Children’s Ministry

From nursery to elementary, kids encounter Jesus through worship, Scripture, friendship, and play — partnered with parents every step of the way.

Children worshiping together during Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Salinas

Our model for Children’s Ministry rests on two promises of Jesus:

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” — Matthew 18:5

“In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” — Matthew 18:14

At First Baptist Church Salinas, we are humbled to obey our Lord’s calling that not one child should perish. We believe children are not just the next generation — they are today’s generation.

We provide a safe, loving, fun place where your child can be discipled and grow deeper in Christ through prayer, worship songs, Bible study, arts and crafts, and Scripture memory. We teach kids how to apply God’s Word to everyday life, and we partner with parents because raising children to know, love, and serve the Lord is a gift we give back to Christ — together, as the Body.

All volunteers are background-checked, experienced, and carry a genuine heart for children.

Sunday Morning Programs

Nursery (birth–23 months) — Room 1

Trained, dedicated volunteers nourish, cuddle, and love your little ones. Even at this age we begin building a foundation of God’s Word through music, love, and prayer.

Wigglers (ages 2–3) — Room 11

Led by Marie Marbach — a full-time nurse, mom of three, and wife to Will — toddlers grasp God’s Word through music, illustrations, and visual aids. We currently use the Heartshapers curriculum.

Preschool / 1st Grade — Room 6

Experienced volunteers rotate through this class using Simply Loved, engaging kids through music, sing-and-play, Bible discovery, and applying God’s truth to everyday life.

Kidzone Elementary (2nd–6th Grade)

Director Lorraine Aguirre teaches this age group — she calls it her “Heaven on Earth.” Kids worship with hand motions, dig into large-group Bible study, and discover their place in the Big God Story. We desire that children, with their parents’ help, come to their own decision to accept Jesus as Savior.

Midweek & Seasonal Programs

AWANA Kids Clubs — Thursdays 6:30–8:00 PM

Established at FBC Salinas since 2013.

  • Cubbies — ages 3–4
  • Sparks — Kindergarten–2nd grade
  • Truth & Training — 3rd–6th grade

AWANA is a worldwide, Bible-based evangelism and discipleship ministry. Kids hide God’s Word in their hearts, work as a team, enjoy game time, and earn badges and jewels as they progress through handbooks. Uniforms, laughter, and spiritual growth go hand in hand.

GEMS Girls Club — ages 6–18

Every other Monday, 6:00–7:30 PM (check the calendar).

GEMS has equipped girls for over 60 years to embrace how God made them and navigate culture’s pressures with a secure identity in Christ. Bible study, games, and baking fill the evenings. Recent theme: “Friended.”

Boys Club / Book Club — ages 6–12

Every other Monday, 6:00–7:30 PM (check the calendar).

Boys work through Patrick Wigglesworth’s Bizarre Bible Adventure, learning to love Scripture, mentor one another, and make wise decisions. Pizza, baking, scooters, rollerblades, and bikes keep things lively.

Vacation Bible School

Typically early summer for K–end of 6th grade. Registration opens each spring — watch the calendar and announcements for dates, cost, and signup.