Psalm 78:4, 7
4 We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders he has done . . . 7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. In NFCN Kids Ministries, we believe children are a vital part of the community of faith! Helping children fall in love with Jesus and TEACH Biblical truths to them is our top priority. Mentoring them as they grow in their understanding of God’s love and SHARE in loving relationships within the community is intentional focus.. Including them in ministry opportunities at this young age is important to their spiritual growth, so it is our passion to help them realize their part in His plan as we all EXTEND that same love to others. Partnering with parents, who are the spiritual leaders of each home, is a necessary element to these goals; so, we encourage parental involvement through ministry at church and modeling the transformed life in Christ at home.
We take a holistic approach to children’s spiritual formation giving them opportunities for worship, discipleship, evangelism, and service. The vast majority of Christians accept Christ as children. This is the most fertile mission field. We have been given a valuable trust and it is our desire to prove faithful.
Our children are called to a life of holy living that involves the transforming work of God, who cleanses and fills their hearts with compassion and love for others. As they walk out their faith, it is vital that the community of believers with whom they associate intentionally provide them with opportunities to RECIEVE, SHARE and EXTEND the truths and spirit of God.
Comfort Care Ministry
For kids needing assistance because of a developmental or physical challenge, we work with parents to understand each child’s needs and provide a great experience for their child. Our goal is to help EVERY child fully participate.
Nursery
Our commitment to reaching children with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ begins with our Nursery Department, including infants, tumblers and toddlers. During every session, children are taught from curriculum specially chosen to meet their unique developmental needs. Our purpose is to take advantage of every opportunity to plant seeds of faith through experiences in which children can know and feel God’s love.
Pre-school
Our Pre-school Department includes children ages two through Kindergarten. We believe children learn many life truths through guided play and that with intentional planning, active learning takes place. All children’s leaders are provided curriculum and materials that equip them for success and provide our children with a variety of learning experiences.
Elementary
Our weekly ministry opportunities for elementary-aged children in first through fifth grades are strategically designed with these necessary elements in mind. Physical, relational, mental and spiritual growth are all pieces of this process. We share life – we play, worship the Lord, study the Word and participate in ministry together. Through these moments, we grow in community, in our knowledge of God and in understanding of our responsibility to share this life with others.
There is room for you in NFCN Kids Ministries as a Ministry Volunteer. If you would like to join our monthly rotation schedule, we would love to have you share in this great life-changing opportunity. Providing a safe and secure environment for children, and volunteers alike, is a top priority for us at NFCN. All ministry volunteers are carefully screened and supervised, and a security process for all kid’s ministry volunteers provides parents the assurance that their child is being well cared for during our weekly ministry.
All volunteers are required to go through the following steps prior to being accepted as a ministry volunteer with minors:
1. Online application
2. Background check
3. Review of NFCN Ministry to Minors Policy Manual
4. Online video training
5. Online quiz
Age Level Training – Each age-level department provides training that equips workers in the task of leading effectively.
For questions or concerns contact Maleah Bryant at mbryant@nfcn.org or (615) 255-1289 x102.
NAZARENE SAFE MINISTRY
Your children’s safety and well-being are priorities in the NFCN Kids Ministry, as we train them in the Truths of God’s Word. We believe that prevention is the best protection and we focus our energies on intentionally addressing this need. All children are cared for by leaders and volunteer staff who are trained in our safety policies and procedures. Everyone working with children submits to a criminal background check, and all children’s leaders work in teams, never alone. We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable among us. NazareneSafe includes a five step safety system:
1. Awareness Raising
2. Staff and Volunteer Screening
3. Policies, Procedures, and Practices
4. Accountability: Monitoring and Oversight
5. Reporting and Responding
Check In/Out System – Our computerized check in system helps us track children’s arrival and pick up times and assists us with our safety system. An adult is required to check children in and out. Each family is asked to fill out an information form, which will include all children from that family. This information will be entered into our system initially and will expedite your next check in. When a child is checked in, a series of labels will be printed with the child/children’s names and any special instructions (ie. allergies). One label will go on the outside of the child’s clothing, and one will be given to the adult who will be picking up the child. This label must be presented at pick up and matched with the child’s tag at pick up time.
All children’s areas are under digital video surveillance with viewing available on monitors at Kid Central and the Elementary Check In desks.
Click HERE to review our Ministry to Minors policy manual.
Early Childhood (Nursery/Preschool)
Sunday
9:00-10:15am – Ministry in Age-Level Groups
Sunday School is an hour of relationship building with God and His word by dedicated and loving teachers. We are blessed to have a group of people who commit to teaching each week and love our precious little ones through the most formative years.
