ZPCBlog

At ZPC, we’ve always put safety and security first. Becky Woods, our director of children’s ministries, says it’s one of the biggest concerns for parents—whether they’re longtime members, visiting for the first time, or anywhere in between. That’s why we make sure our volunteers and staff are well-trained and our policies are up to date. We base them on solid research, Indiana state laws, advice from our insurance company, and the best practices from schools and churches.

We will soon have new and expanded spaces as our renovation comes to fruition and we will also have more secure spaces. The NextGen and Noah’s Ark spaces will have one entrance and exit, allowing us to better secure our covenant children. 

Becky states “The safety of our children AND volunteers is of the utmost importance. We want parents to feel comfortable, volunteers to be prepared and equipped, and kids to feel safe and seen, known and loved.”

On Sunday mornings, several things are in place to keep kids safe. For kids birth through age 4, families check their child in at a station, where they receive a unique security code that matches the code on the child’s nametag. At pick up, the code must be shown to have the child released. If there is no code, a NextGen staff member will check the pick-up person’s ID. Even grandparents and adult siblings must present this code if picking up a child.

Katie and Nick Meyers and their daughters Emma (4) and Lily (2) began attending ZPC within the last year.

Katie says that from their first Sunday at ZPC, they felt very comfortable dropping off their girls at Sunday School. 

“Since all of the staff and volunteers are so attentive,” Katie says, “Linda (Forler, children’s ministry coordinator) immediately recognized that we were new and walked us down to the check-in desk. She stayed with us while the volunteers got our contact information and she walked us to (our girls’) respective rooms… One of the things I was so impressed with was the number of volunteers in each room! It speaks volumes about a caring congregation and that both girls would be well looked after.”

Lily is in the Alligator room and Katie says that a NextGen staffer or volunteer is always standing at the gate to greet her. “She loves it,” Katie continues, “and usually just strolls right in, and we feel good knowing that she won't be able to open the gate on her own.”

Emma is in the Giraffe room and Katie says, “Jennifer (Buddenbaum, children’s ministry coordinator) or another volunteer is always standing right by the door. Not only is everyone so great at helping make her feel at ease…but if she tries to look down the hall for us, someone is always there to make sure she doesn't leave the room unattended. (Recently) Emma has just been grabbing Linda's hand and walking right in without even looking back!”

Katie states, “Knowing that the girls are safe and learning about God while still having fun allows us to be fully engaged in the church service! We are so grateful and blessed to be attending such a welcoming church!”

Guidelines and policies are in place for other events held at ZPC including Home Group meetings or social events. Policies are consistent with Sunday morning policies, but adapted to fit the event. Becky states, “Any group meeting on ZPC property needs to follow these guidelines if children are not with their parents at all times.”

We are always looking for people, both adults and youth, who want to pour into our covenant children. There is a comprehensive process in place to be a volunteer in our children’s ministry. For more information, please contact Becky ( ).

Share