Our Kids and Families ministry works by partnering with parents to raise kids who love Jesus. Below are some of the ways we strive to accomplish this goal. Click below to find out more about each.
Our Vision
Kidtown exists to help the church raise kids who love Jesus.
We believe parents are the primary disciple-makers of their children, so we equip people (parents, volunteers, LifeGroups, etc.) in our church to help kids understand the gospel and develop a relationship with Jesus. Kidtown has no desire to entertain or provide childcare for children. Instead, we teach kids stories from the Bible on their level, sing to Jesus, and build relationships, all with the hope of raising kids who know and love Jesus for a lifetime.
Kidtown is available for six weeks through 3rd Grade at both Gatherings.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to our Kidtown Director, Kirsten Ellison.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT KIDTOWN
At Kidtown, we love welcoming new families! We want to ensure kids and parents feel comfortable worshiping with us. Below are a few tips and pointers so that new families know exactly what to expect.
KIDTOWN CHECK-IN
Our Kidtown Connect Team is stationed by a sign that says, “First Time Family?” They are there to help with the check-in process, give families a tour of our Kidtown space, and answer any questions.
KIDTOWN CHECK-OUT
At check-out, parents will always need to provide the matching identification sticker that they received at check-in. Parents will pick their children up from their classrooms after the Gathering and present the pick-up tag to their child’s teacher.
Parking
We know that it can be difficult to get yourself and your kids ready and out the door on Sunday mornings. So to help, please see the map below to familiarize yourself with our parking lots.
TEACHING & CURRICULUM
Babies have a quiet and safe place to play and learn in Kidtown. There is also a private nursing room available across from the Check-Ins area.
Toddlers (1-2 Years Old) will get to play, build friendships, and learn about Jesus through sensory play. After our initial free play time with other children and Kidtown volunteers, we gather as a group to learn about Jesus using The Gospel Project Curriculum. After this, toddlers are offered a snack (always Cheerios) and a craft or activity to help them apply what they’ve just learned!
Preschoolers (3-5 years old) will get to play, build friendships, and learn about Jesus through sensory play. After our initial play time with other children and Kidtown volunteers, we join the Elementary kids for Large Group corporate worship. Afterward, preschoolers return to their classroom to learn about Jesus using The Gospel Project Curriculum. Then it’s time for a quick snack (Cheerios or Goldfish) and a craft or activity to help them apply what they’ve just learned!
Elementary (Kindergarten-3rd Grade) gathers in small groups for some kinesthetic and hands-on activities that help preview the day’s lesson. Just like our younger group, we’ll transition to our large group space for a time of corporate worship. Then we learn about Jesus using The Gospel Project Curriculum. After reviewing the lesson through a fun game, our kids return to their small groups, where our small group leaders lead a discussion and additional activities to help them apply the truth to their lives.
Take Home & Lifegroup Resources
Parents! We want you to be able to help know what your children are learning in Kidtown and be able to have intentional conversations on the way home or in LifeGroup later in the week. Starting September 8, be sure to grab one of our take-home cards! This card will help summarize the lesson and offer two questions you can ask your preschooler or elementary student!
IMPRINT SPECIAL CARE MINISTRY
All kids and students, regardless of ability or life stage, can experience the love of Jesus and learn about God’s Word. This is accomplished through our Imprint Buddies, who work with a specific child to build a personal relationship and provide one-on-one support during the Gatherings and Students.
If you are interested in learning more about accommodations, complete the form below.
SERVE WITH KIDTOWN
We desire for our volunteers and leaders to become Gospel Fun Experts! They are trained in basic child development, safety policies, and classroom management so they can create safe and fun environments for kids to form relationships and learn about God’s Word. No matter your gifting, there is a spot for you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR MY CHILD?
Depending on the age of your child, be sure to bring any diapers, pacifiers, extra clothes, bottles, or toddler cups that they may need. To help us keep track of your items, please label them with your child’s first and last name before arriving.
WHAT TIME DOES KIDTOWN OPEN?
Kidtown opens and begins checking children in 15 minutes before the Gathering. We ask that parents/guardians come and pick up their children promptly after the Gathering ends.
WHO WILL BE TEACHING MY CHILD?
Kidtown is hosted by volunteers committed to having fun and teaching kids about Jesus. Each volunteer has undergone a background check and is supervised by our Kidtown Director, Kirsten Ellison.
