About Our Children’s Ministry
STF’s Children’s Ministry desires to help children grow up to be like Jesus, as outlined in Luke 2:52– “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
With that desire, we believe the church should be a place where children: mature in their faith, form meaningful connections with friends and leaders, serve others, and have fun in a safe environment.
Our Children’s Ministry provides two unique experiences for children and their families, one at church and the other at home. Every Sunday morning, we have programming for Infants-5th grade at our Ballast Point and Davis Islands Campuses.
Connect with us!
We want to connect with you and your family. Check out our social media pages for upcoming events, helpful tips, and articles relating to parenting, and funny videos, just to name a few. If you have any questions about our programming or other ministry opportunities or would like to drop in and get acquainted, please reach out to us.
Preschool Age Ministry
During all services, we have age-appropriate classes for nursery and preschool-age children (Birth through pre-K4) at our Ballast Point and Davis Islands campuses. Through large-group worship, crafts, games, and centers, children will learn about the God who made them and loves them each week. We will also provide a snack and outdoor play on our playground.
Elementary Age Ministry
We have worship services specially designed for elementary children (Kindergarten through 5th grade) at our Ballast Point and Davis Islands campuses during all services.
Ballast Point Campus
Kids Large Group Worship at 9 AM
Kids Small Groups at 11 PM
Davis Islands Campus
Kids Large Group Worship at 10:30 AM
Impact Special Needs Ministry
At STF Kids, we love to invest in families of kids with special needs! Our desire is to meet the physical, emotional, learning, and spiritual needs of students with disabilities and provide support for families. Families that are part of the IMPACT ministry can expect: a buddy for their child, the freedom for their child to join a classroom of students or go into another room with sensory items, volunteers equipped to serve your student and a team that wants to partner with you to pour into your student and point them to the love of Christ, a connection with other families of children with special needs. If you are interested in learning more, please email kim@stfchurch.com!
Impact is offered during the 11 am service at BP only.
Awana
Our Awana program at STF meets on Wednesday nights, during the school year, at our Ballast Point Campus and is open to children from age 3 through 5th grade. At Awana, children engage in fun and exciting game time and small-group, discussion-based teaching time. Our faithful volunteer leaders present the Gospel of Christ in an age-appropriate way each week and help children grow in their knowledge of God’s Word.
We take the safety of our children and students very seriously. South Tampa Fellowship upholds the highest standards in screening and training our team. All volunteers with kids and students are known individuals within the church who have completed a criminal background check, child abuse awareness training, and a personal safety screening. Additionally, no adult is permitted to work alone in any setting with a minor.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Child Dedication
Through the year we offer special Dedication Sundays. Those Sundays are an amazing opportunity to have your child dedicated during one of our services at our BP or DI Campus. Child dedication is coming before the church and declaring that you will raise your son or daughter in the ways of the Lord. Any age child can be dedicated.
Safety, Security, and Cleanliness Guidelines
We take the safety of our children and students very seriously. South Tampa Fellowship upholds the highest standards in screening and training our team. All volunteers with kids and students are known individuals within the church who have completed a criminal background check, child abuse awareness training, and a personal safety screening. Additionally, no adult is permitted to work alone in any setting with a minor. We have a two-adult minimum for all classrooms. Computer-generated sticker name tags identify adults authorized to pick up children. The entrance to our children’s area at the BP and DI campuses is locked 20 minutes after services start and opened 10 minutes before the close of the service. We also have an off-duty police officer on hand for additional security.
All classrooms are cleaned and sanitized before the arrival of children and between services. If a volunteer or a child has had any illness symptoms within 24 hours, they cannot serve or attend. All items in each classroom are sanitized and washed as needed. Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are in each classroom and around the area.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for Leaders who can help children grow to be like Jesus — volunteers who can lead a small-group activity, be another set of eyes, or love and play with God’s children. We want each child to grow up having a deeper relationship with God. You can be assured that you will make a difference in a child’s life as a team member!
Interested in serving?
If you’d like to serve in one of our children’s environments, we would love to introduce ourselves and find the perfect fit for you on the STF Kids team.
Click here to fill out the interest form and begin connecting with our ministry.