NGM – Next Generation Ministries Discipline Policy as It Applies to Russian School, Awana, Grace Kids & Arrows Ministries.

Why is discipline important at NGM?

The Bible teaches that obedience and biblical submission are crucial elements of the Christian life.

Cultivating a submissive heart in children and teaching them the importance of obeying biblical

authorities is a vital part of them learning to follow and obey Christ. Maintaining consistent biblical

discipline in the classroom also teaches each student the importance of applying biblical truth and it

provides children with a picture of how God’s loving discipline is implemented in their lives. Properly

done, biblical discipline will bless the teachers as well as the students. (1 Samuel 15:22; Proverbs 22:15,

Ephesians 6:1; Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 13:17; Titus 3:1-2)

What do we expect from children?

In our expectations for children, we seek to maintain a biblical focus on their hearts. We want children

to learn more than external obedience and respect, but desire that they have a heart of faith and love

for God that leads to external obedience. Also, while we maintain high standards for children, we seek

to be realistic in our expectation of them. We also want to differentiate between childishness, which is a

normal part of working with children, and sinfulness (i.e. maliciously throwing water on another child),

which requires discipline. In keeping these principles in mind, our expectations can be summarized as

follows, with each being applied in age-appropriate ways:

  • Respect for God

We expect children to respect God and so to be respectful during times of instruction from His Word,

prayer, worship, etc. We want children to grow in their awe of and love for God as they come to know

more of Him.

  • RESPECT FOR OTHERS

We expect children to be kind in their interaction with one another in their speech, physical contact,

sharing, etc. We want children to learn to love others as they love themselves.

  • RESPECT THE AUTHORITIES

We expect children to obey the instructions of those in authority over them and to treat those

authorities with respect in their speech and behavior. We desire that children learn that God has placed

authorities in their lives which are to be obeyed, and that this is for their good.

How will we handle discipline issues at NGM events and classrooms?

We seek to be positive and proactive in maintaining discipline within NGM ministries. By clearly

communicating expectations and by praising obedience and submission, we hope to create an

environment in which obedience is the expectation, not the exception. While individual situations vary,

we use the following framework in dealing with issues of disobedience. First, workers seek to deal with

the issue within the classroom. They are trained to take age-appropriate steps to deal with the problem,

including redirection and appropriate consequences. If unable to address the issue within the class,

workers contact their ministry director to remove the child from the classroom. Depending on the

nature of the situation, the director either deals with the issue and returns the child to the class or

contacts the parents for the child to remain with them.

When will I as a parent be involved in the discipline process?

We recognize that parents are God’s primary instrument in disciplining children (Ephesians 6:4). We do

not want to usurp that role from you. We will therefore seek to communicate openly with you regarding

your children’s behavior. We will initiate dialogue with you should your child have consistent or

significant behavior issues within the class (hitting, cursing, rebellion, disrespect shown to any

teacher/helper etc.). We will, however, make an effort to avoid talking negatively about your children’s

behavior in front of them or others. Such conversations are best done in private or over the phone.

The discipline process when a child’s behavior is unacceptable at the NGM events or classroom setting:

  • The first offense a child is given a warning.

  • The second offense a child dealt with outside the classroom with the Director present.

  • The third offense will be followed by a meeting with the child’s parents and the Director.

  • A fourth offense will result in the child NOT being able to participate in the activity or classroom

unless a parent is present. If a parent cannot be present, the child cannot participate.

NGM Administration.