Partnering with Parents to Celebrate a Child’s Steps of Faith

There is no more fertile ministry field than Children’s Ministry. Children have not been hardened by disappointment and sin. They have not been choked by the cares of this world, and they haven’t had years of exposure to the lies of enemy. 

Children also grow up so fast, and the window of ministry opportunity is very small! It’s vitally important that we be intentional in the process of bringing them to adulthood as healthy, capable leaders of the Kingdom of God. Part of the challenge in doing this is encouraging parents to embrace their Godly responsibility. That is the reason for the Milestones for Kids! This program has 2 objectives:

1. We want to join families in recognizing and celebrating the spiritual growth and development of their children. 

2. We want to encourage and involve parents in the spiritual development of their children.

All of our Milestones are designed to help families celebrate the faith progress of their children, and are an opportunity for church leaders to partner with the parents in the training and instruction of their children.

Each Milestone event is offered once a year and are announced well in advance so parents can plan to participate with their children.

Milestone #1: Blessings & Prayer
Pre-school and New Families

Parents will discuss the importance of the family in the spiritual formation of the child. Parents are challenged to embrace their responsibility to become the primary faith trainers for their children. Parents will also learn how to offer the simple gift of a blessing to their children — one of the basic Biblical practices of family discipleship.

Milestone #2: Worship
Kindergarten

As a child enters kindergarten, we gather to celebrate this milestone in the child’s life. There are many changes on the horizon for these children, and we want to join with families in helping prepare children for the challenges ahead. This is the age at which children usually join their families in Sunday worship services. In a fun and informal meeting, the children will be introduced to the importance of worship in church, and letting their light shine for Jesus!

Milestone #3: The Gospel
First Grade

The message of the Gospel is clearly presented to children and their parents. Parents receive helpful ideas about how and when to lead their children to Christ.

Milestone #4: Communion
Second Grade

The celebration of the Lord’s Supper is often confusing to kids. In a seminar for parents and children, we talk about the significance of communion, the history of this ceremony, and how to approach the Lord’s Supper with respect. Parents are encouraged to decide when their children should begin to take communion with the family.

Milestone #5: The Bible
Third Grade

Each year, Buffalo Covenant Church gives a Bible to children entering third grade, recognizing their ability to read and comprehend the Bible. At this milestone event, children and their parents will learn about how we got the Bible, why it is important to read and study God’s Word, and how to use the Bible effectively.

Milestone #6: The Family
Fourth Grade

In this fun event, children and their parents explore God’s grand plan for the family. Obedience, respect and responsibility are the key themes of this event!

Milestone #7: Mission & Service
Fifth Grade

As our children grow in their faith and in their knowledge of God and His Word, they are encouraged to serve the Lord. They decide on several mission and service activities, and take positions of leadership and responsibility. Over a three-month period, children and their parents participate in a variety of projects together, ranging from helping at VBS to ministering at a homeless shelter.

Milestone #8: Salvation
Any Age – for children who trusted Christ for salvation during the previous year

For children who trusted Christ for salvation during the previous year. The greatest celebration of all is when we join the angels in Heaven in rejoicing at the salvation of a child! This once-a-year event is for the families of any children who trusted Christ for salvation during the previous year. It is a NEWBIRTH-day Party!

For more information about Milestone events, please contact Pastor Janine.