Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to come to the same service every weekend?
During One Way, children are placed in small groups with kids of the same grade and gender. Their small group leader serves at the same service every week. Attending a consistent service each weekend will help kids connect to both their leaders and their peers in ways that will assist in our work of helping them grow as disciples of Jesus.
Who are the leaders with my kids?
All of our leaders for One Way are volunteers who have gone through an extensive application process including a background check and training.
Where you do you get your curriculum?
We have used curriculum from various sources, determined for each school year as we pray and fast, determining what God is leading us to develop in the children during the following school-year.
Does your ministry offer snacks to kids? What if my child has food allergies?
We do not typically offer snacks at Children's Ministry events unless specifically indicated at check-in. The exception to this is Kid Keepers (childcare) for some special events may include a meal.
Where do kindergartners go?
Kindergarten at First Assembly falls under the umbrella of the Preschool Ministry.
Can I come to One Way if I'm a parent?
If you would like to sit in on One Way, we'd love to have you observe a service. This is a great opportunity for you to see the environment your child is in each weekend and to get to know their leader and peers. However, for your sake and theirs, we prefer that you do not observe on a consistent basis. If you are interested in observing One Way, please talk with a member of our Children's Ministry staff beforehand.
What is the Children's Ministry's discipline policy?
We believe that discipline is loving. God shows His love for His children by disciplining them for their good and holiness (Hebrews 12:7-11). We have a discipline policy in One Way for the same reasons.
We have four rules. They help everyone have the best time in One Way:
- Obey your leaders
- Keep your hands and arms to yourself
- Always pay attention
- You are special to Jesus
If there is trouble following the rules, we have three strikes that act as a means of verbal correction.
- Strike 1 - Given the first time there is a problem. It's just a warning. It's a reminder that there are rules, and the child needs to follow the rules.
- Strike 2 - Given the second time there is a problem. When a child gets strike 2, he or she is in trouble and has a talk with the Children's Ministry staff member on campus. Strike 2 conversations give our staff the opportunity to talk not only about inappropriate behavior but also what is happening in their heart.
- Strike 3 - If the child should have a problem a third time, they will get strike 3. If a child gets strike 3, the Children's Ministry staff on campus will have a talk with the child's parent or whoever brought him/her to discuss the situation and come up with a solution together.
In addition to training our kids, these rules help us maintain order and an appropriate and safe environment.
Outside of One Way parents are responsible for the discipline of their children.
How early can I check my child into One Way?
One Way check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the start of service. (For example, Kids' Village check-in for the 9 a.m. service opens at 8:45 a.m.). Children may not be dropped off until this time.
Do I have to stay until my child goes to his or her class?
Yes. All children need to stay with their parents until they have been handed over to a small group leader.
Why do you split up kids the way you do? Is there an exception for friends and family to stay in the same class even if they are in different grades?
In One Way, we divide kids into small groups by grade and gender. This allows us to focus our teaching content and style to better connect the kids both to their leader and to God. Second grade girls learn in a vastly different way than fifth grade boys, so we put them in different groups that will better address their learning styles and abilities. Additionally, putting kids in groups according to age and gender helps them connect to their peers.
For this reason, it is our preference that each child go to his or her appropriate group. Also, even if children are in different grades, they will have the opportunity to worship and learn together during the large group teaching and worship sections of One Way.
We recognize, however, that from time-to-time exceptions need to be made. There are times when we will allow a child to attend a group that is designed for a different age group. Ultimately, this will be left up to the staff on campus and the registration team.
If a child does have some trouble adjusting and wants to attend small group with an older sibling or friend, then the two children would both attend the small group for the younger of the two children.
Also, the goal is for each child to consistently attend the small group that is appropriate for his or her age and gender. Example: suppose a second grade girl comes as a guest with a fourth grade girl who typically attends One Way. If the second grade girl is distraught over the thought of attending a small group by herself, then she would be allowed to be in a small group with her friend. Both girls would attend the small group for second grade girls. If the second grade girl were to continue coming to One Way, the expectation would be that after one or two weeks, each girl would attend her appropriate small group.