Families
We know that being a family in today’s culture can look very differnt then in cultures past, however, we know that God hasn’t changed His definition of family. He never intended for the church to be the only place for spritiual training to take place. He intended for this training to be the parents responsibility, so they may claim the promise in Proverbs 22:6. Realizing that some parents may just be starting their walk with the Lord, they may need a helping hand in this training. So we endeavor to become partners with parents in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Children and Youth
You may have heard it said "They don’t care about what you KNOW until they know that you CARE". We at The First Christian Church of Wilton Manors strive to offer an environment where children and youth discover how much God truly loves them, by exemplifying Christ love. Believing whole heartedly that our Lord’s example while here on earth, relational instruction is the key. Jesus called each of his disciples by name, and exhibited servant like qualities to them all. Our goal is to teach each child that God’s love for them is real and strong, and that His Word is alive. Teaching them that not only is it important to know that David defeated the giant years ago, but that God is defeating their giants today. The giants of broken families, loss of loved ones, and those bullies on the playground. So many people say that the children and youth of today is TOMORROW'S church. We believe however that they are TODAY'S church. Children and youth learn that they don’t have to wait until they are adults in order to reach the world for Christ. They can bring others to Him by living the way that Jesus commanded by loving your neighbor as yourself.
Nursery
Infants to Toddlers
…… are welcomed and received into a safe and loving environment. From the moment they enter the nursery with their parents, an open pair of arms envelope them with the love of Jesus. They are checked in and personal items are labeled and stored for service. They are then lovingly distracted from any separation anxiety by one of our trained staff. After a few minutes of distraction and drying of tears, children are gathered together to experience God's Word through hands on lessons and flannel board shows. Every now and again a few friendly puppets show up and teach the children about God's love. When Mom and Dad come back to gather their little one they are greeted with tear free eyes and big smiles.
Children's Church
We believe that the worship and the teachings of God and His Word should be experienced and taught to all. We know that children’s minds and hearts are like sponges, absorbing the world around them. Knowing this, keeping the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:14 in our hearts, we offer children their own church services on Sunday mornings.
Toddlers and children (up to 12 years of age) gather together for an unique worship service, that includes three major elements: prayer, praise, and teaching. Prayer allows the children the opportunity to pray for their parents, siblings, pets, friends and what ever their little hearts desire. It also allows them to experience the privilege of intercessory prayer. Our praise portion of their service includes songs, sign language, and body movement, all teaching the children about God’s grace and Jesus’ love. In addition, our children experience the joy of worshiping God.
After the “opening service” children are grouped into two groups. Toddlers and preschoolers join together for a central message of God’s love and Christian principles. With the help of BOZ “the green bear next door” children discover God’s world together.
Children in grades 1st - 6th discover God’s Word through drama, games, crafts, and media. They are on a journey through the Bible using “Route 66 a Roadtrip through the books of the Bible.” Children not only learn the classic Bible stories, but learn spiritual truths to apply in their daily lives.
Scripture memory is encouraged and rewarded with special “Bible Bucks”, that they can spend in the “Sunday School Store” on the first Sunday of every month.
Youth
RETRO = Radically Empowered Teens Reclaiming Our world. RETRO is a teen centered youth fellowship. Youth group is a time to hang out, pig out, chill to awesome music and "get real" on issues and concerns of today's American youth. It is a time for learning to apply God's word in our daily lives. Bible Study is a time to get to know God's Word more intimately through studies of the books of the Bible to life application studies. The whole idea behind RETRO is to create an environment in which students are comfortable and have a sense of "unity" and from this foundation to reach out into the community with God's Love.