The purpose of Open Door Youth is to provide an environment for the youth of the church’s membership and visitors to grow in their knowledge of God, His Gospel, and His Word through the planning and teaching of God-honoring curriculum and activities.
RELAUNCH COMING SOON
We are currently in the process of relaunching our Youth Group. We are in the beginning stages of searching for a new Youth Group leader, and hope to start meeting again regularly by early 2027 at the latest. Please pray with us through this process.
Worker Requirements
Age - Be at least 18 years of age. Youth between the ages of 13-17, may serve as assistants to adult workers if they have the consent of their parents or guardians, reviewed the policy manual, and have been approved by the Pastor Team. There must be at least two adults at all times.
Six Month Rule - All children and youth workers must be members or regular attendees of Open Door for at least six months before becoming involved in any children or youth ministry. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Pastoral Team. Non-members may assist in children’s or youth ministries but may not lead in such a ministry. Non-members must be interviewed by the Pastoral Team to determine their suitability for teaching and volunteering.
Background Check - All volunteers and staff working with children or youth must complete and pass a background check before being considered. Open Door Church uses Protect My Ministry for our background checks. We will run all our current workers through Protect My Ministry even if you have had a prior background check. We ask all adults who work with children and youth to have a background check at least every 3 years. The church will pay for the background check and only church staff will have access to the results. All volunteers and staff working with children or youth will also be vetted through Casenet.
Children's & Youth Worker Ministry Application - Complete and sign the worker application.
Signed Agreement to Policies - All children and youth workers must sign the agreement at the end of these policies to affirm their commitment to follow the Open Door Kids & Youth Policies and Procedures.
Disqualifications
Workers who disobey the guidelines set forth in this policy or the individual ministry guidelines may be reassigned or removed from participating in the children’s or youth ministries at the discretion of the Pastoral Team or Ministry Team Leader.
Any person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child shall be permanently banned from serving as a children’s or youth worker at Open Door. There are no exceptions to this guideline.
General Policies
Two Adults Principle - At least two workers, who are not immediately related, should be present in each room at all times. Men and women may both serve, but immediate family members should never serve together. This principle accomplishes two important objectives. First, it reduces the risk of child abuse. Secondly, it reduces the risk of unfounded claims of abuse.
Only Assigned Workers In The Classroom - There are two exceptions to this rule: nursing mothers and parents called to the nursery/classroom to calm an upset child. Parents should leave as soon as the situation has been resolved.
Observation Policy - Pastors, parents, and church members have a right to observe any Sunday school, nursery, or children’s church activity from outside the classroom.
Child Check-In/Check-Out - All children participating in Open Door Kids activities should be checked-in utilizing the current check-in station. The child and parent will both receive a printed label. The child should keep the label on them the entire time. Only parents or guardians (not older siblings) with the label can receive their child. If only a few children are remaining, workers may accompany the remaining children to their parents.
*For more information or the full Open Door Kids & Youth Policies and Procedures, please contact the Pastoral Team.
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