Share! Grow! Serve!

The purpose of our children’s ministry at First A. R. P. Church is to share the message of salvation with every child; equipping them to  grow in their faith  and to serve Christ in their homes, neighborhood, schools, community, and world. We also intentionally give parents the tools that they need to become the primary Christian educators of their children.

We achieve this purpose primarily through our Sunday School, Worship Care, and Wednesday Night programs. 

We expand this purpose through inreach and outreach; supporting our church’s ministry to our homebound members and local help agencies such as The Crisis Assistance Ministry, West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club, Family Promise, and The Community Christmas Store, among others. This reach widens through partnership with our sister church in Haiti; supporting three children in Source Baptiste schools with scholarship money from our classroom Smile Banks.

Nursery and Preschool 

First A. R. P. Church members enjoy the benefit of dedicated volunteers and paid caregivers for all services and ministry programs. Safety and security is assured by providing assigned pagers and enforcing strict sign out procedures. 

 Preschool children are included in seasonal programming and special church events. We also celebrate family milestones such as; the birth of a child, first and second birthdays. 

Kindergarten – Fifth Grade

Our Sunday School curriculum incorporates Bible learning with Scripture memory; providing take-home materials for family worship. 

Wednesday Nights include music, seasonal projects, missions and outreach, and Bible learning. 

Other Opportunities

Summer plays a major role in our children’s ministry. Vacation Bible School and Summer Adventure Camps blend ongoing ministry themes with lots of fun! 

In addition, Club 23 and Club 45 host bi-annual fellowship opportunities for upper elementary students. Our Parents Night Out, Parents Night In, Pumpkin Festival,  Easter Egg Hunt and other large events provide opportunities to invite guests onto our campus.  

An annual Communicants Class gives third – fifth graders the opportunity to deepen their commitment to Christ and to make a public profession of faith before becoming a full communing member of First A.R.P Church.