Ministries
Exalting Christ is the center of all that we do as a church. We come together throughout the week to praise His name and be instructed and challenged from His Word. This is to encourage and to equip us as we live in the everyday life of this world. As we gather we are reminded of who He is, the promises He has made, the instruction He has given, and the changes He wants to make in our lives.
A number of opportunities are offered for you and your family to be equipped for the work of ministry through age-appropriate studies and a variety of specialized ministries.
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me (
Matthew 18:5).
Children have a special place in the heart of Jesus. In Scripture we read of Him laying His hands on them and blessing them. He also instructed His disciples to “let the children come” to Him (
Matthew 19:14-15). Therefore, we place a great emphasis on demonstrating the love of God to the children at Calvary.
Nursery care is offered every service except at the Wednesday evening prayer meeting. We also provide Children’s ministry called Little Lambs during the Sunday morning worship service. In addition we have graded Sunday School classes from pre-school through the fifth grade. We believe children should worship and learn the Bible at a level they can understand. Children will worship God in prayer and song with age appropriate Bible studies that show how God’s Word applies to their lives. As time permits, there are games, activities, and crafts that are designed to further reinforce the Bible message. The children are encouraged to memorize Bible verses, and opportunities are provided to put their faith into action.
Each summer we hold a Vacation Bible School. Children are encouraged to bring their friends for this jam-packed week of Bible stories, crafts, games, music, and fun! Our VBS is a community outreach of the Children’s Ministry that provides biblical teachings and introduces children to a personal relationship with God.
In the fall, the popular AWANA Clubs are offered on Wednesday evenings. AWANA is an acrostic taken from the Bible verse: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (
2 Timothy 2:15), and stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. AWANA is made up of three age-oriented clubs: Cubbies, ages 4-5, Sparkies, grades K-2nd, T&T, grades 3-5. The children who attend also work through study books at home. The books have an enjoyable format and teach children how to know and follow Jesus. There is also a strong focus on Bible verse memorization.
In AWANA Clubs, each child works at his or her own pace toward specific goals. Achievement of each goal earns the child a patch or pin to display on their AWANA vest. The children love this exciting atmosphere, and parents love seeing their kids learn the Bible and grow in their faith!
The middle and high school ministries seek to reach young people at this crucial time in their lives. The desire is to help each to establish a solid foundation on the Word of God aid in building character and provide for wise choices and healthy behavior. Both groups meet on Sunday mornings and are led in Bible study and prayer. Additionally, the high school meets on Sunday afternoons and the middle school on Wednesday night. Various activities are planned that allow for good fellowship and encouragement and are published in the weekly church bulletin or announced in class.
A number of opportunities are offered for learning and for growth. One of the primary means for instruction comes through the Sunday morning Bible studies. A variety of studies are offered that range from Bible books studies to topical studies and from lecture to interactive to video studies. One on one or small group Discipleship and Bible studies take place at different times throughout the year. Sunday afternoon services are also provided at Pine Hills Retirement Community and the Brookside apartments in downtown Hot Springs. On a bi-weekly basis there is a Senior Ladies Bible Study offered.
