Slideshow image

Monterey Baptist Church's Student Ministry equips, supports, and facilitates parents in their responsibility to teach their children the Gospel, raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and prepare their children for adult membership at MBC or a church of like faith.

Our children are entrusted to us by God (Ps. 127:3-5). Therefore, we must take great pains to consider the giver if we are to know how best to steward the gift. We must both fear and trust God concerning our children. Fearing God is expressed in the taking up of our responsibilities and the hard work involved in raising children. Trusting God is about our confidence in his promises and his sovereign care knowing that he is at work in every situation to accomplish what is good.

God has delegated authority to parents for the training of their children, particularly fathers (Eph. 6:4). A parent’s responsibility is to train their children and to be the primary influence in their lives (Prov. 22:6). We should not delegate this authority, call, responsibility, and privilege to anyone.

God is seeking to accomplish something through our parenting (Deut. 6:4-9; Ps. 78:1-7). Specifically, God has called us as parents to lead (train, shepherd, nurture) our children into his ways and, ultimately, into a relationship with him. We do this by following four steps.

First, parenting toward conviction. Our goal is not behavior alone, it is the transformation of the character of the heart. Second, parenting toward conversion. We must make sure we are parenting our children with a biblical understanding of conversion. We must shepherd our children toward an awareness of their need for a Savior. Only God’s grace can change a child’s heart, but God involves us as parents to be the primary means of this grace. Third, parenting toward godliness. Fourth, parenting toward God’s glory. The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, therefore, our objective in every context must be to set a biblical world-view before our children. God encourages us in this in Scripture. Because of the gospel there is grace available to us for our parenting! (2 Peter 1:3; Rom. 8:32; James 4:6)

Children's Sunday School

During the Sunday school hour (945-1045am), elementary aged children are welcome to participate in the Children's Sunday School class. This class focuses on teaching the Gospel, Bible stories, and Biblical truths interactively. 

In alignment with our Children's Church mission statement, parents can expect to receive some light material to take home that will help facilitate devotional and family worship time for their child throughout the week. 

Children's Church

Children's Church is held during the main worship service. Children 1st - 3rd grade will attend the worship service until the sermon, and the pastor will dismiss the children before he preaches. The main focus of Children's Church is review the Sunday school material in an interactive way to promote retention. It is not to simply entertain or distract the kids during the sermon. 

Family Worship Sundays

The first Sunday of every month we observe the Lord's Supper and have a family service. The nursery is not staffed for the service (though it is available) and there is no Children's Church. 

We believe this benefits the body in several ways: 

  • Children learn who the church leaders and servants are. 
  • Children learn what Pastors, Deacons, and Ministers do. 
  • Children witness their parents worship and listen to the sermon as an example. 
  • Children are taught, observe, and partake in the ordinances. 
  • Children hear people's testimonies. 
  • It provides Gospel and teaching opportunities as they ask questions. 
  • It helps catechize our children. 
  • It provides children the opportunity to serve.