Commitment Agreement

1. I acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ in my life and I have a personal relationship with Him.
2. I am committed to growing and maturing my relationship with Christ through quiet times, Scripture memorization, and involvement in accountability. 
3. I am committed to actively attending Heritage’s weekly worship services and Focus Nights. 
4. I am committed to choices and a lifestyle that is both Godly and “above reproach”, knowing that my lifestyle is a model for the students that I work with. 
5. I understand the philosophy and values of this ministry and agree with its purpose and commit to shepherding students that God brings into my ministry. 
6. Because I am making a significant commitment and my presence is vitally important, I agree to be consistent and timely to the programs I commit myself to. I also agree to communicate with the leader if I will be absent. 

Participant Covenant Statement

1. No person who has been convicted of child abuse (either sexual abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse) can work with children in any church-sponsored activity.

2. Survivors of child abuse need the love and support of our church. Any survivor who desires to serve in some capacity with children needs to discuss his/her experience with one of our church leaders before accepting a serving position.

3. Teens serving with children shall not accept children into class without an adult present.

4. Those serving shall immediately report to their supervisor any behavior by another person serving that seems abusive or inappropriate.

Physical Contact Statement

Touch is a very powerful and important tool in working with children. It has the power to communicate warmth, concern, and care to a child. When used with common sense and concern for the child’s benefit, it enhances trust and safety in a relationship, while affirming and reciprocating the child’s worth as a person. Healthy touch needs to be a conscious choice.

When touch is misused, it can become destructive to the child. The most common form of misuse is touching a child for our benefit rather than the child’s. All of us remember hiding from “Aunt Mary” at the family reunions, lest we be smothered with hugs that we did not ask for or want. Certainly, “Aunt Mary” meant no harm, but her action made us want to avoid her. This creates confusion in the child and a subtle sense of violation. It will also tend to make you an “unsafe” person in the child’s eyes.

Children are all different and come from a variety of home backgrounds. There is no way to tell in the brief time you are with the children what is happening at home. Therefore, the principles of touch mentioned here should be modified for each child. Some may want and need more touch, while others will appear visibly afraid of any potential touching. Respect the child’s boundaries and focus on what they are telling you through their actions.

Since the exposure you have to the child in HBC Children’s Ministry is very limited, simply provide a warm, caring environment for them to learn and grow in.

Also, as a rule, younger children communicate more via touch than do older, more articulate children. Please be aware of a child’s personal space. Below you will find some specific guidelines that will help you in your use of touch.

APPROPRIATE TOUCH

• Non-demanding, gentle
• Shoulders, hands, arms, head, back
• Females sitting a child on their lap or leg

INAPPROPRIATE TOUCH

• Kissing child
• Demanding hugs/kisses
• Touching chest, genital region, upper legs, buttocks
• Males sitting a child on any part of their body

Dress Code

Heritage Baptist Church is a “come as you are church” and strives to remove obstacles that prevent people from attending church. But while serving, please remember that you are representing God. To that end, the Children's Ministry of Heritage Baptist Church has adopted the following dress code policy. Please read and indicate that you agree to abide by it below.

Serving in Children's Ministry involves watching out for our little ones but also for each other. How we speak, act, and even how we dress can impact those we serve. To help maintain standards that are appropriate for everyone, Heritage requires that all caregivers, teachers, and helpers adhere to the following dress code guidelines: 

• All clothes should be modest and not reveal, especially when sitting, crouching, and moving around. 
• The lower back, stomach, and underwear should be covered by the shirt or pants at all times, even when bending over or sitting. 
• Typically, pants are the best option for working with children. 
• If shorts are worn, they should extend at least to the fingertips when arms are straight down at the sides. 
• If a skirt or dress is worn, it should extend to the top of the knee or be worn with leggings or shorts underneath. 

Anyone not in compliance with this policy will be asked to change or step out of Children's Ministry for that day.

Thank you for your assistance and compliance in this matter!