KID’S MINISTRY
The Village
The Village creates a fun and welcoming environment where children explore faith through Scripture, storytelling, play, and meaningful relationships. We partner with parents and caregivers to help kids grow in their understanding of God’s love and their place in His story.
Our Core Goals
To ensure that every child experiences safety, love, and the life-changing message of the Gospel.
-
Children learn best when they feel safe. Our program structure, policies, and classroom culture are shaped by trauma-informed practices and principles from Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). While not every volunteer is formally trained, the way we design our environments reflects connection-based, regulation-aware care so children can engage with confidence.
-
We model and teach God’s love through steady relationships, patient guidance, and joyful engagement. Kids learn what God’s love feels like before they are asked to define it.
-
We take biblical education seriously. Children grow from foundational stories to understanding how each passage fits within the larger story of Scripture.
-
We create space for questions, curiosity, and personal faith decisions. Our role is invitation, not pressure.
What To Expect
CHECK IN:
Secure check-in opens at 10:15 AM. New families are encouraged to pre-register for a smooth first visit.
Each child receives a name tag, and caregivers receive a matching claim tag that must be presented at pickup.
We are allergy-aware and carefully follow the medical information you share at registration.
If your child needs specific accommodations, we’re glad to partner with you. Email us ahead of time and we’ll prepare together for a great first visit!
EXPERIENCE:
Kids can expect a warm, structured Sunday that’s designed to be engaging and age-appropriate:
Developmentally appropriate activities include play, crafts, discussion, movement, and hands-on learning.
Gentle and nurturing environments for kids working through separation or struggling with change.
High-energy fun mixed with instruction for kids ready to jump in, make friends, and learn!
Current Classes
On Sundays, kids 6 months through 5th grade are invited to The Village. With four classroom environments, we partner with families to choose the best fit. Children move at their own pace, and placement considers readiness, attention span, sensory needs, learning style, and social comfort. When helpful, we’re glad to place kids with an older sibling or friend whenever possible. Age ranges are only a guide—readiness and relationship matter most. We welcome neurodivergent children and work with families to create a space where every child can participate and grow.
The Cradle
average ages 6 months – 2 years
The Cradle is named for what it provides: a secure and nurturing beginning.
Designed for the youngest members of our church community, this classroom offers attentive care and warm, responsive relationships. We support families through separation stages and help children build early trust in church as a safe and joyful place.
Through simple songs, gentle storytelling, and consistent presence, little ones begin forming their first experiences of God’s love.
The Playhouse
average ages 1.5 years – 5 years
The Playhouse is exactly what it sounds like: a space where faith is explored through play.
Children engage Bible stories through sensory-rich activities, music, movement, interactive storytelling, and hands-on crafts. Learning happens through imagination, repetition, and joy.
Kids leave knowing simple but powerful truths: God loves me. I belong here. Church is a good place to be.
The Treehouse
average ages 4.5 years – 3rd grade
The Treehouse is where the roots of faith begin to grow while play is still part of the climb.
Children participate in the same weekly Bible story and large group experience as our older elementary students, using a shared teaching framework. In the Treehouse, discussions are more guided and concrete, helping kids connect the story to their own lives.
Classrooms remain flexible and relational, allowing movement, conversation, and steady support as children grow in focus and understanding.
The Lighthouse
average age 2nd grade – 5th grade
The Lighthouse represents light and direction, guiding children toward deeper biblical understanding and practice.
Students begin in a high-energy Large Group before moving into Team Time for focused study. Using the same weekly teaching framework as the Treehouse, Lighthouse students open their Bibles and engage more deeply with the text.
They explore major biblical themes, historical and cultural context, and how each passage fits within the larger narrative of Scripture. Discussion becomes more layered, encouraging thoughtful questions and meaningful application.
Our goal is that children leave The Village not only knowing Bible stories, but understanding the Story they are part of.
Discipleship for the Next Generation
We prioritize the next generation experiencing God’s love from the earliest ages. As children grow, we teach them to engage Scripture thoughtfully, pray with confidence, and recognize God’s presence in everyday life.
We also partner with parents and caregivers by providing simple resources for conversations around salvation, baptism or dedication, and faith practices at home.
Safety in The Village is intentional and structured.
Safety Practices
All adult volunteers are background-checked, and teen volunteers serve alongside screened adults. We follow a strict two-volunteer policy, so children are never alone with one leader—and once checked in, kids are never left unsupervised.
Our secure check-in includes child name tags and matching caregiver claim tags, and after programming begins, only approved volunteers are permitted in the hallway. Bathroom procedures, hallway monitoring, and dismissal policies are followed consistently. Volunteers receive annual emergency training (severe weather, evacuation, medical situations, and more) and are expected to speak up right away if anything feels concerning.
We take safety seriously so families can worship with confidence.