Our Mission Statement
We are committed to train boys and girls to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and to teach them through the word of God to have a strong foundation spiritually and academically.
Our Philosophy
We are a Kingdom building school, we are led by the call of God, His son Jesus and the Holy Spirit, which leads and guides us as we administer a Christ-centered, biblically directed education.
Our Purpose
We are here to help grasp our children out of the hands of the enemy, and allow them to grow in the wisdom and stature of Jesus Christ; and to build equality in relationships, helping to develop Christ-like qualities, unity in the spirit, and advancing the cause of Christ. Together, we stand firm in one spirit, one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27).
Our children receive exposure to the truth of the gospel and are given the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Our teachers will train our students in the ways of God, teach our students in the word of God, and build relationships in love. They will also help our students receive a spiritual and academic foundation, producing Christians who will make a difference, challenge our students to grow in the knowledge of God, and will be examples showing them, through their character and leadership, how to serve others.
The History of I Am’s Temple Children’s Ministry
1983
We began our ministry in Plainfield in 1983. Our ministry started with just a few people and the meetings were held in the Pastor’s home for several months in Plainfield, New Jersey. The vision was growing and we started a “Word of Faith Bible School” via satellite. We did street evangelism, nursing homes, ministry to the homeless, and to battered and abused woman and children.
1985
We needed a larger place for ministry, and the Lord gave us the opportunity to purchase the St. Stephen Episcopal Church, located at 620 Ravine Road in Plainfield. Soon after purchasing this property, we started our children’s ministry with Sister Peggy Cole and 7 children from 2 ½ through Kindergarten. After several years, our ministry grew to over our capacity, which was105 children with a waiting list.
1999-2000
We were inspired to fill the need and began to look for another facility, to not only accommodate our waiting list but to include up to the 8th grade. We rented space at 815 West 7th Street in a building owned by the Temple Sholom. The Lord opened the door for us, and we undertook the blessing with great enthusiasm. We started with over 200 children covering pre-school through 8th grade for 5 years, and we are looking forward to building upon the vision the Lord has given us.
2001-2002
Isabel Montes, a Pastor from Plainfield, joined with us, and was led to start a Spanish Ministry. Her congregation has now grown to around 200 people. Our ministry in Plainfield has expanded over the past 30 years. Our children have become productive citizens of our city, and we are excited about continuing our legacy to the citizens of Plainfield and to the neighboring cities.
2003
We are looking forward to the future of Plainfield, and we are ready to lead our church and congregation in this new Millennium. We have many plans such as a Bible School, a Bible book store, and a recording studio, just to name a few. We have the Lord Jesus as our guide, and with hard work by the Pastor’s and leaders, we can accomplish mighty things. We are looking forward to a great challenge ahead.
2004-2005
The Lord is doing a new thing. He has moved our school to downtown Plainfield, right where we started for the Lord. We have over 200 students and 25 staff members. God is good and we are all excited about what he will do next.
2006
God is preparing us for new direction, we will all be ministering and fulfilling God’s plan under one roof at Ravine Rd. We are ready for the increase God is preparing for this ministry.
2007-2009
God is still blessing this ministry. He continues to show His favor upon us and we are grateful. As we move into our next assignment, we are expecting God to take us to higher heights as we impart our gifts into our students. Through unity and much continued PRAYER , we know God is able.
2010-2024
At I AM’s Temple Christian Academy, we are experiencing great things as we continue to excel in the things of God. We have introduced a new way to help our students excel academically. Beginning Sept. 6, 2021, all students in grades 6 through 8 will be returning to books.
God continues to bless and watch over this ministry. We are still here working together doing His will.
39 Years of Ministering Excellence to children. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!
God Bless You
Pastor Phillip Walker