At the very center of Vibrant is our desire to discover, experience, and grow in our understanding of Jesus Christ. We see children’s ministry as an excellent, natural, and intrinsic piece to this very important pursuit. It is clear throughout Scripture that there is beauty, value, and wisdom in taking time to understand, nurture, and bring up children in the Lord (Dt. 4:9).

We believe that children are a gift from God that offers beautiful insight into our relationship with him (Mt. 7:11; 11:25). Our very salvation requires childlike qualities as Jesus tells his disciples in Matthew 18:3 “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

We believe that children are evidence of the very existence and majesty of God (Ps. 8:2).

We believe that children are valued and loved by God based on the example of Christ as seen in Mt. 19:14 “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

We believe that children and parents have a specific calling to love and respect as described in Scripture (Eph. 6:1-4; Cl. 3:20-21).

At Vibrant we seek to take to heart and apply these Scriptural truths as the essential underpinnings for our attitude and work in ministering to children and their families as well as understanding our own place before God.

For more information, contact our Children's Ministry coordinator Andrea Daman at: andrea.daman(at)vibrantpdx.com

* Read Ephesians 1 as a group/individually.... what resonates, draws your attention, or surprises you about this reading?

* Paul prays that the Ephesians will have wisdom and insight so that they may grow in their knowledge of God. He also prays that they will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for them who believe. In what areas do you/we need wisdom and understanding, particularly in light of verses 3-14?

* Our English language and cultural experience is so limiting when it comes to explaining our relationship with God and his with us. Discuss several different types of relationships. What about those relationships make them good illustrations and what about them are faulty (think: nature, science, fiction...)?

* Ephesians was written and read in it's entirety, what problems might arise if it's read in pieces?

* Describe the difference between circumstance and story?

* Think about Kaplan's drama triangle (Victim, Rescuer, Persecutor as opposed to Learner, Teacher, Discipline/Life) as circumstance and the biblical account as narrative. Discuss ways that the LTD is present, active and participatory (as opposed to the drama triangle (passive, reactionary, and co-dependant)