Frequently Asked Questions
Children’s Ministry
FBC Pensacola
Children’s Ministries/Activities:
1. When is promotion Sunday?
August 21 is promotion Sunday and Back to School Sunday.
2. What happens on Back to School Sunday?
We will be recognizing all students and all teachers in each worship service and during each worship service we will share in a prayer time for students, teachers, administrators, and other school employees.
3. When is the Children’s Ministry office open?
From now until September 6 the Children’s Ministry office will be open from 8:00-1:00 on Monday-Thursday. Beginning September 6 we plan for the Children’s Ministry Office to be open from 8:00-3:30, with flexible hours on Fridays as needed.
The church office is open Monday –Thursday from 8:00-4:30, and Friday from 8:00-12:00.
4. When do Wednesday activities begin for children?
August 31 is Kickoff Night for Fall Activities. There will be fun and games in the ROC beginning at 5:15. You can register your children for Fall Activities that night.
5. When will Children’s Choirs begin?
Children’s Choirs begin on September 7 and continue through November 30. The Christmas concert is scheduled for December 4. Disa Lee is the contact person.
6. When will AWANA begin?
AWANA begins on September 7 and continues through November 30. Mike Hudson is the contact person.
7. When does Pre-School begin?
Pre-school begins on September 6. Courtney Lurton and Lauren Sansing are the contact persons. Registration is open.
8. What activities are planned for children this fall?
During the interim period we will continue to offer a full slate of opportunities and activities for children. A Children’s Ministry newsletter will be published regularly to keep parents and children posted on the schedule of activities.
Minister of Children Search Process:
1. How is the search progressing for a Minister of Children and how long will it take?
We are currently in the stage of receiving resumes and recommendations. It has been over 24 years since our church looked for a Minister of Children. The last process took almost two years. While no one knows for sure how long it will take, my best guess is that it will take anywhere from 3 months to a year to call a Minister of Children.
2. What kind of candidate are we looking for?
We are looking for a deeply committed follower of Christ who has a passion for ministering to children and their families, and who will come and build upon the great foundation left behind by Jean Ingram. We are open to a veteran children’s minister who has years of experience, and we are open to a younger children’s minister who, like Ms. Jean, would come and stay for a long tenure. While we want someone who is well-grounded and well-trained, we are not placing age qualifications or strict educational qualifications. We want our search team to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. While we know there is only one Jean Ingram, we do believe that God will lead us to the candidate who can continue to build and strengthen our Children’s Ministry.
3. Who is on the Children’s Ministry Search Team?
We are following the same search process we have used in calling our 3 most recent ministry team members. The search and interview team is composed of two members of our Personnel Committee (Scott Ginnetti and Lindy Grissett), two representatives from Children’s Ministry (Mike Hudson and Lori Kizziah), two members of our ministerial staff (Barry Howard and Don Minton), the Personnel Chair (Andy White), the Deacon Chair (Ron Jackson), and the Deacon Chair Elect (Allen Turner).
4. What is the process of calling a Minister of Children?
Prayerfully, we will evaluate the resumes and conduct preliminary interviews with potential candidates. Then we will choose one or more top candidates for in-depth interviews. Once the search and interview team agrees upon a candidate, that candidate will be presented to the Personnel Committee and the Administrative Team for consideration. Then the candidate would be introduced to the congregation in an interview format so that the parents, children, and the larger congregation can hear that candidate’s testimony, sense of calling, and vision for Children’s Ministry. The final step is for the congregation to vote to extend a call to the candidate to join our team of ministers.
5. Who will provide leadership during the interim period?
After consultation with Ms. Jean and other parents, our plan for now is to use an interim team of lay leaders with Mike Hudson serving as the captain of our interim team. Mike will be the “go to” guy during the interim period. Ms. Jean has developed such an outstanding team of leaders who are already familiar with our program. We believe they can provide more effective leadership in the short-term than a person who is new to our program. However, if we find that our search to fill the position is going to be prolonged, we will hire an interim staff member that will provide leadership to the lay leadership team.
6. What do we need from church members during the interim period?
- Pray. Pray for the children’s program, for the Interim Leadership Team, and for the Search Team.
- Be faithful. Your faithful participation during the interim period will provide stability and consistency during a transitional season. Your faithfulness not only encourages the body of Christ, but it also sends a powerful testimony to potential candidates about our commitment to Children’s Ministry.
- Stay informed. Continually check the children’s newsletters, the Builder, and the church web site for calendar updates and information. Oftentimes during an interim, miscommunication can occur and rumors can arise. Make sure to double check your information.
- Be patient. Children’s Ministry is important. We proceed with our search in a careful and timely manner. Though we will not be slow, we will take the time to make wise choices for the future. Children’s ministry is too important for us to rush.
7. Who do we contact for specific Children’s Ministry questions?
- General questions about Children’s Ministry: Contact the Children’s Ministry assistant or Mike Hudson, the interim team captain.
- Children’s Sunday School:
Children grades 1-5: Laura Gafford, John and Nancy Hutchinson
Preschool: Jan Thompson, Lee Ann Smith
- Extended Care: Jackie Templeman
- Awana: Mike Hudson, Mary Dean Keyes, Kirsten Wert, Kristy Hatsfelt
- Backpack Buddies: Jennifer Daniel
- Volunteer Screening: Lauren Sansing, Courtney Lurton
- Samaritan’s Purse (Shoe Boxes): Ginger Myers
- Pager Set-up: Doug & Sophie Sprague
- Pre-School: Lauren Sansing and Courtney Lurton