Pioneer Clubs is intentionally designed to focus on these beliefs.
1. Theological Beliefs
We believe that:
- Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died and rose again to provide redemption for each person. Therefore, at every age level, children will be taught that Jesus is Savior and Lord. Opportunities to make a personal commitment to Christ will be given according to the spiritual readiness of each child.
- The Bible, the inspired, authoritative Word of God, is our rule for faith and practice. Therefore, children are taught to study Scripture, discover its truths and apply them to everyday life. Scripture memorization is a natural part of this learning process.
- God has created His people as whole beings called to live a biblical lifestyle. Therefore, children will be guided in practicing a holistic approach of putting Christ first in every aspect of life and learning to serve God in their church, community and world.
- God has ordained the Church to evangelize and to nurture through discipleship. Therefore, each church is encouraged to adapt the program to meet its own needs and the needs of its children.
2. Philosophy of Spiritual Formation
We believe that:
- Being made in God’s image, each person has great value and worth as someone Jesus created, died for, and wants to be a part of His Story. Therefore, children are respected and encouraged to learn new things, express creativity, explore potential gifts and abilities, and have leadership opportunities. Then they can begin to understand the unique part He has for them in His Story.
- Building a healthy and rewarding relationship with each child is a vital part of their spiritual formation. Therefore it is our privilege to love children in a way that reflects the way that Jesus loves us and builds a bridge to a relationship with Him.
- It is our joy to teach God’s word and encourage children to investigate it for themselves so that they come to know God personally through it. Therefore, they will need opportunities to put it into practice, chances to exercise their faith, and learn to trust it no matter what.
- Biblical values are formed as children come to understand the various alternatives from which they can choose, consider the consequences of each in light of God’s Word, and are surrounded by loving adults who guide them in this process—always relying on Scripture. We believe children should experience security, trust, acceptance, and love in a club environment, so they have the freedom to question, discuss and discover what God’s Word has to say about all aspects of life.
- Modeling our own spiritual journey is part of the discipleship process for children. Therefore, it is our joy to share about what Jesus is doing in us. This makes the spiritual journey come alive for children. We should share that we are deeply loved, even when we struggle, and He is faithfully forming Himself in us. He can do the same in their lives.
3. Philosophy of Learning
We believe that:
- Children progress through certain developmental stages, mastering the tasks of one age level before moving on to the next stage. Therefore, our clubs’ spiraling curriculum introduces simple facts, skills and concepts at early age levels, increasing in complexity at succeeding ages.
- Learning is most effective when children actively participate in meaningful learning experiences. Therefore, children are given opportunities to observe and practice skills, attitudes and behaviors appropriate for their age level.
- Children have unique and individual learning styles. Therefore, the club program provides a variety of activities and methodologies that encourages children to respond differently and individually.
- Holistic learning occurs when all three learning domains (knowing, feeling and doing) are included in the learning process. Therefore, meeting aims include activities that call for response in the cognitive (knowing), affective (feeling) and psychomotor (doing) domains.
- Children should pursue life skills and activity awards with an emphasis on self-improvement and cooperation rather than competition. Therefore, we provide opportunities to work together to pursue life skills and activities, with a reward upon completion for achievement.
