In the world of children’s ministry, several goals always sit at the top of the priority list: ensuring the gospel is shared with every child, teaching respect for others and modeling self-control. All of these prime concerns and more are taught every day through Discovery Clubs, a ministry of the Birmingham Metro Baptist Association.
Discovery Clubs was founded in 2003 by John Glasser who previously founded Better Basics literacy tutoring program, explained Rachel Moore, director of the children’s ministry.
“Glasser came to realize that most children they encountered in the public schools were unchurched,” Moore said. “In 2001, a Supreme Court ruling declared that as long as it is not during school hours and is permission-based, a religious organization can hold events on a school campus, which opened a door allowing Discovery Clubs to share the gospel with these children.”
As an after-school meeting, Discovery Clubs are typically held in public elementary schools for one hour following dismissal, one day a week during the school year. The clubs, which are free to attend, offer enrollment to children in grades 1–5. Each weekly club hour consists of social time, praise through music, memory verses, a 15-minute Bible lesson and small group mentoring.
Influencing lives
“Children are not the only ones who benefit from Discovery Clubs,” Moore said.
The director explained that she has heard from mentors who have expressed their love for Discovery Clubs and how they have seen it influence the lives of children.
One volunteer said they had decided to become a mentor with Discovery Clubs because they thought they could help the children learn more about Jesus and His word. The person said they soon learned that they were receiving far more than they were giving. Another mentor said they saw Discovery Clubs as their missions field.
“The teachers and faculty at several schools have also commented on the fact that Discovery Clubs makes a difference in the attitude and demeanor of the children who attend,” Moore added. “We have even had teachers and principals who have moved away from schools with Discovery Clubs contact us to see how they can get a Discovery Club started at their new school.”
Discovery Clubs has not always been a ministry of BMBA. Michael Ethridge, director of operations for the association, said the association began providing office space for Discovery Clubs in 2020. In December 2021, the BMBA acquired Discovery Clubs, making the organization a ministry of BMBA rather than a partner.
“Discovery Clubs and BMBA share the same values and commitment to the Great Commission to make disciples,” Ethridge said.
Although Discovery Clubs has seen great success, as with so many other ministries and businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic affected its impact for a season.
“Discovery Clubs had 45 clubs in 14 schools and reached over 900 children in the Birmingham Metro area and surrounding counties with 164 volunteers this year alone,” Moore described. “Before the pandemic, those numbers were more than double.”
The clubs’ director added that they are expanding again as schools open, and they hope to resume clubs at more schools this fall, as well as open clubs at new ones. It’s so important for that to happen because of its influence on everyone involved, Moore said.
“We have had many different people tell us, including principals, parents, teachers, volunteers and even the kids themselves, that Discovery Clubs changed the behavior of the children for the better,” she said. “Discovery Clubs not only teaches about the gospel of Jesus Christ but also how to have respect for yourself and others. It teaches children that their outward actions reflect their inner beliefs and that Jesus teaches us to love and respect others.”
For more information about Discovery Clubs, go online to discoveryclubs.org.
For more information about the many other ministries of Birmingham Metro Baptist Association, go online to BMBAonline.org.
Share with others: