Children's Ministry at First Baptist Church

"Connecting God to the Life of a Child" 

First Baptist of Rutherfordton understands the importance of connecting spiritual truths in the everyday living of children beginning at birth.  As each child is precious in God's eyes, so are the children to every preschool and children's teacher and leader at First Baptist Church.  Our church provides a wide variety of opportunities for children from birth to their teenage years.

Bible Study Opportunities for Preschoolers and Children

  • Age-Graded Bible Study  Sunday mornings from 9:45 -10:45 a.m.   There are classes for children Birth-age 2, Age 3-4, Age 5, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-5.  Teachers plan age-appropriate fun and meaningful Bible study each week to help them understand their place in God's world and to help lead them in a relationship with God through the teaching of Bible stories.
  • Age-Graded Discipleship Training Classes   Designated Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Classes are offered for preschoolers and children when the Adults classes are in session.  The classes are for age 3-5, Grades 1-2, and Grades 3-5.  A nursery is provided for children age 2 and under.  Preschoolers meet with Theo the puppet for more Bible study focus.  Crafts, games and snacks which support the Bible truth taught for the evening are provided.  Grades 1-2 are learning about various religious celebrations and holidays that are observed throughout the year.  Fun games and activities are planned each session.  Grades 3-5 meet for Bible Drill.  Children learn where to find the various books of the Bible and particular scripture passages.  They memorize scripture and play fun Bible games.
  • Children's Mission Groups  Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:15 p.m.  Available from September to early May.  An important part of the Christian life is to be able to share the love of God with others.  Children learn early how they can be a witness of God's love and care.  They study missionaries around the world and see how God is working through their lives.  The children also learn what they can do to be God's light to the world through mission projects.  We provide the following mission opportunities: Younger Mission Friends (ages 2-4), Older Mission Friends (ages 4-5), Girls in Action (Grade 1-5 girls), Royal Ambassadors (Grade 1-5 boys).

Music Opportunities for Preschoolers and Children

  • Wee Ones Choir  Wednesday evenings (September-May) 5:30-6:00 p.m. for ages 3-4.  This important choir introduces the preschooler to the joy of music through movement and singing games. 
  • Cherub Choir  Wednesday evenings (September-May) 5:30-6:05 p.m. for Kindergarteners and First Graders.  The goal of this choir is to offer age-appropriate activities that develop or foster msuic skills and concepts, music literacy, enjoyment of music, self-esteem and spiritual development.  This is accomplished through singing, playing instruments, movement, and learning about Christian worship and the songs of our faith.
  • Young Musicians  Wednesday evenings (September-May) 5:30-6:10 p.m. for Grades 2-5.  Children will learn to be worship leaders and develop a greater understanding of the role of music in the worship service.  They will study hymns, improve singing and music reading skills, be exposed to many different instruments including Orff instruments, rhythm instruments, Boom Whackers, and digital instruments.  Children in this choir will be given the opportunity to attend a one-day Children's Choir Festival in High Point, NC, each year.

Outreach Opportunities for Preschoolers and Children

  • Tutoring Ministry  Wednesday afternoons (September-May) from 3:00-4:00 p.m.  This ministry at present is being offered by trained and certified tutors from our church for struggling students at Harris Elementary.   The location for tutoring varies each year.

Summer Opportunities for Preschoolers and Children

  • Vacation Bible School   Ages 3-12.  We are one of the very few churches who still do VBS in the mornings.  Children from all over the county come to participate at this time of the day when children and teachers are fresh.  Please call the church office to register early or fill out the registration form online and email it to beth@firstbaptistrutherfordton.com.
  • Super-Kool Summer Activities for Kids  These activities are planned outings of fun!  On Tuesdays, we will take Preschoolers on age appropriate outings.  On Thursdays, we have some great places to take grade schoolers.  Places and times have yet to be established, but if you are interested, please call the church office to have your name put on our Children's Ministry mailing list.  A booklet of information will be sent to you sometime in May.
  • RA and GA Summer Camps For grades 3-5.  These fun-filled weeks during the summer allow children to experience the great outdoors while learning much about missions around the world.  RA camp is for boys and is held at Camp Caraway in Asheboro, NC. It is sponsored by Baptist Men of the Baptist State Convention of NC.  GA camp is for girls and is held at Camp Mundo Vista just down the road from Camp Caraway. It is sponsored by Women's Missionary Union and Baptist State Convention of NC.  If enough interest is garnered, we find a week that best suits and will deliver the children to camp. 

Other Opportunities

Throughout the year First Baptist also plans seasonal activities for our preschoolers and children such as an Easter Egg Hunt, Jesus' Birthday Party, and Costume Contest in late October.

Note:  All of the activities that we provide for preschoolers and children on Wednesday evenings are called, "m & m's" (Music and Missions).  We have a yearbook that is mailed out at the beginning of each year with a calendar of dates, description of classes, and all other information you need to know.  To receive one of these, come by the church office or call the church office to have one mailed to you.