“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them;
for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.’”
Matthew 19:14
New Chapel is a family church!
Some churches embrace children while others only tolerate them. We value ministry to the next generation – from infants through college! We’ve designed areas, classes, and environments to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get the most out of church.
About NewKidz...
We value the noise that kids bring! Children make noises in classes during worship. Children make noises in the parking lot. They cry. They laugh – loudly! They scream and yell. Some churches only tolerate the noise. We value the noise! To ensure that kids and grown-ups can be ministered to, it’s important to foster a place for every generation.
We work hard to ensure kids can understand church at their level. We believe the best way for children to receive from the Lord is in their age-appropriate classroom environment. That’s why we offer engaging, fun, and spiritually enriching spaces for children to learn about God in a way that makes sense to them.
What’s Ideal?
We have kids' ministry classes available for children 3 months through 5th Grade. Our goal is to provide every child with a space where they can thrive spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
1. Check your kid in.
Our NewKidz team is here to welcome your family and make sure your child is securely checked in.
2. Enjoy the service distraction-free.
Your child will be engaged in a Christ-centered environment designed just for them.
3. Pick your child up after service.
We prioritize security, so you can have peace of mind knowing your child is in safe hands.
We encourage all parents to utilize our kids' ministry classes so both children and adults can fully experience church at their own level!
What’s Permissible?
From time to time, families of young babies are hesitant to check their baby into class. We want to be as accommodating as possible while also maintaining a service environment free of distractions.
1. Bringing a baby under/around 3 months into the auditorium is permissible, but there are expectations.
Sit close to the end of a row and near an exit.
If your baby cries, it is necessary to attend to your baby by stepping out of the service.
Crying is a natural part of being a baby! However, when babies cry during church, it distracts others in the service, as well as those ministering on the platform.
2. Nursing Policy:
Mothers may serve their young babies in the Nursery Classroom in the Nursing Mothers Area.
We provide a private, comfortable space for nursing mothers to care for their infants while still engaging with the service via live stream.
3. A parent may sit with their child in the lobby.
If your child is restless, the lobby area can be used for a temporary break while still allowing you to be engaged with the service.
What is Not Okay?
1. Babies crying during service.
We love babies. A crying baby is distracting. Please step out of the service if your child becomes disruptive.
2. Distracting behavior.
“Kid noises” (like babbling), audible talking, distracting movement, running, or other behavior that disrupts others or service must be addressed.
3. Public exposed nursing.
We fully support mothers feeding their babies. Nursing at church is reserved for the private nursing mothers area of the nursery. This helps maintain a comfortable, modest, and respectful environment.
Security matters.
New Chapel is called by God to protect our kids at all costs. Child security is a discipleship issue - and one of the most important! Because we believe in the Great Commission, we have created robust security measures for our kids.
Check-in System:
Each child receives a name tag and unique security pick-up code at check-in, and our NewKidz Leaders also welcome and verify each child at the classroom door. For added safety, parents are asked to let a leader know who will be picking up their child that day. Parents are not permitted to leave the campus of New Chapel while their child is checked into NewKidz.Trained and Background-Checked Volunteers:
Every NewKidz GoTeam leader undergoes a state and nationwide background check that is paired with their NewKidz Training.Specific Needs:
Every child is deeply loved and valued by God. The training, staffing, and capability of our NewKidz GoTeam Leaders cover the vast majority of children and young people. In order to responsibly serve every family with honesty and safety, we ask parents who believe they require additional care for their child (concerning developmental, sensory, dietary, or behavioral needs) to speak with our team in advance so we can discuss whether we are able and equipped to appropriately support their child in our current environment.Medical and Allergy Awareness:
Parents provide any allergy or medical concerns upon registration, or at check-in.Secure Classrooms:
No unauthorized individuals are allowed inside kids' ministry spaces. It is permissible for parents to sit with their child during a service or two to acclimate; however, after that point, parents fall under the same standard as all GoTeam Leaders.Diaper-Changing Policy:
Each child is checked during service to see if they need care. If their diaper is soiled, an approved, trained, female leader will change the diaper. Leaders sanitize hands, put on clean disposable gloves, inform the child before changing them, and use diaper-changing time for reciting the bible story and prayer. Leaders place a “changed” sticker on the back of the diaper when finished. The changing pad is disinfected before and after each use.The Two-Adult Rule:
We have a strict two-adult rule at New Chapel. Our GoTeam Leaders are never allowed to be left alone with a minor that is not their child (or under their guardianship/ care) at any time. Two GoTeam Leaders are present with minor children while checked-in at NewKidz at all times.Safety Cameras:
Parents are welcome to view what is happening in their child’s classroom at any time via our Safety Cameras.On-Site Officer:
For added security, a Kent County Sheriff’s Deputy is present in the NewKidz lobby during kids’ check-in and services.Emergency Procedures:
We have protocols in place to ensure child safety.
Redirection
If a child becomes a significant distraction in the main service, one of our GoTeam Leaders will kindly ask parents to step out of service to utilize the lobby space, nursery, nursing area, or kids' ministry. This is a friendly “redirection.” Our goal is not to exclude anyone - that is why we have crafted a space for everyone! Our goal is to create the best possible environment for both children and adults to experience God.
Thank you!
When we all do our part, we ensure New Chapel is a place where every generation can grow in their faith together!