Write the Vision and Make it Clear - Developing A Mission Statement
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Third Step: Developing a Mission Statement
When you have the vision for where you see the children’s ministry going, then come up with a mission statement. Keep it simple. The actual statement should be no more than two to three sentences. An explanation can follow that gives purpose to the statement. But the statement should state why your children’s ministry exists within a brief sentence or two. An example of a mission statement based on this vision would be:
“Where kids live and grow strong and wise.”
An example of a scripture to base this mission statement:
Luke 2:40 “And the Child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on Him” (Message Bible)
You could also expound on this vision statement in each department.
KidsTown offers ministry to children during all regular services and is divided into 3 basic age groups as follows:
“Learning how to grow”
In TinyTown we minister to children ages newborn to kindergarten. TinyTown provides a warm environment with lots of bubbles, music, hugs, and smiles. Our goal is to create an environment in which they can discover what God made for them, how much He loves them, and that He has something special planned for them. During this time we want them to get to know God.
“Applying what we know”
In ToonTown we minister to 1st Grade through 3rd Grade. This is an ideal age to teach children about salvation. They tend to be very open to learning about God and the Bible and can comprehend the importance of salvation. They are also sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Our goal is to lay the foundation on which they will understand what it means to “walk with God and be like Jesus”. During this time we want them to begin to build a life long friendship and relationship with God.
“Letting His light show”
In UpTown we minister to 4th grade through 6th grade. During this stage of life most children are beginning to make some important decisions about who they are and what type of character they will have. Choices will be made concerning whether or not to be self-centered or others-focused, teachable or stubborn. They tend to live their teenage life based on the decisions they make during this time in their life.
Peer pressure also begins to play a part at this stage in their lives. It is crucial that they feel like they belong and that they are loved unconditionally. Our goal is to provide sound biblical teaching and a place for them to come and “hang out”, feel a part of, and know that they can ask questions freely without facing judgment or condemnation. During this time we want them to develop their relationship with God and choose to include Him in every part of their lives.
