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Vision ValuesTable of Contents 3 Our Mission 5 Guiding Principles 7 Our Strategy 11 Ministry Programming 26 Special Events 28 Resources 34 Safety & Security 36 Campus Map 12OUR MISSION We partner with parents to help children Know God, Think Biblically, Live Wisely. KNOW GOD We are committed to introducing children to God and helping them have an accurate understanding of who He is, what He’s done, and how we should respond to Him. Our desire is that the heart of each child will be inclined toward God and receptive to His saving power. A primary focus of our ministry is what we call biblical literacy. Discipleship begins by helping children understand the major storyline of Scripture, and the God who is behind it all. That, in turn, lays a foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth and service. THINK BIBLICALLY Children need to learn why the Bible matters. Everything important about us is influenced by God’s Word. Discipleship involves helping children understand that the Bible influences all of life, and it answers life’s big questions such as: Who am I? Why am I here? How do I relate to God and others? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is right and wrong? Am I a part of something bigger than me? LIVE WISELY Discipleship doesn’t stop with knowing things about God and His Word. Children need to learn how to live out the truth of Scripture. We are building a foundation of truth that they can call upon in order to live as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We emphasize the practical, real-life implications of following God. Our prayer for children is that throughout their lives, they will be influenced by and subject to God and His Word. 34GUIDING PRINCIPLES As we teach children, plan activities and events, establish new ministries and engage children personally, we have some principles that guide us. Even though parts of our ministry will vary and change, these are some “constants” that keep our ministry focused. • Everything we do is subject to the Word of God. • The Bible is true, the stories are real, and Jesus is the main character. • True and lasting life-change is rooted in the gospel. • Ministry takes place in the context of loving relationships. • Parents are the primary disciple-makers. • There is value in fun and church should be a happy place. • Safety is part of our stewardship responsibility. 556OUR STRATEGY The Shepherd’s Church has five core values that inform our ministry strategy with children. WORSHIP / CONNECT / GROW / SERVE / SHARE WORSHIP with Meaningful Music God’s people sing. Music is a gift from God, and He uses music as a tremendous force in the spiritual growth and development of children. When children learn songs in which music is combined with the truth of God’s Word, music makes truth memorable, applicable, and expressible. Music is a significant part of our ministry. We enjoy teaching children silly songs, and we sometimes use music to help children shake out their wiggles. However, our primary goal is to use music as a valuable tool for teaching God’s Word and truth to kids. Many of the songs we teach are Bible verses put to music. It’s a way for children to learn and memorize truth. CONNECT in Loving Relationships Ministry always happens best in the context of relationships. Children must know they are loved, valued and accepted. The programs we offer, the curriculum we use, and the resources we employ are important, but loving relationships are essential. We pursue a ministry that is characterized by loving relationships with the goal that those relationships ultimately point toward and deepen each child’s relationship with God. This means that we structure our ministry so as to provide children real opportunities for building relationships with their peers and relationships with their leaders. 7Next >