Equipping

Leaders

Chip & Christi

Shepherds

Frank & Brian

Areas of Responsibility

Stages of Life, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Spiritual Formation

Family Ministry

As we look to the future, we are committed to a simple vision for being followers of Jesus and to partnering with parents in our family ministry

Our Family Ministry curriculum is “Reveal: Knowing the Story of God and His People”. We find throughout scripture that God makes Himself known through His Mighty Acts (see image below). Every year as our families journey through these Mighty Acts the story of God unfolds. Each story reveals the deep truths of God and who we are as His people and answers two important questions, “What is the truth we learn about God?” and “What is the truth we learn about ourselves?”

We provide a home element with each lesson. These practical ideas provide an opportunity for families to talk about and live out the Deuteronomy 6 model in their everyday lives; as they sit at home, drive along the road, go to bed, and when they wake up.

Our prayer is that through “Reveal” our families come to know God and experience His love and power through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God’s great promise for all eternity.

Family Ministry

At Donelson we are committed to partnering with parents in the spiritual formation of our children and youth. We encourage and equip parents with a weekly Home Element to share and live out their faith with their kids in everyday life based on the model set forth in Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

We have branded elements of our curriculum and the various age groups within the Family Ministry with a mountain theme. The mountain holds significance throughout scripture. Here are a few examples: Abraham goes to the Mountain of the LORD and a sacrifice was provided in place of Isaac (Gen. 22:14). Moses went to Mt. Sinai when God called Him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:1). The Israelites returned to the same mountain when God delivered the 10 Commandments (Exodus 19:20). Jesus frequently went up the mountain to pray (Mark 6:46) and He went HIGH on the mountain and was transfigured (Mark 9:2). As families we too go to the mountain where God reveals the truth about Himself and the truth about us as His people.

We have branded elements of our curriculum and the various age groups within the Family Ministry with a mountain theme. The mountain holds significance throughout scripture. Here are a few examples: Abraham goes to the Mountain of the LORD and a sacrifice was provided in place of Isaac (Gen. 22:14). Moses went to Mt. Sinai when God called Him from the burning bush (Exodus 3:1). The Israelites returned to the same mountain when God delivered the 10 Commandments (Exodus 19:20). Jesus frequently went up the mountain to pray (Mark 6:46) and He went HIGH on the mountain and was transfigured (Mark 9:2). As families we too go to the mountain where God reveals the truth about Himself and the truth about us as His people.

Children’s Ministry

Minister: Abby

Nursery

During worship service and Sunday school there are two staffed nurseries provided; one for infants & crawlers and one for walkers. The children in our First Steps program spend time in class singing songs and learning about who God is, what God had made, and the love God has for them. All of our volunteers who serve in these nurseries have undergone a background check.

2 years - Kindergarten

Our Trek program offers kids the full sensory learning experience and the chance to develop intergenerational relationships. Our kids are dismissed from the service right before the sermon starts and they are taken to the Activity Center where they engage in Connect Time for 15 minutes. This is a special time of free play that allows the kids a chance to get their wiggles out and connect with their peers, as well as the adults who interact with them. From Connect Time the kids have an engaging time of praise. After Praise Time, our 2 year olds are dismissed to their Bible class while our 3 year olds – Kindergarteners stay for the lesson. After the lesson each separate age groups moves to their classroom where they experience the lesson through hands-on activities and story time.

1st Grade - 4th Grade

Our Explorers program offers kids the full sensory learning experience and the chance to develop intergenerational relationships. Our kids are dismissed from service right before the sermon starts and they are taken to the Children’s Theater where they engage in Praise Time. This is followed by Connect Time which is a special time of Bible trivia games or interactive PowerPoint games, that allows the kids a chance to get their wiggles out and develop friendships among their peers, as well as the adults who interact with them. From Connect Time the kids spend time in prayer. After Prayer Time, the lesson for the day is presented to the entire group of 1st – 4th graders by a master teacher. After the lesson, each separate age group moves to their classroom where they experience the lesson through hands-on activities and story time which reinforce the week’s lesson.

Student Ministry

Partnering with parents in the spiritual formation of our children.

Leaders: Christie

Our middle school meets in the Expedition Room after worship. Each week class begins with a Connect Time where students develop intergenerational relationships within small groups facilitated by adult Sherpas. (Definition: One who provides support and guidance to mountain climbers in the Himalayas.) Every week, through the Mighty Acts, we ascend the mountain of God’s story and allow Him to reveal the truth about who He is and who we are as His people.

Leaders: Danny

Our youth group meets in The Loft after worship. Each week class begins with a Connect Time where students develop intergenerational relationships within small groups facilitated by adult Sherpas. (Definition: One who provides support and guidance to mountain climbers in the Himalayas.) Every week, through the Mighty Acts, we ascend the mountain of God’s story and allow Him to reveal the truth about who He is and who we are as His people.

Adult Ministry

Leaders

College students and young adults meet after worship above the chapel. Every week the Ridge engages in a study of God’s word that encourages living out their faith in daily life. Adults meet after worship in the lower level of the Generations Building. This class provides adults the opportunity to study the same stories our children and youth study each week. This class helps to encourage and equip parents as they live out the Deuteronomy 6 model with their children.