Disciplship

 Discipleship

The disciples were those called to follow Christ Jesus as he lived out his ministry on earth. Being a disciple today is a process of following the risen Christ through study, education, and supportive gathering. We provide the following ministries intended to support us as we follow our Lord and grow in our faith.

Sunday School

We believe that exposing our youngest members to Bible stories and figures, prayer, and the basis of our faith is an important calling for this congregation. Therefore, we provide weekly Sunday School programs for our kindergarten through sixth grade friends during the fall, winter, and spring. That’s mid-September through May.

We have a multi-age classroom serving kids from five to twelve years old—kindergarten through sixth grade. We use the Holy Moly curriculum designed by Sparkhouse. The curriculum is split into different units and, during a typical year, we usually cycle through four or five units, alternating between Old and New Testament stories.

During each lesson, children are introduced to a Bible story and its characters by watching a short animated Bible Story video. Teachers and students then discuss what was in the video before reading the story together in their Bible Storybooks. The last part of the lesson is time to get creative with a hands-on activity or game.

We have three Sunday School teachers, all of whom have a background in education. Each teacher has an assistant teacher they work with, so the classroom has two adults present at all times. All are required to have annual background checks in order to teach or assist. Teachers rotate weekly. If you are interested in teaching or assisting in our Sunday School program, please contact the church at 616.361.2679 or email the Discipleship chairperson at stacey.schepers@gmail.com.

Confirmation Classes

Beginning in the fall of 2025, we will offer a Confirmation Class for children in grades five through seven—ages eleven through thirteen. Kids study the Word as they explore the meaning of faith in God. They participate in youth programs, offer service to members of the church and community, and participate in summer camps. The Sunday morning program rotates from Old Testament one year to New Testament the next and the third year the kids focus on the Catechism (Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments).