Second Mile Kids

Discovering the truth of Jesus to reveal Him to the world.

Vision

At Second Mile, children are a vital and valued part of our community. We desire to partner with parents in enabling their children to discover the truth of Jesus and how to reveal Him to the world around them. (Psalm 78:1–8O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old—what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their forefathers—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him. Psalms 78:1–8) It is our goal that our kids learn what it means to live in the second mile. (Matt 5:41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:41)

Partnering with Parents

We believe that it is primarily the responsibility of parents to nurture and build a spiritual foundation for their children. (Deut 4:9Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:6–7These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6–7, 11:19Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:19; Eph 6:1–4Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1–4) We, as a body of believers, strive to come alongside parents supporting and cultivating them in the role God has given them. We highly recommend parental involvement in our classrooms so that parents can gain further insight into the various aspects of their child(ren)’s spiritual training.

Ministry Philosophy

• God-Centeredness: We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and as such, its purpose is to direct us toward Him. (2 Tim 3:16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16) The reading of His Word and the pursuit of godliness should not be experiences exclusive to adulthood. We believe that children are capable of understanding deep truth at a young age. (Matt 18:1–9At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Matthew 18:1–9, 19:13–14Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:13–14; Luke 10:21At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Luke 10:21; Prov 22:6Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6) Therefore, it is our desire to help children understand and experience prayer, community, truth, and cultivation so that they amplify Christ and direct the focus of others toward Him.
• Child Development: We believe children are constantly building upon their experiences to develop understanding. (Psalm 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalms 111:10; 2 Cor 3:18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18; James 1:22–25Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. James 1:22–25) We have the amazing privilege of helping our kids develop their understanding of Truth.

At Second Mile, we desire to add understanding piece by piece starting with the simplistic presentation of truth in the preschool years and adding gradual complexity through the elementary years.

In early childhood (infants through preschool), we focus on foundational verses which help children learn the story of God. Once children reach elementary age (K through 4th grade), the focus shifts to encouraging them to experience the story of God. Our 5th graders are encouraged to apply their understanding of God’s story through service.

Integration into community

We believe that children are an integral part of Second Mile. It is our desire that they use their giftings and passions for the benefit of the body and the development of their faith.

We believe that it is important for families to worship together. Although the gathering is not specifically geared toward children, there will be weeks which lend themselves to engaging a younger audience. Therefore, it is always an option for children to participate in the children’s activities or remain in the gathering. We will keep parents informed of upcoming topics which may be more kid friendly.