Kid Life in a
Family Integrated Church
People will often ask, "What programs do you have for young people?" This is always a fun question to answer because the response is quite different than what you may get in many other churches.
1. Worship - Our number one ministry for children is our Sunday worship service. Visitors can't help but notice that our congregation is filled with young people who are actively participating in and being ministered to during the worship.
Indeed, we believe that there is no better way to minister to children than in the context of corporate worship. That is why our worship not only includes them, but seeks to minister directly to them through the preaching of the Word of God.
2. Family - Integrated Activities - Scripture says, "He who walks with the wise, becomes wise." To that tend, we seek to provide activities that integrate all members of the family. During the year we arrange activities, such as our "Family Fun Days" and annual church camping trip. Many of our Bible studies will also include children. Through this broad fellowship we believe that true discipleship happens for our youth.
3. The National Bible Bee - For several years Hopewell has hosted the national Scripture memorization program for our young people. This program includes over 80+ children each year from different parts of north central Ohio. Study groups are held throughout the summer so that they can review and challenge each other on the material learned at home.
1. Worship - Our number one ministry for children is our Sunday worship service. Visitors can't help but notice that our congregation is filled with young people who are actively participating in and being ministered to during the worship.
Indeed, we believe that there is no better way to minister to children than in the context of corporate worship. That is why our worship not only includes them, but seeks to minister directly to them through the preaching of the Word of God.
2. Family - Integrated Activities - Scripture says, "He who walks with the wise, becomes wise." To that tend, we seek to provide activities that integrate all members of the family. During the year we arrange activities, such as our "Family Fun Days" and annual church camping trip. Many of our Bible studies will also include children. Through this broad fellowship we believe that true discipleship happens for our youth.
3. The National Bible Bee - For several years Hopewell has hosted the national Scripture memorization program for our young people. This program includes over 80+ children each year from different parts of north central Ohio. Study groups are held throughout the summer so that they can review and challenge each other on the material learned at home.
The National Bible Bee has not only been a stellar program for the spiritual growth of our young people, it has been a profound ministry for creating immense relationships between them.
4. Friendship & Fellowship - Remember what was said earlier about "not being a program-oriented church." This is where you see it the most. The children of Hopewell interact and engage with one another in many wonderful, organic ways. There's no doubt that a mass game of ping-pong, or Frisbee will occur after worship. Or some large group of young people will spontaneously create a circle for some sort of interactive game that will last well into the afternoon. Or it may be that families take outings together to conferences, seminars, and field trip attractions.
One thing is certain: our families are dedicated to being in fellowship with one another. Thus, the children of the church find themselves creating deep bonds in Christ and with one another.
4. Friendship & Fellowship - Remember what was said earlier about "not being a program-oriented church." This is where you see it the most. The children of Hopewell interact and engage with one another in many wonderful, organic ways. There's no doubt that a mass game of ping-pong, or Frisbee will occur after worship. Or some large group of young people will spontaneously create a circle for some sort of interactive game that will last well into the afternoon. Or it may be that families take outings together to conferences, seminars, and field trip attractions.
One thing is certain: our families are dedicated to being in fellowship with one another. Thus, the children of the church find themselves creating deep bonds in Christ and with one another.
Come & See!
There's only one real way to really grasp what our children's ministry really looks like. It's by taking a few Sundays to visit and witness it for yourself.
Or, even if you don't want to make Hopewell your church home, we'd love to have you participate in our activities (the Bible Bee, homeschool activities, family fun days). We believe that the Lord blesses whole households and has chosen to work in and through families in a unique and special way. We don't doubt that you'll witness the great generational blessings that the Lord promises. |
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