Shoots
Roots
&
children's
ministry
Shoots & Roots
exists to teach
our children how to become rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ, and to bear fruit.
Our classes are structured to engage children from the ages of 1 to 12. Using a stories from the Bible, we seek to increase their biblical knowledge while showing how every lesson points to the Lord Jesus.
The typical class format starts with:
1. Prayer
2. Highlights/Lowlights discussion
3. Reciting the books of the Bible
4. Bible Lesson
5. Activity with snack
Such an important ministry leans on committed volunteers to achieve the goal of helping the children to become rooted and grounded. Here are some roles that help to fulfill the vision:
Cultivators - teachers of 1st-5th grade
Nurseryman - teachers of pre-K and K
Green Fingers - assist the cultivators
Propagators - wiggly worm worship
Gatherers - gather supplies for classes
Shoots&Roots FAQ
What does CCV do to protect the safety of my child? 1. All children must be checked in and out using the sign-in sheet . After your child is checked-in, labels will be assigned to the child detailing allergies. 2. No child is permitted to leave the classroom until their parent/guardian has signed them out. Siblings of youth age will not be permitted to sign your child out for the protection of the child and to decrease liability for the church. 3. Children will be escorted to the bathroom by Shoots and Roots volunteers. Volunteers will ensure the restroom is vacant. Volunteers will not enter the stalls with your child but will wait outside the door with it partially opened. If a child needs special help, the parent/guardian will be called to assist with their restroom needs. 4. At all times there will be at least two adult volunteers in the classroom with the children.
What does Shoots and Roots discipline look like? 1. Shoots and Roots uses an action-based disciplinary plan with biblical methods of discipline. If the non-negotiables occur (see below), then the volunteer will refer to the offense system. 2. First offense: The child will be instructed about how the offense is affecting everyone's attention on God. The child will then be asked to refrain from disruptive actions and be quick to listen (James1:19). 3. Second offense: The child will be asked to change seats to and exhibit self-control (1Corinthians14:40). 4. Third offense: The volunteer will contact the Shoots and Roots director to discuss the behavior issue with the child and determine the best course of action. Typical resolutions are to (a) return child to the classroom after a brief talk and prayer, (b) have the child sit with the director in the classroom for the duration, or (c) contact the child's parent/guardian. Regardless of the discipline, the parents will be notified at sign-out of their child's behavior. 5. Any action that is deemed dangerous to anyone in the class, including the child his/herself, will be treated immediately as a third offense. 6. If a child's behavior is habitually disruptive, the Shoots and Roots director will seek to work with the parent/guardian on an individual plan of action. Remedial actions may include involvement of pastoral staff to assist with counseling, meeting with the Shoots and Roots director prior to class to outline expectations with the child, or as a last resort, dismissal from children's ministry classes for an extended period of time. In such cases, the child will be reevaluated for permitted entry once a change in behavior is observed. 7. Non-negotiables for Volunteers: i. Discipline will not include physical touch. ii. Discipline will not include yelling. iii. Discipline will not include shaming the child. 8. Non-negotiables for children: i. Physical abuse of volunteers will not be permitted. ii. Foul language will not be permitted. iii. Uncontrolled rebellion will not be permitted.
How are the Shoots and Roots volunteers screened? 1. Each volunteer will be required to have a background check and complete the required volunteer application. 2. The volunteer application will be reviewed by the Shoots and Roots director and member of the pastoral staff. Approval will be at their discretion. 3. Volunteers that have a criminal record of violence and/or sexual offenses will be automatically denied. This denial in no way revives the person's past as judgment upon the present, but ensures the protection of children remains a number one priority. 4. The results of the background check will be kept completely confidential, and discussed in private between the Shoots and Roots director and designated member of the pastoral staff.
What type of training do the volunteers receive? 1. All volunteers will be required to attend Shoots and Roots ministry meetings once per month to cover the following: i. Discuss the age ranges of the children and their characteristics. ii. Become familiar with the discipline policy. iii. Classroom room management. iv. Lesson presentation and format. v. Emergency procedures and reporting. vi. Child abuse recognition, prevention, and reporting. vii. Cleanliness and environment control.