RAISING FUTURE WORLD CHANGERS
At The Gate, our children are among our top priorities. Our Leadership Team actively seeks the Holy Spirit for fresh vision regarding our Children’s Ministry. Our desire is to completely reform the way we do “kids church”. We believe we are raising the next generation of Reformers and our heart, is for everything about this Ministry to reflect our commitment to that goal. We want to love and lead your children into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Our Team is committed to creating an environment for your child to experience the nearness of God and the power of His love, so that they can grow confidently in who God has created them to be.
CHECK-IN process
Check-in is open from 9:30AM - 10:00AM, and immediately after worship for 10 minutes. Once your details have been saved in our system you are able to use our Church App or one of the iPads at the check-in station to check in by using the number you gave when you first registered your child.
An ID sticker will be issued to you, along with a name sticker for each of your children. You will need to secure the sticker to your child’s top (for younger children we suggest placing it on their backs to stop them from removing it). Please keep your ID sticker somewhere safe. In the event your child needs you during the service, your ID number will appear on the screen in the sanctuary. We ask that you attend to your child as soon as possible.
Each classroom is staffed with one teacher and one assistant. Our Children’s Ministry is growing so rapidly that we must adhere to a strict teacher-to-child ratio. When a room is full the check-in system will automatically close the classroom. To make sure that your child has a place in the class please do your best to arrive on time and check-in your children promptly.
6 MONTHS - 6 YEARS
Classrooms for children aged 6 months - 6 years open at 9:45AM.
In our younger children’s program you will find a wide variety of toys that spark imagination and encourage teamwork. Our classrooms are set-up in a structured way that helps to clearly define a play area and a learning area. This allows both kids and teachers to interact with each other without chaos or confusion and it helps to keep the children attentive and engaged. We diffuse essential oils in all of our classrooms - this helps to combat germs and helps to create a calm atmosphere.
Please be sure to label all of your child’s items with their name. Also, please make the teacher aware of any special needs or dietary restrictions as we do provide a snack during class. You are welcome to pack a snack for your child but please be aware that we do not allow any nuts or nut-products in the classrooms. During the service classes are allocated time on the playground outside. During cooler months please be sure to pack a coat or jacket for your child.
For the protection of all our children and teachers, children exhibiting the following symptoms within 24 hours of Church time should be kept with their parents: runny nose (colored mucus), fever, vomiting, persistent cough, diarrhea, head lice or any other signs of illness.
7 - 11 YEARS
Children 7 years old and above are invited to worship with the adults in the sanctuary. While we encourage children to participate in worship, parents will need to supervise their children during this time. After worship this age group is released to class. There will usually be an announcement at the end of worship and one of the teachers will be waiting at the front of the sanctuary near the right-hand side exit. If your child is new you are welcome to escort them to class.
The teachers for this class focus on creating an energetic and authentic atmosphere for our kids to encounter Jesus and experience Him in a real and radical way.
Also, please ensure that your child informs his/her teacher of any food allergies or restrictions as we do provide a snack during class.