask the Lord to help them know that they are His children. o Confessing Sin: Read 1 John 1:9. Encourage him to ask the Lord to help them know they are forgiven when they repent.
After ! Review what it means to be a child of God. o How long does God keep His children? Read Hebrews 13:5b and John 10:28-29 o Can anything separate God from his children? Read Romans 8:38-39 o What happens when Gods children sin? Read 1 John 1:9 o What do children of God believe? Read Romans 10:9 ! Explain that Jesus loves His brothers and sisters and wants to spend time with them. Discuss practical ways to grow as a child of God. o Read your Bible and obey what you read about. o Pray every day! Prayer is talking to God and Jesus. o Go to a church that believes and teaches the Bible as the Word of God. o Tell others about Jesus. Tell your friends, family and neighbors how they can become children of God. ! Let Stephanie Ott know about the childs decision. ! Follow up with the child the next week with a postcard. Let them know you are praying for them and their walk with God.
*****Provided by the Answers in Genesis Helper Handbook*****
13 20 Tips to Working with Children
Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:13-14
1. Show love. All children, regardless of age or appearance, need to be loved. Greet them warmly each day, and always be ready with smiles, giggles, and encouraging words. 2. Learn names. It makes a child feel important and loved to be called by their name. Make sure visible nametags are always on each child. 3. Keep it moving. Children have short attention spans. 4. Use active learning. The more children can actively be involved in the learning process, the more they will retain. 5. Be all there! Try to leave behind whatever is currently going on in your life, and focus your attention on the children under your care. Listen to them and care for them. 6. Eliminate down time. Find activities to do when you have a few free moments so all time is being used in a fun and productive way. Play eye spy, practice memory verses, share trivia tidbits and jokes, play impromptu review games or ask fun conversation starters. 7. Think safety. 8. Be thematic. Children love crazy hats, fun cheers, songs and anything that goes with the theme. Get them enthused and excited to participating in Station. 9. Walk worthy. Be an example in both word and deed. Children need to see authentic Christianity, so make sure you are walking the walk and not just talking the talk. 10. Notice the good. Children want attention and will sometimes act up in an effort to receive attention, even if it is negative attention. Be proactive by noticing and praising the things they do right. Be an encourager. 11. Be aware of age level characteristics. With younger children, activities need to be hands on, concrete, short and simple. Older children love to talk to and are processing and questioning information. Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you. 12. Challenge them. Children generally rise to the level expected of them, so challenge them to learn the memory verses and song lyrics. At the same time, encourage in them a true love for the Lord and His Word. 13. Pray. Before, during and after Station, be a faithful prayer warrior for the children in your care. 14. Be organized. Read through all of the training information, ask questions and faithfully prepare any materials for which you are responsible. 15. Be a team player. Children do not need to hear negative words from their leaders. If you are frustrated or upset, take it to the Lord, but do not complain or get angry in front of the children. 16. Remember to take bathroom breaks. The younger the children, the more important this is. 17. Maintain order. Children like order! Think through potential trouble spots in your day and decide on a firm, loving discipline strategy. Ask for help from experienced individuals. 14 18. Build team spirit. Work as a team rather than letting cliques develop. Everyone should be an important member of the group. 19. Use guided conversation. Be alert and ready to turn conversations to spiritual matters. Build on what the children are learning throughout Station time. 20. Be prepared to lead a child to Christ.
*****Provided by the Answers in Genesis Helper Handbook*****
I piay that uou is tiansfoiming you thiough youi seivice to Bim. That Be is stiengthening youi family anu ieliance on Bim. I piay that the Loiu will guiue you anu giant you wisuom in youi life. I piay that Be will bless you as iichly as you aie blessing the chiluien in youi caie. I also piay piotection foi you anu youi family.
In the name of }esus Chiist,
Amen!
But }esus saiu, "Let the chiluien alone, anu uo not hinuei them fiom coming to Ne; Foi the kinguom of heaven belongs to such as these."