FAMILY M IN ISTRIES

W E L C O M E

TO PARTNER WITH FAMILIES

TO LOVE CHILDREN WELL AND

SHOW THEM WHO JESUS IS.

O U R M I S S I O N :

WELCOMEWelcome to the exciting world of family ministry at Heartland Church. We are delighted and blessed that

you have joined the Heartland Kids ministry team.

It is our prayer that you will experience fellowship and unity on our team as we come together for a

common purpose. Whether you are part of a classroom team or First Impressions, you will make a

difference in the lives of children and in this church! As we all use our gifts for God’s glory, our love for

the Lord, each other and the children will grow. As we sacrifice our time and energy to be a part of loving

children into growing relationships with Jesus, we will experience life change as well as the kids. Helping

God’s children grow their relationship with Him is something we hold dear to our hearts here at Heartland!

Please take some time to read over this handbook as well as any materials emailed to you regarding

classroom activities. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact your Senior Coordinator at any

time. Understanding how everything works here in Heartland Kids will make your time serving with us

more enjoyable, will enable you to understand how to handle different situations, and will prepare you to

help someone new to the ministry.

“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one

another.” 1 Peter 4:10

Your Family Ministry Team

A B O U T

H E A R T L A N D K I D S

PURPOSE

The purpose of Heartland Kids is to partner with families in loving their children into a growing relationship

with Jesus. Heartland Kids is intentional about meeting the needs of specific age groups. Infants and

toddlers are provided a safe, loving environment where they are shepherded and introduced to Jesus

through music and age appropriate lessons. Kindergarten through fourth grades participate in consistent

small group connection and large group worship with creative teaching and music.

CORE VALUE SChild-targetedAll children are special to God and need to be accepted and loved at all times. Jesus set the examples and

clearly communicated His Father’s heart for children. We are called to model God’s love to them.

Matthew 18:5-6, Mark 10:13-16,Matthew 19:14.

Scripturally-basedEntering into a relationship with Jesus is a process-oriented experience. We want to lay a spiritual

foundation of understanding so that when the Holy Spirit begins to move in the heart of a child, he/she will

be prepared to make an informed decision about accepting Jesus Christ as his/her Savior.

Deuteronomy 4:9, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4, Luke 2:52, ll Timothy 3:14-15.

Intentional ShepherdingBuilding relationships among and with children is an important aspect of ministry. We want to build

meaningful relationships through which spiritual information is communicated in a loving and caring way.

Acts 2:44-47, Matthew 18:5, ll Timothy 3:14-15.

Application-orientedThe message of Jesus Christ must be presented to children in relevant, age-specific ways. We are

dedicated to showing children how the principles of God’s word can be applied to their daily lives.

l Corinthians 13:11, James 1:22-25, Matthew 7:24-27.

We will provide everything you need for the lesson. Please arrive at your designated serving time prepared

to enjoy and engage In the lesson with the kids.

Creative and FunGod created children with creative imaginations, a variety of learning styles and a desire to have fun. We

want to present the truth of God’s word through methods, which are consistent with how children are

created to think and learn. Our curriculum is structured to help each child learn the foundations needed to

grow their relationship with the Lord and his word.

l Corinthians 9:23

HOW TO LE AD CHILDREN TO CHRISTOne of parents’ most common prayers is,” Please bring people into my child’s life who will model Jesus to

him.” Children’s ministry leaders are often the answer to those fervent prayers.

The greatest gift you can give a child is introducing them to Jesus as their Savior. Often, we are unsure

of how to lay out the plan of salvation in a way that is child-targeted. Yet God requires us to “always be

prepared to give an answer to every one who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have,”

I Peter 3:15. The key to giving the salvation message to kids is by sharing your own salvation story.

Kids learn through story, not lecture. The story of the change God has made in your own life is what you

know best and what you may be most comfortable telling, Begin by describing yourself “before Christ.”

Keeping within appropriate boundaries, honestly tell what you were like and what you thought about God.

What was it that caused you to consider Christ and is it something a child can relate to?

Next, describe what motivated you to accept Christ.

