Community Bible Church, Children's Ministries

Children's Ministries

Birth - Kindergarten

The Birth through Kindergarten ministry at Community has a vision to reach newborn through five-year-old children for Christ in a creative way through hands-on learning and loving relationships. We have a strong desire to come alongside parents in helping their children grow closer to God through a personal relationship with Him. By offering a safe, clean, and loving environment at 9:30 and 10:45, our trained volunteers teach kids the Bible in a way in which they can learn comfortably and effectively.

In 2 Timothy 3:15, Paul writes, "…and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." We want the hour we spend with the children on Sunday to be one of the best hours of their week. Our preschool ministry takes seriously the opportunity and responsibility to teach young children the foundations of the Gospel; we are confident that with lives built on the rock of Christ, transformed children will transform their world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I bring my child to check-in? The first time you bring your child to the nursery/preschool area you can go to the information desk located in the hallway. There will be greeters to assist you in filling out the proper sign-in cards and escort you to the room where your child will be staying. After that time you can go directly to the sign-in table located at the entrance to your child’s room and fill out your cards there.
What type of sign-in procedure is used? You will fill out a sign-in card with information regarding your child and what service you will be attending. Each card has a personal identification number. You will tear the card at the perforations and give the top portion to the volunteer in your child’s room. You will keep the bottom half with you. You will need to present the bottom half of the card in order to pick up your child from the nursery. Also, please write your child’s name and corresponding sign-in number (located on the sign in tag) on one of the white labels at the sign-in table and place it on the back of your child’s clothing.
What if I am needed during the worship time? If you are needed during the service, we will display the last 3 digits of the number located on the upper left hand of your sign-in card on the worship screen. This number will appear in the upper right corner of the screen. Please return to your child’s room promptly. We will page you if your child fusses steadily for more than 10 minutes, becomes ill or feverish, or is injured.
What are the appropriate pick-up procedures? At the end of service, you will need to present your half of the card to the volunteers in your child’s room. The numbers on the bottom half of the card must match the top before your child will be released. You MUST have your security card to pick up your child. This is for your child’s safety and security.
What personal items do I need to bring for my child? Please bring 2-3 disposable diapers, change of clothing, bottles, food, snacks, or comfort items that your child might need while in our care. Please be sure to label every item in your child’s diaper bag with his/her name.
What policy is in place if my child has been sick? We ask that you do not bring your child to the nursery if they have been ill in the past 24 hours. Please refer to the complete “Well Child Policy” located at the bottom of this page for detailed information regarding illness.
Where should I go if I need to nurse my infant? We have a nursing room located behind the information desk in the nursery/preschool hallway for your convenience. There is designated occupied/unoccupied labeling on the door so that you can feel confident that your privacy will be respected.
What are the requirements for volunteering in the nursery/preschool area? We take every precaution with our children here at Community. We have an application and screening process, including a national background check that all volunteers in our ministry must complete to be placed with a group of children. All people who work with children, regardless of their ministry, are expected to adhere to these policies.
What type of curriculum is used? Our advanced walkers and 2 yr olds have a curriculum that is tailored to their age level. A new Bible story is introduced every month. Because we know repetition is key in teaching young children, they will continue the same Bible story for the entire month with selected hands on activities. The 3 yr olds through kindergarten classes use Elevate Jr. by Creative Pastors. Elevate teaches children how to apply Bible concepts and stories to their daily lives with a fun, creative approach.

CK-123

C-123 is our Sunday morning ministry for children in the 1st through 3rd grades and whether it's a Wild West Round-Up or a Treasure Quest through the jungle, every week in C-123 is an adventure. We know children learn best in an environment that is fun and creative, so here at Community we are commited to ministering to your children in a non-traditional way. The kids spend time in a large group setting where they can be comfortable as kids with upbeat music, fun games, crazy characters, and serious Bible study. They then go to small groups where they learn with other children their age in a hands-on setting.

By building relationships with each child, the small group leaders are able to show kids the love of Christ, not just tell them about it. We hope the hour we spend with the kids on Sunday can be one of the best hours of their week. Our goal is to work with the parents in growing their children in Christ and help the kids develop a personal relationship with Him. As He transforms their hearts and lives, we are convinced He will transform their homes, their classrooms, and their world.

C-456

C-456 is designed for kids in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and is offered during the 9:30 and 10:45 worship services. Our 9:30 class is a small group time where kids can share their experiences and opinions with others their own age. This time is spent in discipleship and relationship-building. During the 10:45 service, kids can enjoy an upbeat large group time followed by small groups.

C-456 is a great place for kids to build relationships with each other and with their small group leaders. By this stage, our ministry serves not only to teach, but also to hold accountable and encourage higher levels of spiritual formation through Scripture memory and Bible study. As we come alongside the parents and teach in a way the kids can relate to, we hope to assist in Christ’s transformation of their lives. Transformed children will transform their world.

Community Preschool

Community's licensed preschool facility partners with parents to provide two-, three-, and four-year-olds with a warm, loving and caring learning environment. We provide developmentally-appropriate experiences to stimulate the love of learning and the joy of discovery as they grow socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically and spiritually. We use the Adventures in Learning state of Arkansas curriculum, which includes 40 topics of study in nine focus areas, with activities based on the Arkansas Early Childhood Education Framework Developmental Learning Strands and Benchmarks.

Registration begins March 30th for the fall semester of Community Preschool. Registration packets can be picked up then from the table in the Children's Hall and at the church office. Children must turn two before September 1 to be enrolled.

Need more information? — Download the Community Preschool Brochure.

Current & Upcoming Events

Work One, Worship One — This fall is the perfect time to get plugged in at Community. We offer two worship services so you don’t ever have to miss worship (that’s why we say “Work One, Worship One”). The Children’s Ministry has opportunities available for full-time, part-time, and substitute volunteers in many different capacities. You do not have to be a member of Community to volunteer, just a regular attendee (Note: background checks are performed on all Children’s Ministry volunteers). For more information, e-mail matt@communitychurch.com or call Matt at the church office.

Community Kids & 56 Skate Night — This Wednesday, September 30th Community Kids will be at Crystal Palace from 5:45—8:00 pm. Parents MUST sign their child in and out at the door. Cost is $5 and includes skates, drink and a piece of pizza. Roller blades and any other food are available at an extra cost.

HomeGroup Childcare — If you plan to attend a Wednesday night HomeGroup and you need childcare for a child that is younger than Kindergarten, the child must be signed up prior to that night (cost is $2 per child). Please e-mail matt@communitychurch.com or call Matt at the church office (452-9201). Children can be dropped off at 5:45 p.m.

The Influence — Sixth graders, this small group is just for you. We'll meet the second Sunday of every month, beginning Sunday, September 13, immediately following the second service in the Student Venue on the Fort Smith campus. Each time we meet, we'll have lunch, and do a service project together. For more information, email matt@communitychurch.com.

Children’s Ministry Blog — Parents, volunteers and kids, check out the Children’s Ministry blog at http://www.transformedlives.typepad.com/communitykids. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on Children’s Ministry (birth-6th grade) events. Be sure to check back each day for updates.

Please review our well baby policy before bringing your child to an event.

Need more information? — Contact Matt Whitson at matt@communitychurch.com.