The Church Council unanimously endorsed the following principles for children’s ministry, that were developed by the Children’s Ministry Task Group working with Rev. Gina Campbell. Members of the group included: Martha Mizroch, Shelley Rundell, Anita Seline and Peggy Stone.

Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church believes that the spiritual maturity and completeness of a church occurs when a congregation includes children as an integral and vital part of the church family. We see Jesus embracing children in this way. According to Mark, “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:14-16

 

We believe:

  • That children have a connection to and a personal relationship with God and experience God’s grace.
  • That children need the stories of the Bible, the witness of Jesus, and the lessons of the New Testament to reflect on the meaning of God’s work in their own lives, express their faith, and enrich their values.
  • That children express their faith through art, drama, music, play, movement, and prayer.
  • That children bring to a worshiping community precious gifts of wonder, joy, and openness.
  • That children appreciate our church as a sacred place where they deepen their spiritual awareness and quietly connect to God.
  • That Metropolitan Memorial can provide a warm, safe, and inviting place for children, where they feel God’s presence and the community’s love.
  • These principles offer our congregation a path to develop and sustain a ministry with children that bears witness to faithfulness, mutuality, and care.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY PRINCIPLES