I. Mission and Daily Focus
The mission of Trinity Evangelical Free Church is dedicated to preparing believers for global ministry. This mission unfolds daily through our commitment to facilitating children's meaningful interactions with Jesus. This involves storytelling, scripture memorization, instilling biblical values, organizing celebrations, sporting activities, special events, and more. Ultimately, our aspiration is to nurture a future generation that will actively participate in spreading the teachings of Christ to others.
Trinity aims to collaborate with families to cultivate values in individuals of all ages, fostering a deep-rooted connection with Jesus, a commitment to serving Him, and engaging in ministering to others. These values form the foundation of our conduct, shaping a culture that reflects the divine presence within us.
We acknowledge the ongoing growth in values and corresponding behaviors among children and adults. Recognizing our imperfections, we are dedicated to fostering a culture characterized by grace and mercy. It is our aspiration that every believer embodies the essence of Jesus through the embodiment of traits such as grace, mercy, truth, motivation, empowerment, friendliness, relevance, positivity, diversity, hope, and empowerment.
Children require instruction and guidance to cultivate values and the corresponding behaviors. As a parent or guardian, your pivotal role is essential in fostering the mental, physical, and spiritual development of your child(ren). Presented below are actionable steps you can take to reinforce our initiatives in the children's ministry programs:
-Collaborate with the church by reinforcing at home the teachings your child(ren) receive at church.
-Utilize disciplinary incidents occurring in the church setting as teaching opportunities for your child(ren) at home.
-Tailor the communication of these guidelines to your child(ren) based on their age and understanding.
-Ensure your child(ren) are prepared and punctual to promote their success.
-Keep valuable items such as toys or comfort objects at home or in your vehicle to prevent loss, theft, or damage.
-Update emergency contact details.
-Communicate any special requirements or diagnosed behavioral conditions to enable us to provide comprehensive support and understanding for your child(ren).
Discipline is a form of training that shapes an individual's character.It instills values such as perseverance, responsibility, and self-control, which are crucial for personal and professional growth. Through discipline, one learns to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain focus on long-term goals despite short-term temptations or setbacks.
Moreover, discipline fosters a sense of accountability, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their actions and decisions. This, in turn, builds trust and reliability, qualities that are highly valued in any community or workplace.
Ultimately, discipline is not just about adhering to rules or routines; it is about cultivating a mindset that embraces continuous improvement and resilience. It empowers individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential, creating a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
What are the results of discipline?
The Bible often talks about discipline in relationship to its results. The results of discipline are:
-Endurance - the ability to continue in the face of hardship. Heb. 12:7
- Respect - an attitude toward another that shows admiration, esteem, and reverence. Heb. 12:9
- Holiness - moral uprightness. Heb. 12:10
- Peaceful fruit of Righteousness. Heb. 12:1
What actions are involved in discipline?
The Bible contextualizes discipline within both positive and negative actions.
- Discipline originates from love. Heb. 12:5
- Run the race by choosing to put off sins that easily entangle. Heb. 12:1
- There are rewards for obedience and reproof for disobedience. Deut. 11, Heb. 12:5; 1 Cor. 3
- Our example effects others around us. Heb. 12:12-13
What does discipline include?
-Encouragement. 1 Thess. 5:11
- Teaching and training. Duet. 6:7; Eph. 5:10; Eph. 6:1
- Admonishment. James. 5:19-20
- Reproof and correction. Heb. 12:6
IV. What is the proper context of discipline?
In the Old Testament, God fostered a nurturing environment for His people, characterized by His profound love, faithfulness, power, and patience. Discipline was administered when necessary within this framework of love, care, respect, and grace.
Key Actions:
- Encouragement: Emphasize praise and positive reinforcement, acknowledging children's strengths both collectively and individually to cultivate a supportive atmosphere.
- Teaching/Training: Clearly communicate expectations to each child, ensuring mutual understanding, and provide specific guidance on the desired actions.
- Admonishment: When correction is needed, address the child with gentleness yet firmness, clearly outlining the misstep, setting boundaries, and offering the opportunity for behavioral change.
- Reproof/Correction: In cases of passive resistance, defiance, or rebellion, where admonishment is ineffective, inform parents of the child's behavior and the corrective measures applied.
V. Responding to disruptions.
- Approach children respectfully, calmly, and with a composed demeanor.
- Reinforce the expected behavior to all children collectively without singling out individuals at this stage.
- If a child persists in disrupting the group, provide options such as relocating them to a quieter spot near the door where they can still observe and listen without causing disruptions, spending a few minutes with another adult, or being escorted to their parents.
- Avoid adopting a punitive stance. Frame challenging behavior as a sign of a tough day or a need for assistance rather than as a form of punishment. Utilize language that fosters comprehension rather than penalization.
- Reserve removing a child from the group as a final recourse. Always offer the child the choice to rejoin the group. Should removal be necessary, ensure the child and their parents understand the intention for the child to return to subsequent sessions.
- Acknowledge that there may be occasions where planned activities are disrupted due to managing challenging behaviors. Recognize that fostering community development is integral work, even if it alters the day's schedule.
If a behavior is deemed severe or persistent, it is advisable to escort the child to the ministry leader for the duration of the class or event. Subsequently, the ministry directors should communicate with the child's parents regarding the situation and inform parents that the child’s choices are preventing him/her from being able to participate appropriately.
VII. What we will abstain from doing:
1. Physically touch, corral, maneuver, or grab a child.
2. Fail to communicate our expectations to the child.
3. Meet anger with anger and/or gain or regain authority through anger.
4. Provoke or exasperate a child to the point of anger or upset.
5. Continually strive with a child; instead we encourage, trail, admonish, and correct.
VIII. Statement of Commitment
This policy aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding among church ministry volunteers, parents, and children regarding Trinity's mission, core values, disciplinary procedures, and responses to positive and negative behaviors. Moreover, it endeavors to create an enjoyable and educational environment where children can engage with biblical teachings and encounter the grace of God within a secure and nurturing setting. The overarching goal is to safeguard children's holistic development, encompassing their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.To achieve this, the policy outlines specific guidelines and protocols that must be adhered to by all volunteers and staff members. These guidelines include mandatory training sessions on child protection and safety, regular background checks, and a clear reporting system for any concerns or incidents. Additionally, the policy emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and constructive feedback, encouraging volunteers to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
Children are encouraged to participate in various activities that not only teach biblical principles but also promote teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Regular workshops, interactive storytelling sessions, and community service projects are some of the ways through which these values are imparted.
Parents are also given a crucial role within this framework, with regular meetings and communications to ensure they are fully informed and involved in their children's spiritual journey.
In summary, this policy is a testament to Trinity's commitment to nurturing a community where every child feels valued, respected, and inspired to grow in their faith.