Next, tell them about your life after accepting Jesus as your Savior. Tell them how your life is changing and

about the benefits you are experiencing by having Christ in your life. Give the kids examples of how Christ

wants to change their hearts and lives as well.

Finally, give the Gospel in clear, age-appropriate words. Use concrete terms and simple phrases rather

than symbolic ones. Describe how God is holy and loving and perfect and cannot ignore sin. Make sure

kids know that everyone has sinned, and out of love for us, God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay for our sins by

dying on the cross. Then tell the kids it is not enough to hear the Gospel. We must accept the free gift of

forgiveness and say with our lips, “Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of my life.”

If a child is ready to receive this gift, use the following acronym to guide her about what to pray. Do not

have kids repeat what you say, but let them use their own words.

A – Admit your sins and ask for forgiveness

B – Believe in Jesus

C – Choose to follow Jesus for the rest of your life

Remember, children cannot be forced to accept and follow Jesus Christ. This decision happens only with

the help of the Holy Spirit when the child is ready. Don’t try to insist on “making it happen.”

After a child has decided to follow Jesus, celebrate! Make sure to tell the parents and be prepared for them

to either rejoice or be totally confused. You may be given the opportunity to share the Gospel with them

on the spot.

Follow up by communicating the child’s decision with your Senior Coordinator who will send a certificate

and a gift or Bible. In the weeks that follow, continue to ask about the child’s growth. Help him apply God’s

Word to everyday life. As kids experience what it’s like to be forgiven, get caught up in the excitement

and joy of being a child of God, feel the love of Jesus and know others are praying for them, they will be

encouraged to pursue their relationship with God.

To be present when God saves a child is the greatest privilege of all. Trust Him to give you the words and

watch Him do the miracles.

S A F E T Y

& E M E R G E N C I E S

STATE ME NT OF PURPOSEAs a church, we believe that the spiritual, emotional, and physical well being of children is vital. These

policies are intended to ensure that church activities involving children are consistent with the teachings

and example of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the Christian tradition of nurturing vulnerable children.

The primary purpose of these policies is to promote the safety and well being of children and youth by

providing clear instructions about the operation of children’s ministries at Heartland Church.

Safe EnvironmentsJesus gave some incredibly strong warnings about protecting the well being of children. We have been

given the stewardship, by parents and by God, for the most vulnerable and the most valuable asset in

God’s Kingdom. We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure Heartland Kids is a safe place.

Matthew 18:5-6

Check-In / Dismissal of Children1. All children MUST be dropped off and picked up by an adult.

2. As parents check-in their child, they will receive an ID number that matches the child’s.

3. All children must wear the ID number at all times.

4. When picking up their child, a parent MUST present their matching ID number. No child is allowed to

be released unless you’ve matched these numbers.

5. If ID number is lost, contact a Senior Coordinator who will collect and verify information before

releasing that child.

Power Outage ProtocolShould a power outage occur, there will be staff leaders in the hallways and rooms with flashlights to assist

with child retrieval.

Suspicious Person ProtocolWho is a suspicious person?

1. Any person who is wandering or looks out of place.

2. A person who has walked away from a suspicious package.

3. Anyone you are not sure of is considered a suspicious person.

Immediately call the Senior Coordinator. They will then take control of the situation. Please follow their

instructions.

Fire Alarm Protocols1. As soon as the fire alarm sounds start lining children up single file in room. Line up children in small

groups with an adult assigned to each group.

2. Take class roster as you exit the room.

3. Explain to children that they will need to stay single file and follow you to the preplanned exit. All

infant rooms use emergency cribs (if applicable).

4. Proceed to your designated exit as per the map in your classroom and go to the back/side of building.

5. Keep children seated and in order at all times.

6. Confirm all children are present. Report any missing children to the Senior Director immediately.

7. When “all clear” is announced, return to rooms in an orderly manner and take attendance again.

8. No child is to be released without the “all clear” from the Senior Coordinator.

Tornado Protection Plan1. As soon as an announcement is made, start lining children up to evacuate rooms. Line up children in

small groups with an adult assigned to each group.

