Discovery Ministry is dedicated to Wednesday evening efforts to teach the Word of God to children. Our structured curriculum teaches the whole counsel of God so that those children who know Jesus Christ will continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18) and those who do not will be challenged by the truth of God's Word to come to a true understanding of repentance (for more information on our philosophy of evangelizing children please read Evangelizing Children).
Discovery Ministry is divided into two different age groups. Discovery Kids serving children who are 3 to 5 years of age while Discovery Club serves children in first through sixth grades. Both groups meet during the 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening service in the Student Ministries Building/Family Life Center.
The central ministry of Calvary Bible Church is the continuous imparting of the Scriptures. Children's spiritual instruction is the responsibility of the parents (Deut. 6:7; Eph. 6:4). The primary emphasis of Discovery Ministry is to support the biblical position of the home. While supporting the ministry of the parents, we endeavor to be a readily available resource for parents. It is our goal to help and to encourage parents to train up their children in the admonition of the Lord. Sound biblical teaching as well as Wednesday evening activities in Discovery are designed to generate enthusiasm and excitement while encouraging kids to participate in games, music, and small group discussions. The following is a synopsis of what takes place each Wednesday evening.
A. Teaching Time
Discovery teaching time focuses on biblical lessons and application. Discovery Kids (3-5 year-olds) are taught lessons from the life of Christ and the life of Paul. Discovery Club children (1st-6th graders) are taught selected doctrines from the Bible. Discovery Club children are given small homework assignments that they are encouraged to complete with parental guidance. A record is kept of completed homework and participation with awards given at the end of the semester for those who excel. Both age groups also are encouraged to memorize Scripture.
B. Small-Group Time
Discovery small-group time focuses on the lesson that was taught that week. Leaders are provided with discussion questions and answers and are encouraged to use the acronym REAP to help facilitate this time. Leaders do the following:
R-ecord attendance, homeworks, Bibles, etc.
E-valuate the lesson taught and what the children retained
A-pply what was taught, asking application questions and answering any questions the kids may ask.
P-ray asking for specific prayer requests and encouraging kids to pray as well
C. Game Time
Discovery game time gives both staff and children the opportunity to glorify God while enjoying their physical health and giftedness (Isaiah 43:7; James 1:17). Our staff model sportsmanship and encourage children to have fun with one another while playing a variety of different sports/activities/games. We look for ways to reward good behavior as well as ways to offer support to children who may need personal encouragement. The time also serves as an excellent opportunity for the kids to burn-off some extra energy.
D. Music Time
Discovery music time is an interactive time to sing songs that honor the Lord. Many of the songs aid the kids with the memorization of Scripture with the use of hand movements and other mnemonic devices. We also offer a variety of music stemming from songs that reinforce the lesson of the week to other songs that are for the sole purpose of having fun.
In summary it is our goal to offer a safe, loving and energetic environment led by a qualified and trained staff to serve the kids in a compassionate and Christ-like manner.
