Calvary Chapel of Rochester
Sanctuary attendance is limited to those 12 years of age and up in an effort to provide a distraction free atmosphere so that God's Word may be ministered. We feel it is important that each child be presented the Word of God at the level they are most able to understand. Child care and instruction are provided as follows:
Our Sunday school time begins in a classroom with children of similar ages with a teacher and aide present. The teachers have the parents sign in their children. Next we spend about five minutes speaking to the children about worship. We understand that we must worship God in spirit and in truth. If any are not born again, the best we can hope for is an orderly time of singing - no true worship. We use this time to prepare the saved for worship, as well as a time of instructinos for what true worship is. After they pray, the children are escorted to the worship room where we have a worship leader ready to lead us in song. This time may also be mixed with instruction by the worship leader, remembering that we are ministering to young children who may be at various points in their walk with the Lord. After about twenty-five minutes the children are then brought back to their rooms by their teachers.
Back in the classroom we will possibly have the children pray for anything on their hearts. The teacher may lead the class in prayer and then begin their study. We believe that the Sunday School teacher is like the pastor of their class. There is liberty to lead as the Holy Spirit guides. We desire children to know God. We have a strong emphasis on evangelism. We desire children to know God's Word. We teach through the Bible following Pastor Geoff in the sanctuary, teaching at an age level appropriate for the class. Remembering they are children, they ought to be fed what they can eat (spiritually). Remembering that they are God's children, we feed them His Word. If they are not saved (we can never know for sure), we share with them the gospel. Remembering Gods desire for fruit in the lives of ALL HIS CHILDREN, we exhort them to live by faith the life that God has given them today. They don't have to wait until they are older to know God, walk with Him, know His heart, and live lives pleasing to Him.
We believe that teaching is a gift from God given to whom He chooses. We desire to allow God to do what He wants. If God has given you the gift of teaching we would encourage you to use it. Sunday School may be the avenue God has prepared for you to exercise this gift. We would love to pray with you about this. Teaching comes in various forms. It must begin and end with God and come from God. It usually takes the form of verbally explaining His written word. It also can be illustrated by our actions, through crafts bringing clarity to lessons taught, and by simply allowing people to see what God has done in you.
If Sunday School teachers are like pastors of the class, then aides are like the assistant pastors, prayer warriors, janitors, craft helpers, taking care of boo-boos person, disciplinarian, general all around helper, and anything else that needs to be done person (a slave for Jesus). We currently could use a few more Jesus slaves as we have a few classrooms without one. WARNING - becoming a slave for Jesus may lead to other ministry opportunities such as teaching. No gift or calling in Christ is greater than any other. Some people seem to be called to areas of ministry for their entire stay here on earth, while others may be in a particular ministry being prepared for their next step. This is why all ministry and service here should be constantly covered in prayer, seeking His will always.
There almost always seems to be opportunities available to serve in the nursery. This is another opportunity to serve Jesus. Only women are allowed to serve in the Nursery. There are many things going on in the nursery/toddlers rooms during the service, the greatest of which is prayer. There is also an opportunity to minister to young mothers. Parents (especially first time moms) can be uneasy leaving their children, even if for only a short time for a service. They also can be some of the neediest people in the church. This ministry can allow them a few "sane" minutes sitting with their husbands getting fed without distractions. Those called to serve here can share with you the blessing of having their hearts knit with those they serve. Children are definitely a blessing from the Lord.