S.E.R.F.S.  Spirit Energized and Ready For Service

Walking in God’s love and giving it away to Toronto and the world begins here.  Children aged 9 – 14 years who demonstrate spiritual readiness are invited into the SERFS program.  These emerging world class leaders are mentored by our adult volunteers two out of four Sundays each month within the pre-school ministry (0-5 years of age).    Children develop a servant leader heart as they assist both teachers and our youngest children in small group settings.   

Arriving at 10:00 a.m., SERFS are expected to participate in the pre-service intercession for the pre-school program.  The importance of prayer as the foundation of any ministry is modeled in this setting.  These 15 minutes of prayer include impartation and blessing for the SERFS by the adult volunteers.    Following prayer, SERFS join their team in the classroom for 15 minutes of pre-service instruction and preparation.  Joining their families for worship from 10:30 to 11:20 in the sanctuary, SERFS return to the Ark where they are assigned to assist and/or lead at a learning centre. They will learn to ask children questions, to develop personal relationships with them as well as pray for them effectively during the week.  As SERFS mature, they may be promoted to lead a centre in the 4/5s room where they may give instruction to the children.  This may include reading a story, demonstrating an activity, or running the craft centre.  It may also include drama, puppetry and worship. 

The SERFS are a vital part of the pre-school ministry in the Ark.  Their presence delights our preschoolers as they feel like they have a big brother or sister alongside and are much more willing to separate from parents.  As these young people enter our Youth Ministry, we are discovering that they are already prepared in their hearts to minister as a lifestyle and are ready to move into leadership roles as small group leaders.

This inter-generational ministry promotes the development of lasting friendships between the SERFS as well as connecting families together.   Families who embrace the SERFS program find themselves embraced by the loving community that is found within the Children’s Ministry Department.  Families where mother or father volunteer in the pre-school program and a child participates as a SERF find themselves strengthened by their shared experience.