Teaching children to passionately love God, His Word and all people, and training them to become leaders who will impact and change the world for God.

Parents, before any other institution, are responsible for the spiritual nurturing of their children. Our goal is to partner with parents in providing a solid spiritual foundation upon which to train up the children in the ways of God.  To supplement the ongoing nurturing, training, and education provided by parents, we see value in the following:

• Teach major narratives, themes, and the central message of the Bible.
• Apply scriptural teachings to everyday situations children face.
• Teach about the three unique persons of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• Foster an environment of worship and prayer
• Cultivate the fruits and gifts of the Spirit in those who have accepted Christ as their Savior.
• Help children memorize key Bible verses.
• Instill a respect for the God-given authorities in their lives.
• See godly friendships form and a respect for others nurtured.
• Help children understand the Gospel and how to share it with unchurched friends.
• Provide a creative, safe, and fun environment in which children are loved, accepted and acknowledged as beloved children of God.

Southlands’ mission is to be a Gospel-centered, Spirit-empowered community on mission and we believe our children have a significant role to play within our mission.

Our children are very valuable to us, and it is our highest priority to ensure their well-being and security. To ensure your child’s safety, children will ONLY be released to the pre-assigned parent/care giver.

All children attend worship with their families in our main gathering on the 1st Sunday of the month. After worship they are dismissed to their age-appropriate classes. On all other Sundays the children go directly to their classes:

• 6-17 months
• 18 months- 2 years
• 3 years
• 4-5 years (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
• 1st and 2nd grade
• 3rd and 4th grade
• 5th and 6th grade

Elementary school children gather for worship and a mini-sermon that coincides with the sermon series presented to adults. Following time together as a group, children break into classrooms for a lesson/activity taught by trained teachers. Preschool and kindergarten aged children have structured play time, music, and a bible lesson or activity.

These simple guidelines help keep Children’s Ministry a safe and secure environment for each child:

• All children must be checked in prior to the start of service: Check-in desk located at the bottom of the stairs. To register your child in our database please email Shannon Baker.
• Please place the printed out name tag on your child and keep the security tag for yourself. Should your child need you, the security code will be shown on the big screens in the Studio.
• For the protection of all children, please do not bring your child to class if they exhibit any of the following:
  • Fever in the last 24 hours
  • Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours
  • Any unexplained rash
  • Cloudy or green runny nose
  • Persistent cough
  • Symptoms of common childhood illnesses: chicken pox, strep throat, pinkeye, etc.

Are you interested in serving in Children’s Ministry? Click here to complete the application. All volunteers must apply, provide references and undergo a background check.

Access Ministry

 It is our desire for Southlands Church to be welcoming and accessible for all people. We believe everyone is a child of God and our goal is to identify and break down any barriers that keep people with disabilities and their families from being able to fully participate in this church body.

What is Access Ministry? Access Ministry is a buddy system within our Children’s Ministry for the kids in our church with a variety of abilities. It is our goal to keep the kids in Access Ministry as involved with their age group as possible, while keeping them safe and teaching them about God. All volunteers are trained in how to work with a variety of disabilities and behaviors and there is a special sensory classroom for the kids that need it. A buddy helps ensure kids are safe, have fun, and learn about God, regardless of ability levels. You can access the Parent Questionnaire to set your child up with a buddy or the Volunteer Application if you would like to volunteer. Please feel free to contact Emma Leever with any questions.

Phone: 610-750-2585

Email: emma.c.leever@biola.edu