Ekklesia Portland

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”  -- Matthew 19:14

Jesus loves children -- so does Red Sea.

We believe that children can handle deep truth at a very young age. No child is ever too young to learn about Jesus Christ and be exposed to his gospel. Our children's gathering is designed with this in mind. Children ages five (5) and under are invited to participate in children's ministry where they will be exposed to Jesus and his gospel and invited to worship with their peers in age appropriate ways. This gathering takes place alongside our normal Sunday evening gathering, beginning at 5:30pm.

In children’s ministry we pray for your kids, sing with them, and tell them about Jesus. Because children do not learn in the same way as adults we focus on the same lesson all month long to be sure they grasp the central message.

While we are honored to do this we believe that parents -- before any other institution -- are responsible for the spiritual nurturing of their children. As parents shepherd their kids through Scripture our children’s ministry serves as a reinforcement to their teaching. Upon turning six (6) children are expected to join the main Sunday gathering and continue learning and worshiping alongside their parents, other adults, and youth.

To ensure the safety of everyone each  child must be properly checked in. If possible, please arrive to church 15 minutes early so that you can check your kid(s) in without disturbing the environment of learning and worship. When checking in you will need to present your driver’s license or state issued photo ID. You and your kid(s) will then each be assigned matching numbers that will help our volunteers connect the proper children with the proper parents.

Parents are asked to pick up their children when the sermon ends (usually 45-60 minutes into the gathering). This way your entire family can respond to God in worship together through song, communion, giving, prayer etc… Children will only be checked out to the same adult who checked them in. Your photo ID and assigned number will be required. Please be sure to bring them with you when you come to pick up your kids as there will be no exceptions. This is to protect the safety of all children, including yours.

Red Sea takes all of the precautionary measures it can to keep your children safe. All volunteers go through a detailed screening process before being appointed to serve in the children’s ministry. Each volunteer is given a national background check, personal reference checks, and a personal interview before serving in the children’s ministry.

We recognize that many churches offer separate services for elementary-, middle school-, and high school-age students. We do not provide this because we do not think it is in the best interest of the church or your family.

First, children are not supposed to learn how to follow Jesus from their peers or from a church. but from from their parents. The Sunday worship gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about worshiping God by your example. Imagine the benefits of your children watching you praying in sincerity, singing to Jesus with joy, giving cheerfully, and humbly repenting of your sins every week of their formative years.

Second, we all agree that families should share the most important moments of life together. Can you think of anything more important than joining with God’s people to worship Jesus? This can be one of the highlights of your week together as a family.

Third, children are capable of learning and understanding more than we think. Those things that they are truly unable to understand provide a teaching opportunity for parents who can explain the sermon, songs, prayers, giving, communion etc... and invite their children to participate with them when appropriate.

Fourth, we know that at times this may be difficult. But this can be an opportunity for God to improve our parenting skills and our children’s obedience. Do not worry about noise - the church will be patient and gracious during the challenges of this time.