2. Explain to children that they need to stay single file and follow you to the preplanned evacuation

site. (Use cribs in appropriate rooms.)

3. Take class roster as you exit the room.

4. Proceed to your designated evacuation site as per map in your classroom.

5. Confirm all children are present once you arrive at your evacuation site.

6. Report any missing children to the Senior Coordinator immediately.

7. When all clear is announced, return to rooms in an orderly manner and take attendance again.

8. No child is to be released without “all clear” from the Senior Coordinator.

Extreme emergency procedure: Rush to any interior wall, restroom, or room without a window.

Bomb Threat Protocol1. If you are notified of a bomb threat by the Senior Director, proceed with fire evacuation plan

immediately and follow all procedures getting as far away from the building as possible.

2. If you notice a suspicious package or bag, notify the Senior Coordinator immediately. They will then

take control of the situation. Please follow their instructions from there.

3. Do not touch in any way the suspicious package.

Missing Child Protocol1. If a child is missing, immediately notify the Senior Coordinator.

2. The Senior Coordinator will take control of the situation. Please follow their instructions from there.

This may include stopping the service, locking down the auditorium and/or building, or calling

the police.

Touching PolicyWe live in an age where child abuse is a reality in our society. The church should deal with this issue as a

“good shepherd” by taking steps to protect the children in our care. Heartland Church has implemented

a touching policy that will safeguard our children while promoting a positive, nurturing environment for

ministry to them. The guidelines below are to be carefully followed by anyone ministering to children.

• Hugging is an appropriate sign of physical affection between team members and children and is

important for a child’s development and normally suitable in our church setting.

• Physical affection should be appropriate to the age of the child or youth. (For example, it is

generally appropriate for a four-year-old to sit in a preschool team member’s lap, but it is not

appropriate for a teenager and youth leader to behave this way.)

• Touching should be initiated by the child. It should be a response to the child’s need for

comforting, encouragement, or affection. It should not be based upon the adult’s emotional need.

• Touching and affection should only be given when in the presence of other children’s ministry

team members. Touching should not give even the appearance of inappropriateness. As ministry

staff and team members our behavior must foster trust at all times; it should be above reproach.

• A child’s preference not to be touched should be respected. Do not force affection upon a child.

• Ministry staff and team members are responsible to protect children under their supervision from

inappropriate touching by others.

• Ministry staff and team members must promptly discuss inappropriate touching or other

questionable behavior by other staff or team members with their ministry leader, staff Director or

a pastor.

Restroom Policy

• Never be alone with a child behind closed doors.

• Leave restroom door open when assisting very young children.

• Older children can go in pairs or can be monitored by an adult outside the restroom.

• Diapers may only be changed by females over the age of 16.

General Reminders:

• Never be alone with a child behind closed doors.

• Never remove a child from a secured childrens area.

• For first aid needs, contact a Senior Coordinator.

• Use extreme caution when having hot beverages near children.

• No personal electronic device usage during class time.

• If an accident or incdent, resulting in harm to a child occurs, contact a senior coordinator.

• Junior leaders must be at least ten years of age to apply to serve in preschool classrooms.

Supervision of Children’s Ministry Team Members

• Church staff and team members who supervise children’s volunteers are charged with the diligent

enforcement of these policies. Violation of these policies is grounds for immediate dismissal,

disciplinary action, or reassignment from children’s or youth ministry for both team members and

staff, at the discretion of the church.

• Supervisors and all team members who suspect any unhealthy or abusive activities must discuss

their suspicions promptly with the Family Ministry Director.

D I S C I P L I N E

DISCIPL INE OF CHILDRENWhen responding to disruptive behavior, please observe the following guidelines:

• Never be alone with a child behind closed doors.

• Deal with the problem individually and privately when possible.

• Compliment good behavior.

• Be consistent and use discernment.

• Eye contact is very important when communicating expectations to children. Physical/corporal

punishment is never appropriate!

• Check with/inform a Senior Coordinator if additional steps are needed.

• Pray for the disruptive children and commit to loving them well.