BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (B.O.C.E.)
Christian Education is the communication of the Gospel through formal and informal education programs so the facts of the Scriptures are presented clearly, and individuals may respond by personal faith in Jesus Christ and grow toward Christian maturity. Unity Baptist Church Board of Christian Education is a body of church members elected or appointed to coordinate and guide the educational program of the Church through inspiration, instruction, and interaction. Each ministry has a leader and ministry members that report to the BOCE meetings held once a month from September to May. The ministries fall under the guidance of the Pastor and the Board of Christian Education is purposed in teaching the word of God. The budget for the BOCE is provided through the church.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15
The following ministries fall under the umbrella of the BOCE:
Award’s Night
Awards night is an educational ceremony honoring the youth of Unity as they are promoted to various grades. Students promoted from kindergarten to 1st, 5th to 6th, and 8th t0 9th grade. This is to encourage our young people to stay in school, to learn and acquire the necessary skills to be successful at the next grade level.
Care Ministry
The mission of the Care Ministry is to assist the Pastor, Ministerial staff, Official Boards and BOCE meet the spiritual, psychological, and physical needs of the congregation, their families, and the community. Methods of training are instructional teaching, group discussion, video tapes, and guest speakers to present needed information for the congregation.
Children’s Church
Children’s Church is a Sunday morning worship experience or activities for children on their level of understanding, usually held simultaneously with the regular adult worship service. The entire service is centered around children, and focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ and leading the children to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior and finally to become a part of God’s family. Children fully participate in every aspect of the worship experience.
Drama Ministry
It is a group of Unity members of all ages who enjoy displaying Bible personalities and concepts through dramatization of plays and skits. Its function is to present Christian plays to give insight and provide bible knowledge.
Evangelism Ministry
It is the process of believers presenting the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to sinners. As the believers present the gospel, the Holy Spirit energizes the word to convict the sinner of his/her sin, and to let them know of their lost condition, and need for Jesus to save them. It is the mandate from the Bible for each believer to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew:28:19-20. This ministry presents Evangelism training through workshops. The Evangelism ministry teaches how to witness in any setting. Teams are set up to walk in the community during the spring and summer months.
Library Ministry
The Library Ministry provides reading material and literature for the congregation to increase their knowledge in religious and secular education. This service is used to aide in the development of individuals, administrators, teachers, church leaders, youth, young adults, adults and seniors to study and research of various topics. The environment is bright, cheerful, comfortable, quiet, and spacious with small and large reading tables for study.
New Member Orientation Classes
The New Member Orientation Classes at Unity are instructional classes based on basic Bible Doctrine. The purpose of these classes are to share Bible beliefs with new members joining under Christian experience, to confirm and assure that their beliefs are based on Bible Doctrine, and to instruct candidates for Baptism, on how to become members of God’s family and Unity Baptist Church. There are four classes for our children, and five classes for adults which are held on Sundays during the Sunday School hour, and on Wednesday evenings as needed. New members classes involve Man’s Condition, God’s Provision, Man’s Responsibility, and Church Ordinances. Christian Experience classes involve Bible Division, Assurance of Salvation, Prayer Life, Christian Stewardship, and Church Ordinances.
New Member Ministry
The New Member Ministry provides follow-up after members have completed their New Member Orientation Classes. The follow-up consists of one to two years of mentorship with personal contacts and guidance to make them feel welcome in our large church environment. Members are invited to small intimate settings where they can meet the Pastor, leadership, and learn about various ministries in Unity Baptist Church. A breakfast or brunch is provided, with getting-to-know-you activities.
Nursery Ministry
This ministry is designed to give young children a Christian environment for worship, constructive activities, material for their age level, personal care, and snacks. The purpose of Unity’s nursery was to provide a service for infants and toddlers while parents or guardians attend worship service.
Puppet Ministry
A group of dedicated Christian people of all ages who enjoy performing and displaying Bible personalities and concepts through puppets. The purpose is to present Christian presentations portraying biblical characters and biblical principles.
Scholarship Ministry
The Scholarship Ministry also known as SEAM is designed to help young people of Unity Baptist Church to further their education by encouragement, tutoring, counseling, and financial aid. Other scholarships are also provided such as the Rev. Valmon D. Scholarship, and the Rev. Welton Brown Scholarship. They further provide a breakfast with the Pastor and First Lady, Scholarship Banquet, Workshops, speakers, and Baccalaureate Worship Service. Scholarship offering is also taken during Worship Service once a month.
Sunday School Ministry
The UBC Sunday School is a ministry which provides an opportunity for Unity’s members to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through the teaching of systematic Sunday School lessons. It also provides an opportunity to introduce unsaved individuals to Jesus Christ, teach the plan of salvation, and lead them to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, and assist them in Christian growth. The Sunday School Ministry teaches students to apply bible truths learned to their daily lives, and to encourage our students to live a Christian life. There are various divisions and classes structured for teaching on various age levels from age two to adults.
Unity Bible Institute (U.B.I)
To religiously educate the membership and friends of Unity Baptist Church through teaching and training in small settings for interaction and guidance. This thirteen-week session if offered in the Spring semester from February through May, and the Fall semester from September through December. Certificates are awarded for attendance of nine or more classes. The classes meet for one hour weekly. There is a minimum fee for one or more classes.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a one-to-two-week session for boys and girls during the summer months ages 2 to 18 years of age. They spend a fun-filled relaxed atmosphere where they learn about the Lord Jesus Christ. They learn through instructions, songs, social interactions, participation, crafts, skits, and stories. The purpose is to teach children on their level of understanding that Jesus is the core and center of the Christian faith and the way to salvation.
Adult classes are also held while the youth are in session, to gain strengthen in their daily lives, and to provide encouragement in as they walk in their faith through Jesus Christ.
Youth Department
To lead youth into a full Christian life. To instill that the Christian way of living is more productive and meaningful. To share the gospel and teach youth how to base life’s decisions on God’s word. Also, to develop youth to have the mind of Christ, to show and teach youth how to deal with problems Christ’s way, and to show youth how to experience the joy of Christian living. The method used in reaching our youth is through Bible study, field trips, retreats, camps, and youth activities that are Christ-centered.