The Brainard Children’s Ministry is dedicated to helping families grow together in Christ!
Our worship services are focused on serving families by helping our children grow spiritually as part of the gathered church. We believe that children are shaped spiritually as they are exposed to God’s Word and the gathered worship of his people. See this article for some of our rationale behind this decision.
We do, however, provide Children’s Ministry during the Sunday School hour at 9:30 each Sunday, in which we prioritize sharing the Gospel directly with kids in a safe environment. Volunteer leaders guide children ages three* through second grade to the Children’s Ministry Area. Children hear Gospel-centered teaching, take part in activities geared especially for their age group, and eat a snack.
*We generally ask that children be fully toilet-trained in order to attend. If you have younger children and would like to discuss ways for them to be involved in Children's Ministry, contact us!
Curriculum
Children’s Ministry participants hear Bible stories each week told with the help of The Gospel Project curriculum.
This amazing series takes children on a journey through the entire Bible, week by week, story by story! Crafts, games, and activities are used to illustrate concepts in the stories, and keep participants engaged and having extra fun. Participants are also challenged to memorize a Big Picture Question and a Scripture verse corresponding with each 3-5 week long unit.
One of the things we love about this is that the age-appropriate presentations go much deeper than quaint retellings of popular stories like Noah’s Ark. Instead, The Gospel Project helps children look for God’s BIG, overarching story in each Biblical account.
At the end of each lesson, we always ask: what does this teach us about ourselves, and what does this teach us about Jesus and the Gospel?
Safety
At Brainard, it is always a priority that Children’s Ministry participants and volunteers remain safe and healthy.
We maintain a variety of policies and procedures to facilitate safety within the Children’s Ministry. These include volunteer screening through background checks and church membership requirements, ongoing training, and ensuring that at least two adults remain with Children’s Ministry participants at all times.
For the health and safety of participants and volunteers, we also ask that parents not send their child to Children’s Ministry if the child is currently sick or has recently had a fever.
Join Us
If you're visiting Brainard or are a regular attendee, you are always welcome to join Children’s Ministry!
When you arrive on Sunday morning, stop by the Children’s Ministry Area and a volunteer will help you complete the registration process.