Principles of KCO

 

As a Uniting Church SA event, it is understood that the KCO Team, Volunteers and Events staff will work within the bounds of the vision statement[1] and the current key directions of the strategic plan[2].

We therefore aim to communicate God's Good News to children John 3:16 (NIV)[3] …in the context of a safe and fun environment, where caring relationships can be built.

We communicate the Gospel in contemporary language and in ways appropriate to the children. This includes appropriate choice of Bible translations. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV)[4]

We use the Bible as the foundation for our teaching.

In our teaching, we highlight that faith should always lead to action and to growth in character.

We acknowledge that the Gospel has social dimensions and therefore it calls us to serve others and to have a concern for social justice. Micah 6:8 (NIV)[5]

We encourage children to follow Christ in ways that are appropriate to their age, culture and background (whether they are active members of a Christian faith community or this is their first contact with the Christian message); taking special account of their home and family situation, level of maturity and faith history.

KCO is not designed to be a stand alone event. We will work alongside those who work with children throughout the year in local churches and in conjunction with the Children and Family Ministry Team, Mission Rescourcing SA.

We will program activities that children will be able to relate to and enjoy. The children (not their leaders) will always be the primary focus for all activities.

The Team:

  • We aim to follow Biblical principles in all that we do.
  • We seek to honour God in carrying out our roles; by discerning God’s will, covering everything in prayer and maintaining the highest standards possible.

As a Duty of Care to the children and their leaders, KCO will not be used to promote the purposes of other organisations. 

  • KCO will not be used as a vehicle to further political/personal causes or agendas within the church or the wider community.
  • Similarly KCO will not be used as a forum to comment on issues of the wider church.
  • KCO (staff, committee, volunteers, participants) will not participate in any surveys or studies unless they directly relate to the planning, preparation and presentation of KCO.
  • KCO mailings will not be used for purposes that are not directly related to KCO or children’s ministry within the Uniting Church.
  • All information collected for the purpose of organising KCO will be managed in accordance with the Uniting Church SA Privacy Policy. This information may be used for similar activities of the Uniting Church SA, after authorisation from the KCO Team or Exec or where it is impracticable for the committee to meet, the Event Officer.

[1] Vision statement: An innovative, growing church proclaiming Jesus Christ, empowered by the Spirit to transform God’s world.

[2] Key directions of strategic plan for Uniting Church SA: 1. Build and deepen trusting relationships, in response to the gospel of Jesus the Christ. 2. In gratitude affirm and celebrate the signs of God working in the world through the gifts and strengths of the UCA in SA.

3. Remind, refresh and resource the whole church regarding our foundational values and core activities. 4. For the Presbytery, Synod and Ministry Centres, engage and resource the Church to address key issues that will the shape the future of the Church over the next 10 years.

[3]  John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

[4]  1 Corinthians 9:19-23:  19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under  Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings. (NIV)

[5]  Micah 6:8 (NIV): …And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.