Kingdom Kids Orientation
Thank You for Teaching Our Kids
We want to thank you for your invaluable contribution to our children's ministry. Your willingness to volunteer and go through the background check process and supplemental training demonstrates your commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our kids.
We are delighted to have you join our team and share your unique talents and gifts with the children. We encourage you to make the classroom your own and bring your creativity and enthusiasm to each session while keeping the well-being of the children as the top priority. We value your partnership and invite you to work collaboratively with the coordinators to improve and enhance our ministry's effectiveness. May your service in Kids Kingdom bless our children and strengthen you spiritually. Thank you again for your selfless service and dedication to our children's ministry.
Questions
1) What’s the point of sharing with strangers if you’re not giving your full effort and heart to your duty as a teacher to the congregation’s children?
2) Can you go to jail for preaching false doctrine, being a poor usher, or lacking talent as a singer?
The Ministry
There’s little recognition in serving in children’s ministry. Many people prefer to be in front of the congregation rather than working quietly behind the scenes. Yet, this work is one of the most powerful ways to share your faith with the next generation of disciples. You may never receive credit for a child’s future decision to follow Christ, but sacrifices like these are the "great treasures in heaven" spoken of in Matthew 6:19-20.
Please understand that when you work with children, you are serving a protected class and taking on the responsibility of safeguarding their well-being and ensuring their safety. Volunteering as a teacher is not a burden or punishment; it is truly one of the most important ministries you can be part of. It’s also an incredible opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus and grow in your faith.
Questions
1) Should a teacher ever be alone with a student or students?
2) What is the process for reporting a fellow teacher's misconduct or for self-reporting in cases of policy violations?
3) To what extent can a church leader prevent you from reporting concerns about abuse to external authorities?
Sessions
Our Kids Kingdom program consists of five sessions each year, lasting approximately 10 to 14 weeks. As a volunteer teacher, we request that you prioritize our children during this period, even temporarily pausing any conflicting ministries like singing or ushering.
If you cannot attend a scheduled class, finding an approved substitute teacher to take your place is mandatory. Effective communication with the substitute and the Kingdom Kids Coordinators ensures a smooth transition and maintains continuity in the children's learning and growth. Your understanding and commitment to our children's ministry are appreciated; we expect you to comply with these guidelines consistently.
Questions
1) Can any church member substitute as a teacher in Kid's Kingdom?
2) are the three individuals a teacher should coordinate with when seeking a substitute for children's ministry?
3) What is the primary rationale behind making the assigned volunteer teacher responsible for finding a replacement?
4) In addition to their teaching duties, what other ministry responsibilities can a teacher or substitute teacher participate in simultaneously?
Bibles & Memory Verses
We recommend implementing a reward system to encourage class participation, and it's acceptable to reward only some students. We suggest rewarding all students who bring their Bible to class, those who remember their memory scripture, and those who show outstanding effort or improvement in the classroom.
Maintaining fairness and consistency in your approach is vital to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to earn rewards. This approach will motivate and inspire our children to participate actively in their learning and growth. Thank you for being so dedicated to our children's ministry.
Questions
1) Is assigning homework a beneficial practice for Sunday School?
2) Is it appropriate to provide rewards to students who bring their Bibles and successfully memorize their assigned verses?
Snacks
Establishing a no-food policy in the classroom is advisable, especially if it's a requirement specified in the rental agreement with the facilities. However, if you choose to allow snacking during class, please consider the following:
Remember to be mindful of allergies and avoid any food that may trigger an allergic reaction, such as nuts or other allergen-based foods. Some parents may send their children to class with breakfast or snacks, and it's helpful to establish a designated food and drink table.
To maintain a structured and organized classroom, we suggest limiting eating times to before class or during designated snack times.
Questions
1) Will you allow snacks during your class sessions? What will your snack practice be? Outline your guidance and explain?
2) How will you handle students with allergies?
3) Will you allow cell phones, video games, or outside toys in your classroom? What will you practice look like?
Costs
To ensure our ministry remains financially sustainable, we advise that you are mindful of costs and use resources economically. Preserving arts and crafting equipment with excellent care is crucial to extend their lifespan. Please keep all receipts for reimbursement purposes.
As an illustration, Salt Lake City is a small church with a limited budget of $40-$60 per session. We encourage you to plan and purchase cost-effectively to optimize available resources.
Questions
1) What are the benefits of submitting your receipts and reimbursement forms for your session?
Wrestling & Punishment
We encourage you to minimize physical contact with the children, opting for side hugs, fist bumps, and high-fives as appropriate. Positive reinforcement is an effective way to encourage good behavior and build positive relationships with children.
We strictly prohibit spanking or touching a child in frustration. In challenging situations, seek assistance from the parent or coordinator, as the safety and well-being of the children are our top priority. Kingdom Kids requires 'two-teacher integrity' with the children to ensure their safety and well-being at all times.
We also prohibit any form of wrestling or physical activity that may compromise the children's safety in the classroom. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to creating a secure and nurturing environment for our children's ministry.
Questions
1) What's the most appropriate way to welcome a child as a teacher in the children's ministry?
2) What is the appropriate way to handle and report physical contact that seems inappropriate?
3) Could you explain the appropriate method for managing bathroom breaks?
Things to Remember
While assigned to a session, your primary responsibility is to be a teacher in our children's ministry. Please decline any requests to participate in the sanctuary worship service during your session. Instead, find an approved substitute teacher and notify the coordinators if you will miss a class or cannot teach due to personal or spiritual reasons.
It's crucial to always be in the presence of another teacher when interacting with the children, maintaining 'two-teacher integrity' at all times while volunteering. Adults should avoid accompanying potty-trained children to the bathroom, as most parents will handle their needs. For non-potty-trained children, we request that teachers contact parents to change diapers outside the classroom. We expect you to be above reproach in all your interactions.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the Kingdom Kids Ministry!
"so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky"
~ Philippians 2:15 (NIV)
Questions
1) Any other questions?
SLC Kingdom Kids Handbook 2023
The button below provides a direct link to our up-to-date Kingdom Kids Handbook. While the handbook is currently being updated, its contents remain invaluable, featuring essential information including emergency procedures and reporting forms.
2024 Updates Coming Soon.