Children's Ministry

Contact Rev. Deborah Cochran for all questions related to children programming ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202.387.2206 ext. 240).

The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.

Goals for Ministry to Children

Children can know and love God.

Our every event, activity and lesson should have the purpose of enabling a child to know God. It is not enough to teach about God. We must nurture the beginning of a life long, loving relationship which will be able to mature with the growth of the child through the teen years into adulthood.

Children can be loving with each other.

God loves us and expects us to love one another. Each child will be encouraged, guided and learn the skills needed to relate to God and others in a kind and loving manner. A relationship with God evidences love for others. Even a child is klnown by his/her actions, Proverbs 20:11. Children learn by our example.

Children can talk to God in prayer.

To enable a child to develop a relationship with God they must be able to pray. There are many forms and styles, and each child should be encouraged to find a way that is meaningful for their development of their relationship with God.

Children can listen to hear God's voice.

Through Bible stories of those like Samuel, David, Daniel and Jesus children can understand that God speaks to His people. Listening activities and songs can reinforce the practice of listening skills.

Children can know about forgiveness.

Children can know Bible stories of God's forgiveness. They can learn appropriate verses and say "I'm sorry" or "Your forgiven" to others. In time they can learn to say "I'm sorry" to God and experience His grace.

Children can attend worship with good behavior.

If children are well rested, not hungry and are comfortably dressed, they can be expected to be aware and focused during the worship service. Children can stand for hymns and the Call to Worship, bow for prayer, follow events in the Order of Service, hold the Bible during scripture readings, put offering in the plate and pass it. Children in Kindergarten through Fifth grade can go out with the Associate Pastor for Children's Church.

Children can participate in worship.

Children can learn to sing the Gloria Patri and Doxology and can say the Lord's Prayer. They can participate and lead in the activities of Children's Church such as pronouncing the benediction. Children when ready can light the candles on the altar (as Acolytes) and sing in the Children's Choir.

Children can worship God with songs and praise.

Children can sing songs and praise God with recorded music or on their own. They can sing to express love and gratitude to God. They can use instruments as an added activity. Children can also sing songs of Bible stories to reinforce the learning of God's word. Singing and praising can occur anytime, anywhere as children know God is listening. Children can sing in the First Baptist Children's Choir and praise God in worship.

Children can learn the books of the Bible and how to find books, chapters and verses.

Children begin by learning that the Bible is a special book from God. It has two parts, Old and New Testaments. Stories and verses come from the Bible and children can learn how and where to find book, chapter and verse. Bible skills are critical for knowing God's word and doing His will.

Children can memorize Bible verses.

Age appropriate Bible verses can be remembered by children to give courage, comfort and guidance. Knowing God's word strengthens the relationship between the child and God.

Children can know Bible stories and tell them to others.

Selected, age appropriate Bible stories can be learned for the purpose of sharing them with others. Children can tell the story as the Bible character or as themselves, using props to illustrate. Often children have favorite stories that have great meaning to them.

Children can act out Bible stories in plays.

Children of all ages can participate in dramatic expression of Bible stories. By "doing" children reinforce what they know of the Bible story and can then reflect on God's action. Bible times costumes add to the drama and the fun. With dramatic expression children can 'play' at being part of the story.

Children can learn to give an offering.

Children can begin by learning to identify an offering plate or basket as a place to put a tangible offering. They can learn the stories and Bible verses that encourage giving to God, who gives so much to us. Children can learn to give as an expression of their love for God and can give a drawing, a written prayer, money or service to others. Older children can learn to organize a fund raising project.

 Children can reach out to others (Missions).

It is important to teach our children about missions because the Lord Jesus commanded each follower to "Go, therefore and make disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all that I have commanded." Children can learn that God's love is for everyone and can tell others that ,"God loves you." Children can learn that they can share the message of God's love with children and adults. They can tell others of God's love and grace through helping ministries, a card or letter, or through musical presentations.

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Children's Church

Children of kindergarten age through fifth grade are invited to attend 11 am worship with their families. During the service, children are led out of the sanctuary with Rev. Cochran, Associate Pastor, for a meaningful time of learning and fellowship. Children’s Church is designed to equip children with the skills necessary for a strong relationship with God. An emphasis is placed on teaching children bible stories and the importance of prayer. We also make time for questions from the children and work together to discover answers. Children return to the sanctuary before the end of service, in order to continue their worship experience with their families.

Young Children's Worship (Ages 1-5)

During the 11 am worship hour, children (ages 1-5) are introduced to worship in their own room. The children sing songs, play instruments to praise God and express gratitude for family, food and home. They also learn that the Bible is a special book that teaches us about God’s love. Because children are growing physically there needs to be time for active learning of spiritual truth and because they can grow spiritually there also needs to be time for quiet moments spent with God.

Acolytes: Children Serving God in the Church

Acolyte- a Greek word for helper, attendant; Today it is used for one who serves. We welcome children to serve as acolytes on Sunday mornings. They are provided a robe to wear while lighting the candles at the start of worship. The long black piece of the robe is called a cassock and the white top with sleeves is called the cotta. The robes are a signal that something special is happening.

Bringing in the light is an act of worship and signals to the people that the worship service has begun. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Then in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus said, “Let your light shine before the people…that they may see your good work, and glorify your father who is in heaven.” Therefore, it is appropriate, as early Christians did, to use candles to symbolize the light both of Christ and his followers.

Children's Choir

The Children’s Choir meets on Sunday mornings from 10:20am to 10:45am and all children are invited to come and sing. The choir sings during worship several times during the year.

Directors:
Becky Ellison and Lee Ellen Carter

The Children's Library

We welcome children to visit this special space that is designed for their enrichment.  It is a comfortable and colorful place to relax with a book or hear a story. The books on the shelves are set up by color and number so that the children can check out books and help take care of the library. There are board books for preschoolers and chapter books for the older children. There are books about animals, Bible people and children of our time. Some of the books have been placed in the library in honor or memory of friends at FBC and have a special sticker in the front to let us know who they are.

Playing in the Gym

We have a wonderful place for our children to run and play after worship. It is a great big space on the sub basement level that can be reached by stairs or elevator just off of the 17th and O Streets lobby. When using the elevator push button SB.

We want our children to be safe while they play so please, parents:

• do not leave your children unattended.
• have your children wear their shoes at all times.
• do not allow children to eat while playing. Stop for a snack before playtime.

Our Child Development Center has lots of toys in the gym for use by preschool children. For children who are in kindergarten through first grade there are scooters to ride, basketballs to bounce and really big frisbees to throw, as well as some other things to do like jump rope and walk a small balance beam. When requested, we can make sure to get them out of the closet for you.