Pacific Union Recorder

Santa Clarita church children's ministry director Debbie Hittle launches the children's ministry section of the church's website (santaclarita.adventistfaith.org) by affirming the church's commitment to the spiritual development of children. "Based on the realization that parents are the primary spiritual mentors for their children, our children's ministry programs minister to families as well as children," she says.

"With Barna's research finding that 93 percent of 13-year-olds identified themselves as Christians*," says Pastor Greg Hoenes, "the church agreed our time and evangelistic dollars would be best spent evangelizing children."

The church hired Hittle half-time, updated nursery/mother's facilities, and invested time to develop programs for children. "Seeing families with young children become active as members and helping with the ministry is gratifying," Hittle said. "Non-Adventist spouses have gotten involved.

"With the church's long-term commitment to children's ministry, many teens in high school and college help with children's ministry when they are home. This shows continuity of effect. We believe commitment to provide for children's needs with age-appropriate programs from birth to youth has made our church connected and complete as it grows."

From four to eight leaders per Sabbath school division were recruited to improve supervision and elevate security, reducing class cancellations and increasing teacher diversity.

The church hired childcare providers, creating "Jesus' Kids Daycare" for ages 1 to 5, allowing parents to focus on the worship service. Biweekly, a "Children's Sanctuary: Hands-On Church" for ages 4 to 6 and 6 to 9 offers a Bible story, hands-on material and more.

"I teach an annual baptismal prep class and Kids in Discipleship, a preparatory program focusing on parent mentoring for children's spiritual formation," the pastor noted. "Our current cycle involves a parent-training course and nine months meeting weekly with families. VBS programs appeal to families struggling to attach to a church, with tangible benefit to youth volunteers."

Rebekah Cassell and Melody Cardenas co-lead the Adventurer program added to complement Santa Clarita's strong Pathfinder club. "Parents involved teach what we know. Instruction is God-centered and so integral to our growth," explained Cassell. "We are an active Adventurer club to keep our church going."

"The church has grown from 243 to 304 in five years," added Hoenes. "Our children virtually are all being baptized before age 14, staying through as involved youth. This is definitely working for us!"

*pg. 33, "Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions," by George Barna.