Our Mission
Children’s Ministries exist in our churches throughout the Pennsylvania Conference with the mission of leading children to the knowledge of God’s love for them. Our desire is that children are positively overwhelmed with the awesomeness of God’s love and that they are compelled by the Holy Spirit to wisely surrender their hearts, souls, and minds to Jesus while they are still young.
Children’s Ministries programs, when consistently, properly, and faithfully administered, are the hub of church life for families with children. Many parents make decisions about whether or where to attend church based on the programs that are offered for children. Children who take part in programming specifically for children (such as Adventurers, Pathfinders, Sabbath School, Vacation Bible Xperience, and Kids’ Clubs) and who serve in the church, both up front and behind the scenes, are more likely to become and remain active adult church leaders.
Pennsylvania Conference Children’s Ministries’ goal is to provide information and instruction that will equip church members to train children to be disciples of Jesus who will in turn make disciples of their friends and family.
Research from Barna Group shows that the moral foundations of a person are generally in place by age nine. Children find meaning and value and make a personal response to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus by age eighteen – with the majority making this decision by the age of 12. Jesus Himself was about His Father’s business by age 12. Further, research shows that most people make up their minds about spiritual matters by age 13. After 13, the focus shifts to confirm their existing beliefs rather than forming new ones. It is vital that we connect our children with our Savior while they are still young and as we see the signs of Jesus’ second coming approaching.
Training
Vacation Bible School Training
Join Brad Forbes, President of AdventSource, for a look at the new Fiercely Faithful Vacation Bible School materials. You’ll discover that no matter what size your church, this VBS program will work for you!
Resources
After winning the greatest Biology contest in Latin America, promoted by Dr. Will, renowned scientist and paleontologist, the students Evie and Liz set off to Galapagos islands. An exotic paradise, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, that makes for the perfect setting for a great adventure.
New series of Adventist Education! Adventures in Galapagos, an unprecedented production to see #creationism in practice in a way you have never seen! Board with Dr. Will, Evie, Liz, and Max on this incredible journey.
What episode one here.
Are you looking for wholesome family-friendly films, shows and documentaries?
With over 1000 on-demand titles, Adventist Review TV has something for everyone. The best part – it’s Free!
- High-quality illustrations
- Bible-based questions with an answer key in each lesson
- Fun puzzles and activities
Kids everywhere have followed the adventures of Tucker Barnes in the pages of Guide magain. Tucker’s escapades have gotten him into hot water, but they’ve also taught him important lessons. Along the way, kids have learned about:
- Telling the truth
- Prayer
- Helping others
- The Sabbath
- The Ten Commandments
- Making wise choices
- And much more!
All ten adventures have been produced in small cartoon-style booklets. Learn more or order sets for your children here.
Check out this new book from Adventist Book Center! “My Sister Has Super Powers” spotlights autism in the family A little brother shares a view of everyday life with a big sister who has autism in this touching, beautifully-illustrated hardback children’s book.
Activity Outpost is a gift from a team of volunteers who love kids and their families. Most of their contributors are volunteer staff in clubs for kids, either Adventurers or Pathfinders. Others are young adults who have grown up in these same clubs, while still more are young people who just want to do something for kids.
Sponsored by the Upper Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the site features activities, videos, games, crafts, recipes, tips for parents and teachers, and much more.
Follow the Pro-Active Kids in an amazing adventure as they introduce to you great ideas to Say No to Drugs!
Learn fun songs about living healthy habits, accepting yourself, and reaching out to help others that will fortify you against the drug trap.
Produced by Chapel Records and Pacific Press Publishing, you can borrow the DVD from the Pennsylvania Conference office for your VBX or Sabbath School program. Just email us and share the dates you’ll need to use it and we’ll send it to you.
Want a natural and comfortable way to talk to your kids about pornography? This newly revised edition of the original bestseller makes that daunting discussion easy! Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a read-aloud story about a mom and dad who explain what pornography is, why it’s dangerous, and how to reject it.
Featuring easy-to-understand science and simple analogies, this internationally-acclaimed book engages young kids to porn-proof their own brains.
With Good Pictures Bad Pictures, your child will never be caught off guard by disturbing videos or peer pressure! The 5-point CAN DO Plan™ teaches kids exactly what to do to protect their young minds when they see pornography.
Volunteer Screening
The Pennsylvania Conference is committed to Children’s Ministries and the protection of children in all aspects of ministry in churches and schools.
To fulfill the required background check to work with children in the state of Pennsylvania, please complete these forms.
For compliance with all of the Child Protection requirements of the state of Pennsylvania, please see the following website:
Safeguarding Children—Church should be a safe place to bring our children. Everyone involved with children who are minors must meet all Church and state legal standards and requirements, before they are cleared to volunteer with our kids. In order to safeguard our children, churches are encouraged to adopt policies that would provide a measure of safety and protection for children. Such policies should include the following:
a. Two-Adult Policy—Have two adults present in children’s classrooms or activities.
b. Open Door—Discourage private or one-on-one contact and encourage an open-door policy in all situations. Where an open door is not possible, a second adult should be present at all times.
c. Volunteer Screening—Complete all state mandated volunteer background clearances, before a volunteer is cleared to work with kids.
d. Six-Month Policy—Require a waiting period of six months for newly baptized or transferring members who have indicated a willingness to work with children.
e. Training—Provide regular training for teachers and volunteers to help them understand and protect children and how to nurture their faith.
Local church leaders should consult with the conference in order to ascertain conference procedures and requirements, including local legal requirements for individuals working with children.
Additional resources are available from Adventist Risk Management at www.adventistrisk.org.
Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, 18th Edition, pages 168-169