Kids Church: Empowering the Next Generation in Faith

A couple of months ago, Movement Church - Alvin (yes, that’s a place, not a name) gathered for a family meeting to discuss an important question: How can we better serve the children in our church? We’re a small but growing community with 14 kids ranging from 16 months to 15 years. During our meeting, we affirmed a truth: while parents bear the primary responsibility to disciple their children, the church is tasked with fostering unity in the body by helping everyone actively participate in being the church—including the youngest members. This conversation sparked an important realization: while our gatherings are rich and meaningful for adults, we needed to take a closer look at how we’re meeting the spiritual needs of the children.

What Scripture Taught Us
To guide our decisions, we turned to Scripture to understand God’s heart for children in the body of Christ. Here are some of the key passages that shaped our discussion:
•Deuteronomy 6 and Exodus 12: These verses remind us to live as a community of believers in such a way that our children will naturally “ask” about God’s statutes and promises. As they inquire, we are called to faithfully tell them about God’s works and ways.
•Matthew 19 and Mark 9: Jesus’ teachings in these passages encourage us to welcome children into the faith and ensure we do not hinder their exploration of who He is. With this foundation, we committed to investing in the spiritual growth of our children as a church body.

Introducing “Kids Church”
One practical step we decided on was to take one gathering every two months and dedicate it entirely to engaging the children in a way that speaks to them on their level. This approach allows kids to actively participate in every part of the gathering while learning about God in a meaningful way. For our first “Kids Church,” Ashley, a single disciple in our church with a deep passion for children’s ministry, stepped up to lead the evening. Staying true to our 3/3rds pattern of gathering, we reimagined the structure to empower the kids:
•Prayer and Worship: The kids took the lead in prayer, worship, and even the Lord’s Supper.
•Discovery of God’s Word: The teaching time included coloring, discussion, and interactive storytelling to engage children of all ages.
•Setting Goals Together: Both adults and children worked together to set goals on how we could live out the Kingdom of God in our everyday lives.
The result? A vibrant, joyful evening where kids weren’t just spectators but active participants in the life of the church.

Why This Matters
“Kids Church” will hopefully be a reflection of our commitment to raising the next generation in faith. By creating spaces where children can explore, ask questions, and contribute, we’re not only teaching them about God—we’re equipping them to be the church now and in the future. As we continue this journey, we’re reminded of the beauty of the body of Christ: every member, from the youngest to the oldest, has something valuable to offer. At Movement Church - Alvin, we’re excited to see how God will continue to grow our children and our community as we walk together in faith.