Please note that all Ministry activities are held at the Cathedral in Montclair, NJ unless specifically noted otherwise.

Children's Ministry

We at Christ Church believe that it is never too early to learn about and experience God's love. It is with this in mind that we have created a Christ-centered environment for all children newborn through the sixth grade.


Children's Ministry Goals

• To ensure that all children in the Ministry meet and walk with Christ as well as receive instruction in biblical principles of righteous and victorious living.
• To develop and expand the Ministry to incorporate innovative and creative methods of presenting the gospel message, teaching doctrinal concepts, and applying Christian principles to daily life.
• To build the Ministry through the development of outreach programs and special activities designed for children and families, and increase the participation of members of the congregation through active recruitment of gifted and committed volunteers.

OUR BELIEFS

• We believe that all Scripture both Old and New Testaments was given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
• We believe in the one true God who has revealed Himself as existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; distinguishable but indivisible (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:21-22).
• We believe in the salvation of sinners by grace, through repentance and faith in the perfect and sufficient work of the cross of Calvary by which we obtain remission of sins (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 9-12; Romans 5:11).
• Children should be exposed to the love of Christ, the Word of God and principles of good character as early as possible (Luke 18:15-16).
• Children can receive Christ and be born again into the Kingdom of God, thereby having their whole lives to love and serve the Lord (Matthew 18:5-6; 19:14).
• Parents are called to instruct their children at home in the Word of God and righteous living (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

If you have any questions pertaining to the services we provide to children please contact the Children's Ministry Director's Office at 973-783-1010 ext. 227

Children's Ministry FAQs

Who makes up the Children's Ministry?
The Children's Ministry staff is made up of committed volunteers who have been members of Christ Church for six months or more.

All Children's Ministry staff members, both paid and volunteer, are required to undergo a comprehensive background check, which includes national and state criminal searches, reference checks & personal interviews.

All Children's Ministry Staff are required to attend quarterly training and are evaluated for their effectiveness.

What is our purpose?
The purpose of the Children's Ministry is expressed in the word DISCIPLE:

Development: The ministry seeks to develop children into committed, spirit-led DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, who will carry on the work of the Church into the 21st Century.

Instruction: Biblically instruct children, ages 11 (sixth grade) and under, in developing a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.

Salvation: Encourage the salvation of children and their families through prayer and the presentation of the gospel in ways they can understand.

Character: Children are taught the qualities of Christ-like character and are expected to exemplify them in their homes, in the church and in their community.

Inspiration: Inspire children with the gospel of Christ in a way that will nurture each child's God-given talents and foster a joyful expression of their spiritual gifts.

Partnership: Partner with parents/guardians to equip children with skills they will be able to use and contribute to the society around them.

Leadership: Prepare children to become the future leaders who will impact the Church and the world for Jesus Christ.

Evangelism: The Ministry seeks to fulfill its part of the Great Commission by reaching out to un-churched children and their families.

How do we achieve our purpose?
The children are grouped into specific age groups: Newborns to 2 year olds, 3 to 4 year olds, 5 to 6 year olds and 7 to 11 year olds. Through

the use of high quality Bible-based curriculums, each age group learns the same Bible principles each week at an age appropriate level.

We focus on how children learn and not how we want to teach by utilizing many different mediums to make Bible concepts understandable. Music, dance, drama, puppetry, arts and crafts, games, and multi-media are used to enhance lesson themes and topic discussions.

How often do we meet?
Children's Ministry services run in conjunction with Christ Church's adult weekend services and on Wednesday's during midweek services.

Saturday service time: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday service times: 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday service time: 7:30 p.m.

The special needs ministry, Bridges of Faith, which is designed for children who require exclusive attention, meets every Sunday during the 1:30 p.m. service.

How often are the rooms maintained?

• Each of the rooms is thoroughly cleaned twice a week.
• Rooms are examined weekly to reduce safety risks.
• Once a month, supplies in each of the rooms are replenished.

What do I have to do in order for my child to participate in the Children's Ministry?

1.       Attend one of our quarterly parent orientations.

2.       Fill out a registration form for your child.

3.       Provide us with pertinent information regarding food allergies, health conditions or restrictions.

What happens in the case of an emergency?

Children's Ministry Service Coordinators are assigned at each of our services and are outfitted with radio headsets which enable them to contact Ushers, Security, the First Response Team and Pastors.

First Aid Kits are available in all classrooms.

Medical personnel are on call at all services.

There is a numeric parent paging system in the sanctuary and in the overflow rooms.

What is my responsibility as a Parent/Guardian?
As a parent/guardian you are responsible for making sure that your child is registered and that you inform our office of any name and address changes. Also, you must learn your child's assigned ID number (it will be listed on the weekly attendance sheets).

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to serve as a parental assistant at least 4 times a year during our children's church services. Parental assistants will not teach or lead a class but will be on hand to assist the assigned teacher in the facilitation of the class.

How can I join the Children's Ministry Staff?

• Be a member of Christ Church for at least (6) months.
• Fill out an application form.
• A reference and criminal background check is required.
• Attend Training and Orientation.