10:15-11:30am – Ministry in Worship
Worship for Nursery and Pre-Schoolers begins with their parents and friends leading small groups. Nursery classes, for children 24 months and younger, are divided by developmental stages and the children enjoy age appropriate curriculum and Cradle Choir time. For Pre-Schoolers, ages Two through Kindergarten, a variety of curriculum is used that addresses a holistic learning approach engaging the five senses. Children experience a Bible lesson enhanced with music and movement, games, snacks, and crafts. Pre-School children move through the morning beginning and ending in small age-level groups, while sandwiched in between is a large group lesson and memory verse reinforcement, music, and prayer led by our Pre-School Ministry Assistant and her team.
Wednesday
6:00-7:30pm, Ministry in Knowledge of the Word
Our Wednesday ministry team helps us focus on the opportunity to serve and share the love of Christ with others through Bible stories, crafts, snacks, and play. We regularly serve by making crafts for those in our community, such as our veterans, teachers, and local police officers. We also enjoy special seasonal events, like Pancakes & Pajama’s, Flip Flops & Fruit Fondue, Grilled Cheese & Glasses, and Slippers & S’mores. See “Events” for more information.
Elementary
Sunday
9:00-10:15am – Ministry in Age-Level Groups
Participating in small, age-level groups provides a wonderful learning environment for the children to engage in directive study of the Bible, Memorization of the Scriptures, Church History, Doctrine of our Faith, and Applicable Life Skills for Christian Living. Each classroom is led by ministry volunteers who love your children and enjoy teaching them these truths of God. They provide an excellent environment for a thriving community of young believers to bond and learn together.
Below is a list of the verses and passages that each grade level focuses on for memorization during the Sunday school hour.
1st Grade: Lord’s Prayer, John 3:16-17, Proverbs 3:5-6
2nd Grade: Galatians 5:22-23, Hebrews 11:1, Psalm 23, 10 Commandments
3rd Grade: Days of Creation, Matthew 20:25-28, Psalm 100
4th Grade: Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-12, Philippians 2:5-11, John 1:1-5, Abraham’s Lineage, 12 Tribes of Israel, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Matthew 16:24-28
5th Grade: *Catechism Year Concepts: Trinity, Bible/Holy, Sin, Salvation, Sanctification, Church, Christian Life, Sacraments, Divine Healing, Future, Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed, Statement of Faith, Articles of Faith, The Church, Covenant of Christian Character, John 1:14, Names of Godhead, Romans 12, Revelations 3:20, Genesis 1:26-28
* These concepts are found in the Catechism Booklet that your child will receive at the start of the year.
10:15-11:30am – Ministry in Worship
Dynamic and highly interactive worship happens as we begin with music lead by our worship band. This is followed by extremely engaging lessons, taught through various methods and dramatic elements. Our commitment is to teach God’s truths to kids through relevant Bible teaching, group discussion, and age-appropriate activities. As children learn God’s truths, we discuss and role-play their application in our modern-day lives.
Wednesday
6:00-7:30pm, Ministry in Knowledge of the Word
Kids Praise, our elementary choir, begins practice at 6pm. This is followed by studying the Bible through fun and intriguing opportunities, which keeps our children focused on hiding God’s Truths in their hearts. After worship with music and study of the Word, children enjoy a fun and energetic time playing games in our gymnasium or outside with their friends. We gather back together for a recap of the evening’s lesson in a small-group setting, so we can declare ways we will allow God’s Truths to impact our lives.
We offer a variety of opportunities for you and your family to participate in the life of the church community throughout the year.
– Baby Day: A celebration of our youngest attenders, aged birth through 24 months, during the Sunday morning service. All babies and their families receive a special gift. This happens every year on the first Sunday of May.
– Eggstravaganza @ East Park: Join us at East Park as we extend Christ to the East Nashville community through this free community-wide event. It all happens on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. Enjoy the games, food and a great egg hunt with over 20,000 eggs and prizes!
– Back to School Bash: Every August, we celebrate the start of the new school year with pizza, water fun, and inflatables!
– Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat: Are you looking for a Christian alternative to Halloween? Come on out and join the fun with the East Nashville and First Church Community! Loads of fun and tons of candy!
– Harvest Celebration & Chili Cook-Off: You will find something for the whole family when we meet at an NFCN family’s farm and enjoy fun and fellowship together!
– Christmas Musical: Each year all ages celebrate the reason for the season through special music presentations. Check the children’s calendar below for more details.
– Quarterly themed events: We host fun themed nights in the Preschool and Elementary areas on a Wednesday night once a quarter.
– VBS (Vacation Bible School) Ages 3-5th grade. A fun-filled week of activities including, games, crafts, snacks, music, and a free T-shirt. For more information on VBS, click here.
See Calendar for specific information on events listed above.