WHAT ARE INDICATORS THAT MY CHILD IS TOO SICK
TO COME TO KIDTOWN?
We always love having your children at Kidtown but ask that you keep them home if they show any signs of illness. Children should be symptom and fever-free for at least 24 hours before attending Kidtown. If your child has been seen by a medical professional and prescribed antibiotics, we ask that you only bring your child to Kidtown once they have been on medication for at least 24 hours.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Our goal is to help parents be the most confident, well-equipped, joy-filled parents they can be as they raise kids toward Godward independence. Check out our parenting resources!
Our Preteen ministry is a unique discipleship environment for children in the 4th & 5th grades. Preteen Ministry serves as a transition program to:
1.) Teach and help young adolescents relate to God and His Word in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.
2.) Address the particular needs and concerns of their unique stage of life.
3.) Prepare them for Student Ministry once they reach middle school.
For more information contact our Director of Family Ministries, Kirsten Ellison.
Preteens Ministry meets on Sunday evenings from 6-7:30pm.
Other Upcoming Preteen Events
Questions:
Why have a Preteen ministry?
Our vision for our whole church is to be a Jesus centered family on mission together. Why? Because we believe that Jesus is better than everything else, and being a family together is what Jesus calls us to. Our Preteen ministry is for 4th and 5th graders who want to be a part of our Jesus centered family on mission. We are excited to be about discipling students to be confident in what they think about Jesus, and who are excited to be Christians on mission in their schools.
What does it looks like?
Sunday nights are a place where kids and their leaders come together to be Jesus-centered family. We have a rockstar team of adults who are excited about Jesus and helping our kids to be like Jesus. We’ll play games, build relationships, and learn about how to apply Jesus’ teachings to our lives.
Want to join?
It's not required, but you can reach out and let us know below.
Want to help out with Preteen ministry?
We're always looking for faithful volunteers to help us tell kids about Jesus. To become a Preteen volunteer, click the button below.
Midtown Students is the best place to be on a Sunday night!
Midtown Students exists to connect middle and high school students to God, His people, and His mission. We believe Jesus is better than anything else and we want students to find their identity, belonging, and purpose in Him. We do this by meeting weekly to worship God by building relationships and applying Jesus’ teaching to our lives.
Sunday nights
6:00pm-7:30PM
Other Upcoming Student Events
Questions:
Who Can Attend?
All students in grades 6–12 are invited to participate in our Students ministry!
What Do Student Gatherings Look Like?
Student gatherings are the place where students come together to be a Jesus centered family. At our student gatherings we’ll have fun, build relationships, and learn how to apply Jesus’ teachings to our lives. It’s the perfect place for students to make new friends and take their next step in their journey with Jesus.
Are There Events Outside of Sunday Nights?
Yes! We host a number of large group and age/gender specific events each year. All of those events can be found on our website.
What Safety Measures Are In Place?
At Midtown Students, we want your students to be safe and feel a sense of “home” when they are with us. All adult volunteers have an up to date background check and are trained in our church’s Child & Protection Policy. You can rest assured our team is dedicated to providing a safe environment for your student.
How Do I Stay Connected?
Partner with us! We believe partnering with parents is the best way to raise a personal faith in the next generation. That’s why we want to partner with you to support your family, provide resources, and answer any questions that you may have.
Are There Volunteer Opportunities for Adults?
We're always looking for faithful adult volunteers to help us tell middle and high schoolers about Jesus. To become a Midtown Students volunteer, click the button below.
Milestones is a customizable 18-year discipleship program for anyone who wants to raise kids who love Jesus. The goal is to help parents be the most confident, well-equipped, joy-filled parents they can be as they raise kids toward Godward independence. Kids are incredible gifts. And bringing up kids is beautiful, God-given, complex, and glorious work. We don’t know anything more important and worthy of our effort than preparing a generation of counter-cultural, Jesus-centered influencers for launch into the world.
Stages are a developmental time period in a child’s life. Before children enter a new stage, parents will attend the annual seminar with classes and workshops designed to help them prepare for what’s ahead.
Milestones are events that marks a new developmental stage. Midtown plans some Milestone events for children to participate in, while other events are planned by parents.
See the graphic for the stages and their corresponding milestones.