Gathering Kids
Raising the now generation to live for God.
Raising the now generation to live for God.
Next Gen is now!
There is no “junior” Holy Spirit—He is the same Spirit for all people: every race, both genders, and all ages. We believe children can experience God deeply and meaningfully, just like adults. Our desire is to create a space where kids are known, loved, and empowered to grow in their faith and encounter the presence of God.
Gathering Kids currently meets as one combined class for children ages 4 through 5th grade.
Keep reading to learn more about our children’s ministry!
Teachers & Protocols
At The Gathering Church, we intentionally seek out teachers who are passionate, called, and excited to invest in the lives of children. Our team is made up of creative, joyful, and trustworthy individuals who are committed to making this time both fun and meaningful for your kids, in a safe and welcoming environment. Tetiana Woodbury-Jones is the Lead for our children's ministry, a joyful, gentle, and welcoming leader whose dedication and creativity help shape meaningful experiences for your little ones. She also guides and equips our teachers and volunteers with wisdom, support, and encouragement.
Every teacher has attended The Gathering Church for at least three months, has experience in children’s ministry, has completed a background check and Gathering Kids safety training with the Gathering Kids Handbook, and is certified as a mandated reporter. For safety, classroom doors are locked once class begins, kids ministry camera is on, and there are two teachers present to ensure accountability.
Our Curriculum
The Bible StoryBook and it's curriculum is designed to give our team structure, direction, and creative ideas for teaching God’s Word to kids. It provides a strong foundation while still allowing room for personal preparation and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Because each lesson offers more material than we typically need, our team prayerfully selects the activities and content that fit our kids best—adjusting timing and elements as needed to create an engaging, age-appropriate, Spirit-led class every Sunday.
What to expect on a Sunday
BEFORE: Kids will join their families for worship at the start of the service, and during the gather-and-greet time, you’ll have an opportunity to sign in your kids at the Gathering kids check in table. Once signed in, you'll receive a pager (notification device) in case we need to reach you during the service. The pager is set to vibrate.
Before heading to the classroom, our team will do a restroom check and headcount. For safety, classroom doors are locked once class begins, kids ministry camera is on, and there are two teachers present to ensure accountability.
AFTER: When the adult service is completed, please go to your children’s classroom as soon as possible so the teachers can be released to join the adults for fellowship. when you sign out your children please return the pager to a teacher. Please note, only the person who is listed on the sign in sheet can sign out children from kids ministry. Until the children are signed out, they will be supervised in the classroom by the teachers.
If you desire to remain in the sanctuary for prayer or counsel, please first sign out your children and arrange for another person to supervise them while you are unavailable.
After sign out, Children's Ministry Volunteers are NOT RESPONSIBLE for the children.
We are excited to see you and your little ones on Sunday!